CELIAC DISEASE - GLUTEN SENSITIVITY

Celiac Disease is a genetically linked autoimmune disease which involves an immune system inflammatory response to gluten (found in wheat,barley,rye,[oats]) that damages the villi of the small intestine. All body systems, including the brain and nervous system, can ultimately be affected from this disease through either a direct immunological attack/response, or through vitamin deficiencies associated with malabsorption.

People with family history of any autoimmune disease, particularly autoimmune thyroid disease or autoimmune diabetes, are at greater risk for having Celiac Disease. In fact, some research is indicating that identifying Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease early in one’s life, and removing gluten from the diet, may actually decrease the risk of developing other autoimmune disease in the future. The research on this is ongoing.

Latest data shows the prevalence of Celiac Disease in the US at 1 in 100-250 range, much higher than previously thought. In the not too distant past, it was thought to be extremely rare. Most cases are going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. It can be a diagnostic challenge, and early stage disease and a non-celiac gluten sensitivity are just starting to be recognized. Some estimate as many as 1/3 of the population has some form of gluten sensitivity, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

"Classic" Celiac Disease presents with GI symptoms and wasting, but most Celiac Disease does not present in classic form. It is important to note that Celiac Disease can be 'silent'- totally asymptomatic, until the complications of malabsorption begin to set in many years down the road. Some adults suffer depression or anemia as their only symptom. Children's symptoms can be as mundane as stomach aches and canker sores. One can be tall and/or overweight and have Celiac Disease, counter to many physicians outdated beliefs. Twenty percent of those with Celiac Disease suffer constipation rather than diarrhea...and only 50% have diarrhea. GI symptoms can be completely absent.

The most important message I have is that one can have Gluten Sensitivity causing serious symptoms, including neurological disease among many others, without having Celiac Disease. Many patients who fall short of a Celiac Disease diagnosis may still benefit greatly from a gluten free diet. Unfortunately, current mainstream practice falls short of recommending a gluten free diet to those who may have early stage Celiac Disease or a Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity because the diagnostics are unclear. Some patients continue to suffer a lifetime with their symptoms that might be alleviated with a relatively simple dietary change, if only they knew.