Are Gluten Intolerance And Celiac Disease The Same Thing
Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are different. People with celiac disease have an autoimmune response to gluten. This means their bodies try to fight against gluten as if it were a virus. This reaction causes inflammation and damage to their digestive tracts. Celiac disease is the result of an abnormal gene. People with celiac disease also have high levels of certain antibodies in their blood, which are substances that fight gluten.
Gluten sensitivity and celiac disease cause a lot of the same symptoms. But people with gluten sensitivity dont have an abnormal gene or antibodies in their blood.
But I Have No Symptoms Wheat Doesnt Seem To Bother Me
Some people can consume gluten and dont appear on the surface to be affected. According to Dr. Thomas OBryan, most of this has to do with our immune system and genetic predisposition. We can have a immune tolerance to certain foreign proteins in our body, but if the immune system becomes disrupted, due to environmental chemicals and toxins, gluten can be the tipping point, says Dr. OBryan. This is the hypothesis for why people do not seem to be diagnosed with these conditions until middle age. The body may work up a tolerance to a point and then, when the system is taxed, cannot handle any more. There are no current studies explaining exactly why.
It is also really hard to tell what the body could be like otherwise. It is easy to feel normal when you are used to your body feeling a certain way. Headaches, joint pain,arthritis, allergies, seizures, asthma, high blood pressure, skin problems, diarrhea, depression, thyroid problems, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, hormone imbalances, infertility, and many other diseases and symptoms can be thought to be normal. Or at least, not related to the pasta you ate for dinner.
Any symptom of the body can be attributed to gluten. Dr. Thomas OBryan
Lowered Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
Scientists presented data at the American Heart Association in March 2017 from 199,794 subjects whose dietary histories had been followed for over 30 years. The presentation reported that those subjects who ate the most gluten had the lowest risk of type 2 diabetes upon follow-up. Believe it or not, the group eating the highest amount of gluten foods compared to the lowest group had a 13 percent lower risk of diabetes. The major sources of gluten were pizza, muffins, pretzels, and bread.
Don’t Miss: Is Sweet Baby Ray’s Bbq Sauce Gluten Free
What Is Gluten And What Does It Do
Gluten seems to be in just about everything, from bread, pasta and beer to cosmetics and nutritional supplements. Theres lots of buzz around avoiding gluten, but what is this common ingredient and is it really bad for you? Johns Hopkins specialist in internal medicine and obesity Selvi Rajagopal, M.D., explains facts and misconceptions about gluten.
Who Should Avoid Gluten
Rajagopal says gluten can be harmful to people with:
- Celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that causes damage to the small intestine in people who consume gluten.
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity , which is gastrointestinal irritation caused by gluten in people who dont have celiac disease.
- Wheat allergy, an allergy to wheat, but not to all grains or to gluten itself.
- Gluten ataxia, a rare neurological autoimmune disorder that causes your body to attack parts of your brain in response to gluten.
Read Also: Low Carb Gluten Free Wraps
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Celiac Disease
Common symptoms of celiac disease are diarrhea, decreased appetite, stomachache and bloating, poor growth, and weight loss. Many kids are diagnosed with it when theyre between 6 months and 2 years old, which is when most kids get their first taste of gluten in foods.
For some people, the problems start slowly and the symptoms may be terrible one week and not as bad the next. Because of this, some people arent diagnosed with celiac disease until theyre older. The problem is chronic, which means that although symptoms may come and go, people who have celiac disease will always have it.
Someone with celiac disease may feel tired and could be irritable. Some also have skin rashes and mouth sores. The problem is sometimes mistaken for other digestiveproblems called inflammatory bowel disease or lactose intolerance. And in some cases, a kid wont have any symptoms and then will all of a sudden start having problems during a time of stress, such as after an injury.
Understanding The Effects Of Gluten On The Body
Eating a gluten-free diet has soared in popularity in recent years, particularly among people with digestive issues as they recognize the gluten effects on body. Others believe that cutting out gluten helps manage medical concerns and contributes to a healthier diet. If youre trying to decide whether to go gluten-free, check out the positive and negative effects of gluten.
You May Like: How Do I Know If I Am Allergic To Gluten
How Gluten Damages The Intestines
In someone with celiac disease, undigested gluten fragments trigger a reaction by the immune system in the small intestine. The reaction occurs in a series of steps, which ultimately damage the villi and prevent nutrients from being absorbed.
When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, undigested gluten fragments end up in the small intestine. There, some gluten fragments pass through the enterocytes, which are found on the surface of villi and are cells lining the surface of the small intestine. These gluten fragments can now build up under the enterocytes. This build up causes the enterocytes to send a chemical signal to the immune system that something is wrong.
This signal is then received by immune system cells, which then attack and damage the enterocytes. This damage causes loosening of the tight junctions between the enterocytes. Normally, nothing can pass between these cells, but now that there is space between the enterocytes, more undigested gluten fragments pass through.
The Helper T-Cells secrete chemicals that cause three things to happen:
Additionally, scientists theorize that in response to gluten,zonulin, a molecule made by the body and linked to inflammation, may play a role in loosening the tight junctions earlier in the process.
