Doctors have always labeled celiac disease as a rare food allergy that, while a serious condition for those afflicted, is generally not something the rest of us need to worry about.
Well, it seems that the underlying problem that causes celiac disease — an autoimmune condition caused by gluten intolerance — isn’t so much rare as it is undiagnosed. Some researchers postulate that individuals often have symptoms for as many as 11 years before they are diagnosed correctly. Worse, they believe that only 2.5 percent of those who have some form of gluten intolerance ever get diagnosed at all.
This is sad, considering how serious the health consequences can be — and that the condition can often be completely rectified through diet.
Untreated, gluten sensitivity can result in a long list of disorders, including many cancers, autoimmune disorders, neurological diseases, chronic pain syndromes, and even psychiatric and other brain disorders. The classic symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. However, digestive symptoms are not the only symptoms celiac can cause. Neurological disorders associated with the disease include sporadic and progressive cerebellar ataxia, cerebral atrophy and dementia, cerebral vasculitis, myopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and epilepsy.
If you suspect that you or anyone in your family might have celiac disease, or a gluten-sensitivity, you can ask your doctor to perform a tTG or tissue transgluminase test. Keep in mind that if you have already eliminated wheat or gluten products from your diet, this test will come up negative, even if you have the sensitivity. But if you have consumed any wheat products and have the sensitivity, this test will do a better job of picking it up than previous tests.
If you do have celiac disease or gluten-intolerance, eliminating grains and grain products (like rice, pasta, bread, etc.) from your diet can go a long way in helping you feel better –sometimes even better than you can imagine.
Many people who have this disease report that they were so accustomed to their low level of health, they almost didn’t know they had a problem — until they went gluten-free. Suddenly, they transform into healthy people, full of energy.
Co-author of the book Dangerous Grains, Ron Hoggan, reports that he didn’t realize until he eliminated gluten grains from his diet how uncomfortable and chronically ill he had been for much of his life.
To learn more about gluten sensitivity, check out Dr. Wright’s article on this topic from the March 2002 issue of Nutrition & Healing. (Subscribers can download it for free at www.nutritionandhealing.com.) Or check your local library or bookstore for a copy of Dangerous Grains by James Braly and Ron Hoggan.
Being aware of this condition and knowing what signs to look for may just keep you or someone you know from becoming one of those “undiagnosed” statistics.
Your way or the highway
Q: My doctor has had me on HRT for a while now. But after all the reading I’ve been doing on the dangers associated with it, I really want to pursue treatment with bio-identical hormones further. The problem is, my doctor isn’t interested in working with me on making the switch. Do you have any tips for finding a doctor in my area who will be willing to work with me?
JVW: I wish your problem was less common, but, unfortunately, the growing number of people who want to explore natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals are often thwarted in their efforts by their healthcare provider.
However, there are a couple of resources that may be able to help. First, the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) — (800)532-3688, (949)583-7666, www.acam.org — can provide a list of doctors near you who are skilled in natural medicine. ACAM is a not-for-profit association of physicians in various fields who believe in using natural alternatives in their practice. Their website listing will also indicate if the doctor has a specialty — and some do specialize in bio-identical hormone replacement.
Another resource is the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP). Check the AANP website at www.naturopathic.org for a listing of qualified naturopathic doctors (N.D.s) in your area. N.D.s take a holistic approach to health, looking at the entire person, not just a subset of symptoms.
Of course, in choosing any doctor, make sure you find someone who will listen to you and who will spend the time it takes to resolve your health concerns and challenges in a safe and effective way.
What is hypochlorhydria?
Hypochlorhydria is the official term for having too little stomach acid — and it is a common condition found in people with celiac disease. Stomach acid is a necessary ingredient for proper digestion and a key factor in determining how much of the vitamins and minerals in the food you ingest actually make their way into your system.
This condition is much more common than people realize. As we age, our stomach acid levels naturally decline. Unfortunately, many people believe that heartburn and indigestion is a result of having too much stomach acid. So they pop purple pills and antacids to decrease their production of stomach acid, which only adds to the problem.
Ultimately, hypochlorhydria can result in serious health problems including depression, macular degeneration, early aging, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction, skin disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, even an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Fortunately, it can be resolved easily and naturally once it is detected and properly diagnosed.
Dr. Wright has written an entire book on this subject called “Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You” that gives the entire scoop on this common — and commonly missed — health problem. This book is available in most bookstores as well as through amazon.com.
Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing
Sources:
Braly, James, M.D. and Ron Hoggan, M.A. Dangerous Grains: Why Gluten Cereal Grains May Be Hazardous to Your Health. New York: Avery Publishing Group, 2002
Pazianas M, Butcher GP, et al. “Calcium absorption and bone mineral density in celiacs after long term treatment with gluten-free diet and adequate calcium intake.” Osteoporos Int. 2004: published online 6/17/04
Goggins M, et al. “Celiac Disease and Other Nutrient Related Injuries to the Gastrointestinal Tract.” American Journal of Gastroenterology 1994; 89(8): S2-S13.
Pratesi R, Gandolfi L, et al. “Is the prevalence of celiac disease increased among epileptic patients?” Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2003 Jun; 61(2B): 330-334
