If the web is considered a reliable indicator, gluten sensitivity is a condition that is plaguing America.
Users who claim gluten sensitivity on their part or on the parts of their children constantly bemoan a lack of gluten-free foods, seek recipes for those with gluten sensitivity and speak of the frustration of being exposed to gluten unwittingly. (A simple search on Pinterest reveals a large saturation of content for those with a gluten sensitivity on the budding social pinboard.) Gluten sensitivity has been blamed for everything from stomachaches to schizophrenia and autism, but Italian researchers are questioning the true prevalence of the condition in the February 21st issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.
While some marketers claim that as many as 18 million Americans suffer non-celiac gluten sensitivity, researchers indicate that “little clinical evidence” exists to prove that the condition even exists at all, and that researchers common sense must prevail to “prevent a gluten preoccupation from evolving into the conviction that gluten is toxic for most of the population.”
Indeed, “most of the population” could actually be impacted negatively- Stefano Guandalini, MD, who is president of the North American Society for the Study of Celiac Disease, said people eating as if they have a gluten sensitivity run the risk of missing out on fiber while consuming too much fat. He explains:
“Someone who needs to be on a gluten-free diet and is closely monitored can benefit tremendously from it. But for everyone else, embracing this diet makes no sense.”
Do you have gluten sensitivity, or do you think the condition is a bit hyped up?
My daughter had an endoscopy that showed severe ulceration in her upper intestines and flattened villi which the pathologist diagnosed as celiac disease. Yet when her GI sent her for the HLA genetic testing I was told it came back negative for celiac. She was off gluten for three months and finally showed no anemia and her vitamin B and D levels were within normal range. She even gained weight and grew over two inches. Her hair grew in longer and thicker as well. I allowed her to go back to eating gluten (thinking maybe I was just looking for positive benefits after having a mysteriously sick kid for years) and the crying from pain, diarrhea, and vomiting started all over again. If she doesn't have celiac then what can be causing this?
Nikole, the pathologist was correct. And a gluten-free diet trial confirmed the diagnosis. The HLA gene test is not diagnostic for celiac disease. The old idea was that CD was ruled out if you did not have certain genes, but then people were found to have CD who did not have them. Non-hla genes have now been implicated. See http://glutenfreeworks.com for tons of info. You'll find a description of Diagnosis and Testing on the left column.
John Libonati, I just looked through the Gluten Free Works site and I'm stunned (and quite angry). My daughter has been going to neurologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists since she was 3 years old (she is now almost 8). I had no idea that neurological problems could be associated with celiac. She has been diagnosed with various neuro disorders over the years: aspergers, OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. I even had to argue with her pediatrician for the endoscopy because he believed her stomach pains were related to her being "a high strung" kid. Since she has been gluten free her behavior has improved tremendously. With an extensive family history of GI cancers, severe vitamin deficiencies, and horrible stomach pains, I cannot believe that of the dozen doctors we have seen over the past 5 years not one has ever mentioned celiac.
I think a lot of people have gluten sensitivity and do not know, so the bloating, pain and gas is just considered a normal part of eating and life. I tested negative for celiac too, but I think the test was done after I stopped eating gluten containing foods for some weeks. but ever since I stopped eating wheat products my stomach has not hurt or bloated as it did had been doing all year after I ate pastries, pasta etc. as for the worry that people will eat too much fat, that's crazy, fat is not bad for us. eggs, butter, oils are good for the health. the diet should consist primarily of vegetables and as little processed foods as possible. wheat or wheat free should make no difference.