Please Help Me Out Here.....

[Guest Doll]

This idiot on the other forum needs a lecture in biology. Explain this to her:

Most diseases (including Celiac) are NOT "genetic". Yes, you need to have the genes for them, but there are also TRIGGER(S) in the environment that are needed for the disease to develop. Many people have the genes for diseases they never develop.

Now, I do not think ALL autism cases are linked with autoimmunity, the leaky gut, etc. There are probably multiple causes. But I DO believe that a percentage are. And those cases very likely would improve on a gluten/casein free diet. Perhaps this women is pissed off because she tried the Gluten-free Casein-free diet and had no results. The diet unfortunately likely won't work for autism cases that are NOT linked to autoimmunity/the leaky gut. Maybe she is bitter? I do not want to get into a debate over the causes of autism, because there is not enough information to say one way or another. I think some will be helped by the diet (a good portion), some will not. And this seems to be the case.

Regardless, here is a way to break the biology of disease pathology down for this "enlightened" women:

*Genetic Diseases*

-Cystic Fibrosis

-Sickle Cell Anemia

-Down's Syndrome

-Turner Syndrome, etc.

Most diseases need BOTH genetics and a trigger to develop. Thus, if we could isolate/manipulate the triggers, we could impact the disease process and/or outcome.

1.) Autoimmune diseases are thought to be triggered by something in the environment like a virus, etc. So, the onset of Type 1 (insulin dependent or juvenile diabetes) diabetes may look like this:

Genes for Type 1 diabetes---> Lack of vitamin D exposure (a immune modulator) and lack of Omega 3 fatty acid encourage an environment for the disease to develop--->exposure to the triggering virus....the disease appears. The jury is out as to if exposure to gluten/casein/other food protein is additional factor.

2.) Asmtha requires the genes for the disease, and is often triggered by allergens and pollutants in the enviroment.

3.) Type 2 diabetes (the common form NOT related to Celiac) is a great model of gene and environment interaction. Yes, there are genes associated with the disease. But the disease *usually* does not express itself unless:

-A person has become obese/overweight

-Eats an unhealthy diet (excess fatty meats, bad fats, junk and processed foods, soda, simple carbs, excess carbs, etc.)

-Does not exercise

These are the top known triggers for Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is not an autoimmune disease, but it is still triggered by the environment. Granted, there are about 10% of cases that are linked to hormonal disorders, certain medications like steroids, genetic defects that do not require a trigger, etc. But the vast majority of Type 2 diabetes cases are preventable if a person eats right, exercises, and maintains a normal weight. So *right there* is a case where genes can be fairly easily modified to prevent a disease. Or, HELP a disease that has already appeared. All of the above can help keep a Type 2 diabetic *off of medication and keep their blood sugar levels in good control*. So this is an example of genes being over-ridden by the environment, specifically diet.

I have not seen any evidence to suggest a Gluten-free Casein-free diet is "harmful", unless the child is not getting enough nutrients or is only being fed premade Gluten-free Casein-free "junk" foods.

[Canadian Karen]

That would be perfect! I did post about the trigger aspect, but not nearly as good as your explanation!

Unfortunately, they won't accept my posts anymore, my screen just freezes. Sheesh! Just because I had the gall to challenge their close-minded attitude, the kick me off! Oh well, my bad!

[Glutenfreefamily]

That would be perfect! I did post about the trigger aspect, but not nearly as good as your explanation!

Unfortunately, they won't accept my posts anymore, my screen just freezes. Sheesh! Just because I had the gall to challenge their close-minded attitude, the kick me off! Oh well, my bad!

Karen dont worry about it, you put the seed in their mind about the diet. Hopefully the parents might open their minds a little and think about trying it.

I feel bad for the kids, moms and dads that are too lazy to try and help them out is how I see it. They want to try meds first with multiple side effects instead of trying a more natural route

[Judyin Philly]

so sorry Karen

At least you tired.

Judy