How Gluten Might Be Affecting Your Health, Even If You're Not Celiac
I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2017, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence; you can lead a normal life. If you’d like to learn more about my journey, including how I discovered this autoimmune condition and the steps I took to manage it, visit my “about me” page here. Having experienced symptoms for much of my life, I finally sought help when everyday activities became overwhelming.
Do you suspect you have celiac disease or know someone who might be affected?
This article provides insights to help you understand and manage gluten-related conditions. Whether you're looking for information for yourself or someone you care about, understanding the nuances of celiac disease is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management.
Understanding Celiac Disease: Unmasking the Reality
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune condition that affects approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide, yet shockingly, only 30% receive a proper diagnosis and care. For those with celiac disease, consuming gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley, triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This damage hampers the absorption of vital nutrients, potentially leading to various health complications. Celiac is also a hereditary condition, meaning it can run in families and be passed down to your children.
The Harmful Effects of Wheat on Everyone: A Global Concern
According to Dr. Tom O'Bryan, an expert on gluten-related disorders, wheat is harmful to everyone, not just those with celiac disease. His research highlights that the proteins in wheat, particularly gluten, can trigger an immune response that increases intestinal permeability (commonly known as "leaky gut"). This reaction occurs in everyone who consumes wheat, regardless of geography. While some may not experience immediate symptoms, the cumulative damage can lead to chronic conditions such as autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and neurological issues over time.
Dr. Tom emphasizes that no one is immune to the harmful effects of gluten, making awareness of this ingredient critical for overall health and well-being. Whether or not you have celiac disease, it’s worth considering how gluten may be affecting your body.
While immediate symptoms may not be obvious in everyone, the long-term exposure to gluten can lead to cumulative damage to the gut lining, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases, even in those who don’t initially react.
The Myth of "Safe" European Wheat
Some people believe that European wheat is less harmful due to different farming practices, but this is a myth. Modern wheat, regardless of origin, is vastly different from the wheat our ancestors consumed. Today’s wheat contains more gluten and is processed with harsh chemicals like glyphosate, which can harm the gut and trigger inflammation. Dr. Tom emphasizes that whether you're in the U.S. or Europe, no one is immune to gluten's harmful effects.
Recognizing Symptoms:
Identifying celiac disease isn’t straightforward due to the wide array of symptoms which extend beyond digestive issues. These symptoms may include:
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Weight loss
Bloating and gas
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Osteoporosis
Itchy skin, bumps on skin, bumps on back of arms
Mouth ulcers
Headaches
Joint pain
Pale, foul-smelling stools
For a more comprehensive list, refer to sources such as webmd, mayoclinic or my favorite is celiac.org.
The Domino Effect: Untreated Celiac Disease Complications
Untreated celiac disease can lead to severe complications like malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, lactose intolerance, and certain cancers. Additionally, conditions like heart disease, miscarriages, and anemia are common among those who remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Early diagnosis is key to avoiding these complications.
Even without celiac disease, regular gluten consumption may increase these risks by fueling chronic inflammation in the body.
Testing and Diagnosis:
If you suspect you have celiac disease, the first step is testing. Accurate results require you to be on a gluten-containing diet during testing. If you’re already gluten-free, reintroducing gluten for 6-8 weeks is necessary for valid results.
The most common blood test is the Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG-IgA), which is highly accurate for diagnosing celiac disease. A gastroenterologist or healthcare professional specializing in gut health can guide you through the process.
Embracing a Gluten-Free Lifestyle: The Only Treatment
The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. Opting for non-GMO and organic foods is recommended, as some studies suggest a link between glyphosate (a chemical found in herbicides) and gluten sensitivity. Additionally, eliminating dairy might provide relief for those who continue to experience symptoms, as its proteins can mimic gluten in the body.
Dr. Tom O’Bryan stresses that modern wheat differs significantly from what our ancestors consumed. Today’s wheat contains a higher gluten content and is often processed with harmful chemicals like glyphosate, which can damage the gut and trigger inflammation. His research, featured on TheDr.com, explains that mass production and quick-rise bread-making methods further degrade wheat’s nutritional value, increasing gluten sensitivity in the population.
Dr. Tom advocates eliminating wheat altogether as a preventive measure, even for those without a formal gluten diagnosis. The damage wheat can cause to the gut barrier may lead to a wide range of health issues, including skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, and neurological problems.
Navigating the Grocery Aisles:
Living a gluten-free life involves label reading. A “gluten-free” label doesn’t always guarantee safety, and the same applies to “wheat-free”. Always check allergen listings and scrutinize ingredient lists for hidden sources of gluten. Common culprits include wheat, barley, rye, malt, brewer’s yeast and oats. For a truly safe gluten-free experience, stick to whole foods like fruits, vegetables and unprocessed meats.
Hidden ingredients can be found in:
Wheat (found in: breads, baked goods, soups, pasta, cereals, sauces, salad dressings, roux)
Barley (food coloring, soups, beer, brewer’s yeast)
Rye (found in rye bread, rye beer, cereals)
Malt (found in malted barley flour, malted milk and milkshakes, malt extract, malt syrup, malt flavoring, malt vinegar)
Brewer’s Yeast
Oats (unless they specifically are labeled Gluten-free, they may be contaminated and cause you issues. Oats have a protein called avenin that is similar to gluten so if you select a GF (gluten-free) oats you may be sensitive to avenin)
Other grains (Triticale)
Helpful Apps while Shopping or Eating Out:
The top 2 Apps I use the most vs the others.
Findme Gluten Free (Note this doesn’t include all restaurants, I typically start here and then look at menus in the area if a restaurant isn’t listed.)
Rebuilding from Within - Vitamins and Absorption:
For those with celiac disease, nutritional deficiencies are common due to poor nutrient absorption. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals is essential during recovery. Many people with celiac report improved health with infusion therapy or vitamin infusions, which replenish nutrients while the gut heals.
It's recommended to incorporate a high-quality multivitamin, whole-food supplement, and mineral support to ensure your body is absorbing the necessary nutrients. Replenishing these can help alleviate ongoing symptoms. Consult with a healthcare professional or Gluten-Free Practitioner to address your specific needs.
Empowering Yourself - Resources for Celiac Warriors:
Celiac.org: A comprehensive resource for celiac disease information, from diagnosis to living a gluten-free life.
Beyond Celiac: Offers support, resources, and a community for those living with celiac disease.
Gluten Intolerance Group: Provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals with gluten-related disorders.
Thriving Beyond Celiac Disease:
Celiac disease isn’t a life sentence; it’s an opportunity for transformation. Although the journey may seem daunting, arming yourself with knowledge and maintaining a positive mindset can help you embrace a vibrant, gluten-free life. You’re not alone, and with the right support and resources, you can thrive.
For practical recipes and brand recommendations, check out my eBook and explore the Recipes section of this blog.
Even if you don’t have celiac disease, consider testing and making dietary changes to protect your long-term health, as gluten’s effects can be cumulative and subtle.