Understanding Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
The good news about celiac disease (CD) and gluten intolerance (GI) is that this condition is 100% manageable—if one is willing to avoid all gluten permanently, 100% of the time.
Gluten is found in wheat, spelt, rye, barley, and possibly oats and other grains. It can also be present in many commercially prepared foods, including some sausages, beer, cereals, lunch meats, vegetable gums, malt flavorings, and soy sauce.
The Challenge of Diagnosis
The bad news is that most patients and physicians are not fully aware of the magnitude of gluten-related problems. As a result, despite our nation's advanced medical technology, adequate testing is often not performed. This leads to delays of years or even decades in diagnosis, sometimes resulting in irreversible damage and premature death—merely from eating a food that is highly recommended by most nutritional and governmental bodies.
"It is a historical misconception," says Dr. Tom O'Bryan, "that gluten sensitivity is regarded as a disease of the small intestine." It is not widely known that gluten-related symptoms and conditions can affect any organ system.
NIH Findings and Recommendations
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued a consensus statement that celiac disease is significantly underdiagnosed and may affect 3 million Americans (1% of the population); however, an additional estimated 5% are estimated to have gluten intolerance.
The NIH panel called for greater physician and public awareness and earlier testing.
Conditions That May Warrant Celiac Testing
The following is only a partial list of symptoms and conditions associated with CD/GI that may warrant celiac testing:
Autoimmune and Thyroid Disorders
Autoimmune (AI) conditions are 10 times more likely in individuals with CD. The likelihood of acquiring an AI condition is directly proportional to the duration of gluten exposure. CD is more common in people with type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis, as well as autoimmune hepatitis and Sjögren's syndrome. CD also increases the risk of thyroid papillary carcinoma threefold.
Neurological and Behavioral Conditions
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, migraine headaches, peripheral neuropathy, and childhood developmental conditions such as autism and ADHD show strong sensitivities to wheat. About 70% of children with untreated CD and ADD show identical abnormal brain wave patterns. Untreated CD in children and adolescents increases the prevalence of disruptive and depressive behaviors.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Osteoporosis, diffuse musculoskeletal pain, and muscle pain.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is more common in CD patients and rare in cultures where gluten-containing grains are seldom eaten. Antibodies may enter the brain, potentially causing irreversible damage, epilepsy, and progressive neurological disorders.
Liver and Gallbladder Involvement
Individuals with CD have a 2- to 6-fold increased risk of developing liver disease. Reversible, gluten-related liver damage—sometimes called celiac hepatitis—can also reduce gallbladder emptying after meals.
Children and Adolescents
Young children: Slow development, failure to thrive, chronic diarrhea, projectile vomiting, and abdominal bloating.
Older children: Irritability, difficulty concentrating, personality changes, poor memory, and cranky behavior.
Explore additional topics from Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center with Dr. Godby, ND, MA and his team at Natural Wellness.
As a naturopathic doctor for the last 20 years, I have witnessed the power of a preventative lifestyle and naturopathic medicine to transform the health and lives of thousands of patients.
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2530 J Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 446-2591
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