Celiac disease, also spelled as coeliac disease, is the most severe form of gluten intolerance. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body treats gluten as a foreign invader. The immune system attacks the gluten, as well as the lining of the gut 6. This damages the gut wall and may cause nutrient deficiencies, anemia , severe digestive issues, and an increased risk of many diseases 7. However, some people with celiac disease do not have digestive symptoms but may have other symptoms, such as tiredness or anemia 4 , 8.
For this reason, doctors often find it challenging to diagnose celiac disease. Researchers do not currently know how many people have this condition, but some estimate it to be in the range of 0.
There is no clear definition of non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Still, a doctor may make this diagnosis when a person reacts negatively to gluten, but they have ruled out celiac disease and allergies 11 , However, some experts do not believe that this is a legitimate condition.
They think that substances other than gluten cause these adverse effects. One study looked at people with self-diagnosed gluten intolerance and investigated whether they improved on a gluten-free diet The results showed that only 26 people had celiac disease, while 2 had a wheat allergy.
Only 27 of the remaining people received a diagnosis of gluten sensitivity. That means that of all the participants who thought they were gluten intolerant, only 55 people Therefore, many people who think they are gluten intolerant may develop symptoms due to other causes. Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is a common digestive disorder that causes symptoms, including:. It is a chronic condition, but many people can manage their symptoms with diet, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques.
Interestingly, studies have shown that some individuals with IBS may benefit from a gluten-free diet 14 , 15 , For an estimated 0. Furthermore, studies have shown that a gluten-free diet may benefit some individuals with schizophrenia , autism , and a disease called gluten ataxia 18 , 19 , Digestive discomfort is the most common indication of gluten intolerance.
The person may also have anemia or trouble gaining weight. Lastly, research indicates that gluten-free diets benefit people with other conditions, such as fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and schizophrenia 2. Many studies link gluten to the initiation and progression of autoimmune diseases and show that avoiding it may benefit other conditions, including IBD and IBS. Several theories have developed as to why human bodies may not be able to handle gluten. Some research suggests that human digestive systems have not evolved to digest the kind or amount of grain proteins that are common in modern diets.
Plus, some studies show a possible role in other wheat proteins, such as FODMAPs specific types of carbs , amylase trypsin inhibitors, and wheat germ agglutinins, in contributing to symptoms related to NCGS.
This suggests a more complicated biological response to wheat The number of people who avoid gluten has risen dramatically.
For example, U. Still, since the reasons behind NCGS symptoms are largely unknown and testing for NCGS has not yet been perfected, the number of people who may react negatively to gluten remains unknown Currently, the only way to know if you would personally benefit from a gluten-free diet after ruling out celiac disease and wheat allergy is to avoid gluten and monitor your symptoms.
Currently, reliable testing for NCGS is unavailable. The only way to see if you would benefit from a gluten-free diet is to avoid gluten and monitor your symptoms. These foods not only contain gluten but are typically also high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Many people say that they lose weight, feel less fatigued , and have less joint pain on a gluten-free diet.
For example, diets high in refined carbs and sugars have been linked to weight gain, fatigue, joint pain, poor mood, and digestive issues — all symptoms related to NCGS 23 , 24 , 25 , Additionally, digestive symptoms may improve as a result of reducing intake of other common ingredients, such as FODMAPs carbs that commonly cause digestive issues like bloating and gas Although improved symptoms on a gluten-free diet may be related to NCGS, these improvements could also be due to the reasons listed above or a combination of the two.
Cutting out gluten-containing foods may improve health for several reasons, some of which may be unrelated to gluten.
Cutting out wheat and other gluten-containing grains or products will not cause adverse health effects — as long as these products are replaced with nutritious foods. All of the nutrients in gluten-containing grains, such as B vitamins, fiber, zinc, iron, and potassium, can easily be replaced by following a well-rounded, whole-foods-based diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and nutritious protein sources.
Many companies market gluten-free cookies, cakes, and other highly processed foods as healthier than their gluten-containing counterparts. And while following a gluten-free diet is safe, keep in mind that any diet that relies heavily on processed foods is unlikely to result in any health benefits. Most people know that celiac disease requires absolutely strict avoidance of all gluten. Inflammation is the natural response of your immune system to injury.
You can see it in action whenever you get a cut or splinter and the surrounding area gets all red and tender. The most famous case is the inflammation caused by gluten in people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Amylase trypsin inhibitors ATIs for short that can provoke an inflammatory immune response in the GI tract by stimulating immune cells. Inflammation in the gut contributes to a problem called intestinal permeability. Every day, you swallow millions of random viruses, bacteria, indigestible molecules like dust, and other stuff that needs to go out the other end, not into your bloodstream.
Inflammation in the gut messes up that system of border control. It loosens the junctions between cells in the gut wall so too much stuff can pass through. On top of inflammation leading to increased permeability, gluten accelerates this process by stimulating the release of a protein called zonulin.
Zonulin independently contributes to loosening the junctions between cells in the gut. Add together the inflammation and the zonulin, and wheat has a powerful effect on gut permeability, which is really a problem. Again, this is totally separate from the problem of gluten. Included in that stuff is…gluten! If people with DH continue to eat gluten, they also may run an increased risk of developing intestinal cancer.
Once diagnosed, however, people with DH are usually highly motivated to stick with a gluten-free diet to steer clear of these painful rashes.
To reduce symptoms of gluten sensitivity. Unlike celiac disease and DH, gluten sensitivity is not an autoimmune disease. People with gluten sensitivity experience gastrointestinal distress — ranging from diarrhea, gas and bloating to constipation and irritable bowel symptoms — when they eat gluten.
People with celiac disease, on the other hand, may experience these symptoms, or may have no symptoms at all. Future studies may reveal more about this relatively new diagnosis and its potential risks. Three reasons not to go gluten free To eat healthier. Cutting out wheat, rye, barley and the other grains that provide gluten eliminates some of the key sources of complex carbohydrates needed in a balanced diet.
Also lost are the fiber, B vitamins and folate found in carbohydrates, as well as the iron, calcium and vitamin D provided by fortified breads and cereals.
0コメント