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Gluten - the protein with teeth
Gluten is called the protein with teeth for good reason. In Celiacs gluten actually attacks the lining of the intestine causing tissue damage, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. The only answer is a gluten-free diet, which brings relief that is immediate and dramatic.

(Could you be gluten-sensitive? Check your symptoms against those for food intolerance: Symptoms Matrix)

About 100,000 Australians have Celiac Disease, but the reality is many don't know about it. Undiagnosed Celiacs (thought to be the majority) suffer their symptoms chronically or long-term. A direct result is that nutrients like iron are not absorbed properly. See Gluten sensitivity

However, the human body is amazing. Even with this continuous stress it still manages to allow us to operate normally. That is until we get sick from a bad bout of flu or other infection.
Then the long term damage may show up. The most common indicator is low iron or anemia. That's why many Celiacs are not diagnosed until later in life. The body's ability to counter the constant assault on the gut lining diminishes with age.

Notoriously difficult to diagnose
Traditionally Celiac Disease is typified by iron deficiency, weight loss, failure to thrive in children, and gastro-intestinal distress: severe flatulence, nausea, chronic diarrhea, bloating and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
However some undiagnosed Celiacs have chronic symptoms like fatigue, anaemia, osteoporosis, depression and infertility - none of which is especially suggestive of a disorder of the gut (1).
Celiac Disease has now been classified to exist as four different types: typical, atypical, latent and potential.

Research has shown that Celiac Disease is difficult to diagnose because symptoms are not standard. Another indicator is Irritable Bowel Syndrome and is now significantly associated with CD.
Even doctors and health professionals agree that Celiac Disease is poorly diagnosed. There are Celiacs who show no outward symptoms but who test positive (2) using long-accepted blood testing methods.

And there are other Celiacs whose combination of symptoms does not suggest a gastro-intestinal disorder. So they are not screened for CD. For the sufferer and medical practitioner alike CD is tricky to nail down.

Greater awareness leads to better understanding
As with all things, heightened awareness leads to better appreciation. Celiac Disease and its treatment - the Gluten-free diet is increasingly in the media - a good thing for two reasons.

• The disease and its impact on lifestyle are becoming better understood


• Those observing a gluten-free diet are enjoying access to a wider range of foods as manufacturers and retailers become educated.

" . . . for a patient with Celiac Disease to be slightly overweight and in good physical condition wasn't typical, they said. I miscarried twice in one year. It happens, they explained."

How many people suffering headaches, nausea, iron deficiency, muscular aches and pains, with a history of infertility or miscarriage have considered the possibility of Celiac Disease?

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References

• 1. An inappropriate immune response. Sollid, Ludvig M. and Knut E. Lundin: Lancet Volume 358, Supplement 1, 2001.
• 2. Association of adult coeliac disease with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a case-control study in patients fulfilling ROME II criteria referred to secondary care. Sanders et al. Lancet 2001; Volume 358: 1504 -1508.
• 3. Tricky to find, hard to treat, impossible to cure. Susanna Lohiniemi: Lancet Volume 358, Supplement 1, 2001.






More information

Symptoms Matrix (must register first)
The Food Intolerance Healing Program.