Should You Avoid Gluten?

A Celiac Disease And Gluten Sensitivity Update

By Dr. Arjuna Veeravagu ND RAc

Celiac disease (CD) is an inherited autoimmune disorder that
affects the digestive process of the small intestine. When a
person who has CD consumes gluten, a protein found in
wheat, barley, rye and other grains, the individual's
immune system responds by attacking the intestinal lining
and interfering with the absorption of vital nutrients.
This response can lead to the classic celiac sign of flattening
of the intestinal lining (villous atrophy). This hallmark sign of CD is observed by a gastroenterologist through an intestinal biopsy. Symptoms typically include abdominal bloating or pain, chronic diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue. The only current treatment for CD is the lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet. Untreated CD is a
contributing factor to many secondary conditions including
autoimmune, neurological, digestive and bone diseases, as
well as certain cancers.
Celiac disease is the most underdiagnosed disease in North
America today, with an incredibly low 3% diagnosis rate.
This has led to the metaphor that diagnosed celiacs represent
only the visible tip of a much larger undiagnosed "iceberg".
In fact the average length of time it takes for a symptomatic
person to be diagnosed with CD in North America is 11 years,
compared to only 3 weeks in Italy. Some of the more common
diagnoses patients receive before obtaining the correct
celiac assessment include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory
bowel disease, anemia, anxiety and depression.
In addition, CD is often incorrectly believed to be the only
clinical manifestation of a sensitivity to gluten. Actually CD
represents only a small fraction of the total gluten sensitive
population, as most individuals with the sensitivity do not
present with the typical celiac signs and symptoms.
Screening tests recently developed by gastroenterologist
Kenneth Fine MD have shown that up to one-third of the
North American population may be gluten sensitive. The
new stool and saliva testing for gluten sensitivity identifies
patients experiencing early stages and variable presentations
of the condition, not just those with end-stage celiac intestinal
damage.

More information about Dr. Veeravagu and Sage Clinic can be
found at www.sageclinic.com.

References:
Ferguson, A. Celiac Disease, An Eminently Treatable Condition, May Be Underdiagnosed. Am J Gastro 1997;92(8). Fine, K. Early Diagnosis Of Gluten Sensitivity: Before the Villi are Gone (lecture) June 2003.
Kaukinen, K. Celiac Disease Without Villous Atrophy: A Revision of Criteria Called For. Dig Dis Sci 3001;46:879. Braly, J and Hoggan R. Dangerous Grains. New York, NY: Penguin Putnam, 2002;4.

The information listed on this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. It is meant for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Again, Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance and medical advice on and disease or cancer.

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