Is Gluten Something to be concerned about?
That is a great Question! It seems today that, everywhere you look, there’s a lot of news articles and research about gluten and gluten sensitivity. But is gluten sensitivity really something you need to be concerned with? The newer studies are showing that the concern over gluten is not an overreaction. Research is bearing out that gluten can have negative impacts on health, including brain function, and can be linked to autoimmune disorders. 13% of the US population, as of 2013, have non-celiac gluten intolerance. For these people, avoiding gluten isn’t about losing weight, it’s about not suffering the ill effects that gluten causes for them.
How do Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Differ?
In a person with celiac disease, the immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, when gluten is ingested. For somebody with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is crucial! This stops the harmful reaction in the gut and allows the intestinal lining to heal. People with celiac disease-like symptoms, who don't test positive for the condition, may end up diagnosed with gluten sensitivity. Symptoms and treatment of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity can be similar, but there is an important difference. For those with celiac disease, even a crumb of food with gluten can be debilitating and have long range harmful effects.
How many symptoms are there?
Both forms of gluten intolerance, Celiac and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, can cause widespread symptoms, many of which have nothing to do with digestion. But there is an important difference. With celiac disease, even a crumb of food with gluten can be debilitating and cause longterm harmful effects. Some of the main symtptoms are bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, fatigue, skin problems, depression, anxiety, autoimmune disorders, joint pain, and weight loss or gain. Whew! That is a very long list, and that is not all of them!
Are there tests for this?
Even with 13% of the population having gluten sensitivity, I am not suggesting at the notice of symptoms, to get tested for it. There can be many reasons for the symptoms. Always check with your doctor first, in case it may be celiac. There are however, for those of you that would like to be tested, a number of options. Our favorite is a great in home test from EnteroLab, www.enterolab.com. It's a combo saliva and stool, that is eazy peazy. If you would like more information about this, send us an email, or check out their website.
We would love to work with you!
Do you think you may have a gluten issue, or you know you do? Gluten sensitivity, and Celiac are a passion for us. We've successfully researched and worked for 15 + years with both issues. We are also passionate about helping you! So, if you want to achieve a healthy, nourished body in order to maximize your energy, vitality and live a life that inspires and excites you please contact us!
So what are you waiting for?