Celiac Disease

Photo--CC--Breahn

Rates of autoimmune disease are rising, and not just in the United States, with diseases like type 1 diabetes, celiac disease and lupus being diagnosed in increasingly higher numbers.

Photo: CC--Joelk75

Clearing up meaning and naming differences between non-celiac and/or celiac gluten sensitivity.

There should be a gluten-free standard by now, but there is not. In 2004, Congress passed a law requiring the Food and Drug Administration to define the phrase 'gluten-free' by 2008. That deadline passed with the FDA providing no such definition, and we still have no official ruling today, in 2011.

Receiving a celiac disease diagnosis or being told you need to be on a gluten-free diet can be an overwhelming experience, and it is certainly not for the faint of heart. Most people get frustrated with the transition, and many don't know where to begin.

In its ability to affect virtually any part of the body, gluten intolerance in the form of celiac disease is a major driver of health care delivery and associated costs. This short article covers the body's potential responses to gluten from head to toe, literally.

A proactive guide to improving overall gut health. I would hate to add up all the hundreds of dollars I have wasted trying to get healthy.  Now, however, I get healthy by focusing on one thing:  making my intestines healthy.  If my intestines are healthy, I can absorb food.  If I can absorb food, my body will be receiving the nutrition it needs to function, and thus I will be healthy.

Gluten sensitivity and celiac disease have long been seen as a gut disease. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a variety of erroneous medical perceptions, leading to limited and distorted perspectives on the impact of gluten on human health. After a battle of more than 50 years, celiac disease is now widely recognized both in and out of the medical profession, as common and treatable only with a gluten-free diet.

The Gluten Syndrome refers to the cluster of symptoms that you experience if you react to gluten.  Gluten can affect your gut, your skin, and your brain.  It applies to any reaction that is caused by gluten.  It includes celiac disease, along with the myriad symptoms that can be experienced throughout your gastro-intestinal tract in response to gluten.  It also includes many other symptoms that do not stem from your gut.  These include brain and behavior disorders, irritability and tiredness, skin problems, muscular aches and pains and joint problems.

Are you confused about genetic testing for celiac disease? Do you want to know what tests you should request and which laboratory to use?  Have you already had celiac DQ genetic testing but are not sure what the results mean or what your risk is of developing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? These are the questions I will answer in the next few pages.

Celiac disease genetic testing is available. Testing can be done on blood or mouth swab samples. Testing may or may not be paid for by your health insurance but can be quite helpful. However, there are pitfalls in the testing and reporting. Learn more. Here are ten facts need to know about Celiac disease genetic testing.

This article appeared in the Spring 2007 edition of Celiac.coms Scott-Free Newsletter. Celiac.c

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