What Exactly Is Gluten Sensitivity?Gluten Sensitivity is an autoimmune reaction in the body to the consumption of the proteins contained in wheat, barley and rye. Gluten is the common name given to the protein part of these grains. It gives the dough the elasticity necessary for making things like bread. It is the protein in wheat that gives bread it's structure. In wheat there are two components of this protein on the molecular level that can cause problems. They are called gliadin and glutenin. Glutenins are in wheat starch, and some people do react to them. It is gliadin that causes most reactions though. In barley the protein is hordein, and in rye it is secalin.
What About Oats? There is some controversy about oats in the diet as some people with celiac disease seem to tolerate them, while others react. It is best to avoid them at least until you have healed, and then only to consume them in limited quantities, provided that they are certified gluten free, and as long as your doctor approves. You may need monitoring for antibody levels to see if you are having an immune reaction to them. Recent studies show most celiacs are able to tolerate them after healing, in moderate amounts (up to 3/4 cup for adults, and 1/4 cup for children per day). There is still a certain percentage of celiacs that do have an immune reaction to the avenin protein in oats, even those certified as gluten free.
A recent test has shown that a high percentage of oats labeled as pure or clean are still cross contaminated at various levels.
There is no cure for celiac disease or a gluten/gliadin sensitivity. There is only control. The only way to stop the immune reaction is by complete avoidance in the diet. The gluten free diet must be maintained for life. Even a tiny amount of wheat, barley or rye can cause an immune reaction, and create more damage. For the person with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, eating it is like swallowing a toxic substance.
The Spectrum Of Gluten SensitivityGluten Sensitivity can provoke all sorts of Symptoms that are not even intestinal. Some people get headaches, memory problems or even Chronic Fatigue rather than abdominal pain. Others can be hyperactive, or have gait problems. The spectrum can range from no symptoms at all to those that are so severe the person cannot function. These reactions are not limited to those with the genes for celiac disease. Most people who are sensitive to gluten but do not carry the celiac gene tend to have more neurological symptoms than the typical gastrointestinal ones. Because their symptoms present in other parts of the body, the connection to gluten is not easily made.
A home gluten sensitivity test
might be necessary to get an answer. Share YOUR Story About Gluten Sensitivity.
Do you have a personal story about discovering the role of gluten sensitivity in your health? What Other Visitors Have SharedClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
The Year Long Battle with Major Neurological Symptoms...
I am not one to write on these types of blogs... however, at this time in my life, if I can help even one person, then it is worth it.
Gluten Made Me an Angry Person
The effect that gluten sensitivity (and casein sensitivity) had on me was to make me an angry person. Angry at the world. Finally Able to Live My Life! When I was 10 years old I had my first gluten attack. Of course at the time we didn't know what it was; it was so painful I ended up in the hospital. The ... Maybe a diagnosis Ten years ago (2000) I weighed 103 lbs, which is my average weight throughout adulthood. I was 47 years old then. For the last 10 years I have had issues ... My Daughter is Now Gluten Free With my daughter's learning difficulties, we decided to see a Naturopath, who determined that she was likely to be gluten intolerant. So out went the ... Misdiagnosed for 30 years I had severe eczema as a child, and I read that eczema is a symptom of gluten intolerance. Then about 20 years ago, I started having joint pain and severe ...
Dx with Celiac Disease Because of the Following Symptoms
The Following Symptoms Brought About My Diagnosis of Celiac Disease: Self Diagnosed Wow, I must say, it is good to hear of others with the same symptoms and reactions to gluten and dairy. I have only been gluten free for 6 months now,... Back from Gluten Sensitivity to Gluten Free Diet Help Home Page Foods Containing Gluten-Foods to Avoid
|
