Undiagnosed Gluten Sensitivity

by Melissa Bosslet, RD, LN

Gluten intolerance and Celiac's Disease is becoming more widespread and mainstream. Although the disease has been documented all the way back to the first century AD, diagnosis and recognition have progressed rapidly, especially in the last few years. The relationship between the protein found in most starches, gluten, and the inflammatory response associated with Celiac's was discovered mid 1960's. Around the same time, the diagnostic process was revolutionized with the invention of the jejunal biopsy apparatus. With this mechanism, observation of damage to the intestinal mucosal layer could be observed.

In more recent days, even as recent as the last few years, the medical world has stepped up the screening process for Celiac's. Because Celiac's is an autoimmune disease, anyone with another autoimmune disease (i.e. Hashimoto's, lupus, diabetes)should be screened, along with anyone else in the family. The DQ8 and DQ2 gene have been recognized as carrying the Celiac gene. Therefore, if a family member has Celiac's, relatives should be screened. Clinics often screen anyone with diagnostic symptoms as well - diarrhea, vitamin deficiency, gas, bloating, depression, and fatigue.

Although only 1% of the population carries the gene for Celiac's, many people are gluten intolerant or gluten sensitive. They do not have an autoimmune reaction to the protein, but a reaction none the less, potentially leading to a damaged immune system, chronic infections and viruses, gastrointestinal discomfort, and extreme fatigue. In both cases, a gluten free diet and restriction of wheat, barley, rye, and some oats is beneficial and the only cure. Intestinal damage and an increase in mortality are often the other option.