You Could Go Through Withdrawal
One of the first things that members of Food Addicts Anonymous give up is gluten. They recognize that eating wheat tends to spark compulsive eating. Research has shown that self-assessed food addicts in Overeaters Anonymous were successful in losing weight by dealing first with physical craving and abstaining completely from their major binge foods . Some food addicts cannot stop bingeing until they eliminate all wheat from their diet.
Dr. Leslie Korn, PhD, MPH, goes so far as to suggest that detoxing from gluten can be almost as difficult as getting off heroin. She has built a special niche for herself in the relationships between diet, chronic illness, and mental health. In her book, Nutrition Essentials for Mental Health: A Complete Guide to the Food-Mood Connection, she talks about the prominence of people with psychosis that are gluten-sensitive . “Not good news, given so many of these individuals are homeless and eating at shelters serving gluten rich foods,” Dr. Korn says.
Read Also: Is Angel Food Cake Gluten Free
Who Should Eat Gluten
Gluten is a protein choice for people who dont want to eat meat because they have high cholesterol or other health problems. Its also suitable for people who are allergic to soy or dairy and cannot get their protein from those sources. Gluten contains carbohydrates, so it will provide you with some energy. However, the number of carbohydrates in wheat gluten flour is so small at 6 grams per 1/4 cup serving, just 2 percent of the recommended daily intake that those on a low-carb diet can still eat it.
Also Check: Get Tested For Gluten Intolerance
Hidden Sources Of Gluten
Oats are gluten free in their pure form however, most oats pick up trace amounts of gluten when they are processed in a facility that also processes wheat products. Other not-so-obvious sources of gluten include soy sauce and two ingredients found in many processed foods: monosodium glutamate and modified food starch.
Beer and other grain-based beverages contain gluten, although some beers may be gluten free. Licorice-type chewy candies and batter-dipped or breaded fried foods are often made with wheat flour. Some medications use wheat starch as a filler ingredient.
Read more:15 Unexpected Foods that Contain Gluten
You May Like: King Arthur Gluten Free Yellow Cake Mix
Foods That Contain Gluten
Gluten may be found in a variety of whole and processed foods, including:
- Grains: whole wheat, wheat bran, barley, rye, triticale, spelt, kamut, couscous, farro, semolina, bulgur, farina, einkorn, durum, wheat germ, cracked wheat, matzo, mir
- Processed grain-based products: crackers, bread, breadcrumbs, pasta, seitan, wheat-containing soba noodles, some veggie burgers and other meat substitutes, cookies, pastries
- Other foodsand beverages: barley malt, malt vinegar, soy sauce, certain salad dressings, sauces or gravies thickened with flour, bouillon and some broths, certain spice blends, flavored chips, beer, certain kinds of wine and liquor, some processed meats.
Because gluten is often used in food production as a thickener or stabilizer, its not always clear whether a particular food contains it.
Whats more, many commercial food operations share preparation equipment with gluten-containing foods. Thus, even if a food is inherently gluten-free, it could be contaminated with gluten during processing.
If you follow a strict gluten-free diet and are unsure about a particular foods gluten status, check the package for a gluten-free label or contact the manufacturer prior to purchasing it.
Maybe It Is Not Glutens Fault Entirely
Gluten is not a single problematic compound but it rather refers to a group of proteins that can trigger an autoimmune response.
There is some evidence from a few studies that show that the reason for intestinal distress in people with no celiac disease might not be gluten but actually FODMAPs, which are simple short-chain carbohydrates that are easily fermented and create gas in our intestines. These are present in Wheat, rye, and barley in the form of fructan FODMAPs and when removed from the diet had a greater effect on the reduction of symptoms, even when gluten was still present in the diet. So perhaps we dont have the full picture just yet.
Recommended Reading: What’s A Gluten Free Diet
How To Make: Gluten
Gluten And Health Benefits
Gluten is most often associated with wheat and wheat-containing foods that are abundant in our food supply. Negative media attention on wheat and gluten has caused some people to doubt its place in a healthful diet. There is little published research to support these claims in fact published research suggests the opposite.
In a 2017 study of over 100,000 participants without celiac disease, researchers found no association between long-term dietary gluten consumption and heart disease risk. In fact, the findings also suggested that non-celiac individuals who avoid gluten may increase their risk of heart disease, due to the potential for reduced consumption of whole grains.
- Many studies have linked whole grain consumption with improved health outcomes. For example, groups with the highest intakes of whole grains including wheat compared with groups eating the lowest amounts were found to have significantly lower rates of heart disease and stroke, development of type 2 diabetes, and deaths from all causes.
Gluten may also act as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in our bodies. Arabinoxylan oligosaccharide is a prebiotic carbohydrate derived from wheat bran that has been shown to stimulate the activity of bifidobacteria in the colon. These bacteria are normally found in a healthy human gut. Changes in their amount or activity have been associated with gastrointestinal diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Read Also: Who Has The Best Gluten Free Pizza
Diarrhea Constipation And Smelly Feces
Individuals with celiac disease experience inflammation in the small intestine after eating gluten.
