Gluten / Gluten Intolerance

I want to take a moment to share some insight on gluten. This is a subject that is very near and dear to my heart. My brother was diagnosed with Celiac Disease approximately 4 years ago. For years,he was diagnosed with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and was told to treat his symptoms with OTC medications. As his symptoms became progressively worse, he sought the help of an Integrative MD and finally received a proper diagnosis.

According to Wikipedia, the very basic text book definition of Gluten goes like this: “Gluten (from Latin gluten, “glue”) is a protein composite found in foods processed from wheat and related grain species, including barley and rye. It gives elasticity to dough, helping it to rise and to keep its shape, and often giving the final product a chewy texture.” Seems basic enough. So where does the trouble step in then?

Dietary Problems With Gluten

There is some controversy around the topic of how gluten intolerance may be at the heart of a number of diseases of the body, but it does seem as though more and more health and medical specialists are beginning to suggest the correlation. And it is generally agreed upon that “a gluten-free diet is the only medically accepted treatment for celiac disease, the related condition dermatitis herpetiformis, and wheat allergy,” again from the Wikipedia page on Gluten-Free diets.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that is triggered by gluten. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their body attacks the lining of the small intestine which leads to malabsorption and a variety of symptoms. Some researchers are talking about the relationship between autism in children, and an increased sensitivity to foods, among them, gluten.

More Information on General Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance is a term that is used to describe three conditions: wheat allergy, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease. According to research, between 5 and 10 percent of all people may suffer from some form of sensitivity. All three conditions are difficult to diagnose, however, so it is thought that many people are not aware that this intolerance may be the source of other health issues.

Most forms of gluten intolerance cause the body to produce an abnormal immune response in the presence of wheat or its proteins. An allergy to wheat can produce symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, and digestive problems; in serious cases, a person with this allergy can experience anaphylaxis, a sudden and severe reaction that can be life-threatening. People with celiac disease, which causes damage and inflammation in the small intestine, can suffer from bloating, weight loss, fatigue, and headaches as the body has difficulty obtaining all the nutrients it needs from food.

I have learned A LOT since my brother's diagnosis 4 years ago. If you need any tips on gluten-free diets and avoiding cross-contaminated food, please feel free to contact me!

Getting Fit and Healthy.......TOGETHER!