This damages the gut lining and leads to poor nutrient absorption, resulting in significant digestive discomfort and frequent diarrhea or constipation (
That suggests that gluten exposure on its own may induce feelings of depression, irrespective to digestive symptoms.
Not Everyone Needs To Follow This Fad
Although a gluten-free diet may be #trending, that doesn’t mean that it’s the best thing for you unless you, indeed, have a gluten intolerance like celiac disease. In fact, if you don’t have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, cutting out gluten entirely from your diet may have adverse effects instead of positive ones. ” weight gain, increased hunger, and constipation, as many products marked as gluten-free are void of fiber, contain excess calories, and are overly processed,” Shapiro says. “If you don’t need to eat gluten-free, then you shouldn’t,” Shapiro says.
Lockwood-Beckerman agrees. “Going gluten-free just for gluten-freeâs sake is as much of a trend as fanny packs or those tiny useless sunglasses that everyone seems to be wearing,â she says. âItâs possible youâre losing out on some valuable nutrients.â
Snyder, on the other hand, advocates that everyone should shift to a gluten-free dietâat least for a trial periodâbecause many people have a gluten sensitivity without even knowing it. With a gluten sensitivity, a person can consume a certain amount of gluten before experiencing any side effects, so it’s difficult to test and diagnose, Snyder says.
For all these reasons, it’s important to talk to your doctor before making the decision to stop eating gluten entirely.
Don’t Miss: Kodiak Gluten Free Pancake Mix
How Is Coeliac Disease Diagnosed
As the symptoms of other conditions can closely mimic coeliac disease, it is important the diagnosis be confirmed to ensure appropriate treatment.
Your doctor will do special blood tests that measure certain antibodies for your initial screening. If the results are positive, your doctor will refer you to a gastroenterologist. This specialist will confirm the diagnosis by performing a gastroscopy a procedure that allows tiny samples to be taken from your small intestine. This procedure occurs while you are under sedation and involves a slender instrument being passed through your mouth into your small intestine.
Coeliac disease can be diagnosed without biopsy in some children if strict criteria are met. Importantly, a diagnosis of coeliac disease should only be made by a gastroenterologist.
Do not try to self-diagnose coeliac disease. If the blood tests and gastroscopy are to be accurate, its important that you do not put yourself on a gluten-free diet beforehand. These tests are dependent on a normal gluten intake.
You May Like: What Are Some Gluten Free Snacks
Is This Diet Safe
Though many health professionals suggest otherwise, its safe to follow a gluten-free diet even for people who dont necessarily need to do so.
Cutting out wheat and other gluten-containing grains or products will not cause adverse health effects as long as these products are replaced with nutritious foods.
All of the nutrients in gluten-containing grains, such as B vitamins, fiber, zinc, iron, and potassium, can easily be replaced by following a well-rounded, whole-foods-based diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and nutritious protein sources.
Don’t Miss: If You Are Allergic To Gluten What Happens
What Are The Symptoms Of Coeliac Disease
The symptoms of coeliac disease can range from severe to minor or atypical, and may even go undetected. Some symptoms can be wrongly confused with irritable bowel syndrome or a sensitivity to wheat or other food, while other symptoms may be put down to stress or getting older.
The most common symptoms of coeliac disease in adults include:
You Could Increase Your Processed Food Intake
With a gluten-free diet comes plenty of pre-packed, sugar-packed, crunchy, crispy, ooey-gooey gluten-free treats. So it’s quite easy to feel like your choices for processed foods are justified as soon as you see the gluten-free label.
Pierce puts it this way: “At the end of the day, a gluten-free cookie is still a cookie.”
But not all people reach for the brightly colored boxes of gluten-free munchies. Some people find themselves spending more time in the kitchen, roasting vegetables, chopping salads and blending smoothies. This is evidenced by the droves of food bloggers out there sharing their journey and cooking up a storm of unprocessed gluten-free food.
Read Also: Gluten Free Cookie Dough Bites
Autoimmune Reactions In People Without Celiac Disease
Point #6 above gave a lot of reasons why celiac disease is associated with other autoimmune diseases, but its not limited to people with celiac disease. If you thought non-celiac gluten sensitivity was unrelated to autoimmune disease, you thought wrong! This study found that a lot of people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity have autoimmune markers in their blood, suggesting that the wheat exposure might be causing autoimmune issues even without celiac disease.
One interesting aspect of this is that patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may have a different type of autoimmune reaction, which just underlines that celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity are two different things. But the point is that both involve potentially serious autoimmune responses.
Gluten Induced Nutritional Deficiencies
Because gluten causes gut damage, digestion and nutrient absorption are commonly hindered in those with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. Which is why nutrient deficiencies are common. And not getting an adequate supply of certain nutrients can contribute to poor joint health, weak muscles, and pain.
For starters, amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They are used to build muscles as well as collagen, which is the most abundant protein in your body. Its found in your tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bones, skin, and blood vessels among other places. So if your body isnt efficiently digesting and absorbing protein, joint and muscle-related problems are possible.
Don’t Miss: Gluten Free Shampoo For Color Treated Hair
