Diagnosing Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

Celiac disease, also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy is very common but frequently missed. It is an autoimmune disease of intestinal damage due to gluten in people who are genetically predisposed. Classic Celiac disease is diagnosed by abnormal blood tests and an abnormal
appearing intestine on biopsy and symptoms that resolve with a gluten free diet.

Several blood tests exist for Celiac disease. They have varying degrees of accuracy. Some are more sensitive, meaning they will be positive in milder forms of the disease but are not specific, meaning a positive test may not indicate Celiac disease. Others are felt to be very specific, meaning that when they are positive, it is almost certain you have the disease.

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The most specific tests are tests for Celiac disease endomysial antibodies (EMA) and
tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG) tests. These two tests are IgA based tests and can be negative if you are deficient in the immunoglobin IgA, which occurs in 10-20% of people with Celiac. When either EMA or tTG are positive Celiac disease is very likely and usually the intestine biopsy is positive. Recent studies indicate that the tTG may only be positive in 40% of true Celiacs when mild degrees of intestine damage are present on biopsy. Seronegative Celiac, meaning the blood tests are negative but the biopsy is positive, may occur in up to 20% of Celiacs.

Antibodies for gliadin (AGA), the toxic fraction of gluten are considered very sensitive but not specific for Celiac disease. Newer assays for AGA antibodies for gluten that has undergone a chemical change
called deamidation appear to be more specific for Celiac disease (Gliadin II,
Inova) than the older gliadin tests. They also may be as or more accurate than EMA and tTG
antibody tests but are not yet widely available.

The most distressing problem for people with lesser forms of gluten intolerance who have blood tests and/or biopsies that are normal or borderline yet respond to a gluten free diet is either not being taken seriously or knowing for sure if they are sensitive to gluten. For these individuals stool
antibody testing for antigliadin and tTG have been helpful. Such stool testing has been performed in research labs and published in a few studies but are only recently available through the commercial lab, Enterolab. Founded by a former Baylor research gastroenterologist, Dr Ken Fine, the tests are available to people online without a doctors order but are not generally covered by insurance. Dr. Fine, who patented the test, has yet to publish the results of his findings in a peer reviewed journal so his tests are not widely accepted. However, his unpublished data and the clinical experience of some of us who have used his test have
indicated the tests are very sensitive for signs of gluten sensitivity. He reports that they are 100% sensitive for Celiac disease and highly sensitive
for gluten sensitivity of lesser degrees. In the presence of symptoms, that reverse on a gluten-free diet,
abnormal stool antibody levels can be found in most people before blood tests or biopsies become
abnormal.

Small intestine biopsies during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
are considered the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of Celiac disease.
However, recent studies have demonstrated that some people with gluten sensitivity, especially relatives of Celiacs
with little or no symptoms, have changes from gluten injury to the intestine that can not be seen with normal microscope examination. They can only be seen with special stains not routinely done or with a research electron microscope. The special stains are known as immunohistochemistry stains. They stain specialized white
blood cells called lymphocytes in the intestinal lining tips or villi. When these lymphocytes are increased it is known as intraepithelial lymphocytosis or increased IELs and it is the earliest sign
of gluten induced injury or irritation. Electron microscopy also reveals very early ultrastructural changes in some individuals when blood tests and standard biopsy examination are normal. When people who have these changes are
offered the option of a gluten-free diet they usually responded favorably. In contrast, those who continue to eat gluten often later developed classic Celiac disease.

What these studies suggest is that a "normal small intestine biopsy" may exclude
Celiac disease as defined by strict criteria but it is not a gold standard for detecting gluten sensitivity. This fact is appreciated by many individuals who have respond to a gluten-free diet they start
based on their symptoms, family history, suggestive blood test or stool antibody
test(s).

Another source of confusion is in the genetics of Celiac and gluten sensitivity.
Testing for specific blood type patterns on white blood cells known as HLA
DQ2 and DQ8 is increasingly being employed to determine if a person carries either of the two gene
pattern present in 95-98% of Celiacs and predisposing them to the development of Celiac disease. Some use the absence of these two patterns
as a way of excluding the possibility of Celiac disease and the need for testing or
gluten-free diet. However, there are rare reports of documented Celiac disease in people who are DQ2 and
DQ8 negative. Moreover, recent studies indicate other DQ
patterns may be associated with gluten sensitivity though unlikely to
predispose to classic Celiac disease.

Testing for all the DQ patterns is advocated by Dr. Fine, based on his
experience with stool antibody test results. He reports that other DQ types are
associated with elevated levels of gliadin and tTG in the stool and symptoms that respond to a gluten-free diet.
According to his unpublished data, all the DQ types except DQ4 are associated with
a risk of intolerance to gluten. Therefore, testing for all the DQ types allows a person to
determine if they carry one of the two high risk gene types for Celiac disease or
any of the other "minor DQ" genes Fine has found associated with gluten sensitivity.

Enterolab's stool testing for gliadin antibodies and tissue
transglutaminase antibodies, though not widely accepted, have gained favor in the lay
public's opinion as an option for determining sensitivity to gluten either despite negative blood tests and/or biopsies or in place of the more invasive tests. Most doctors still recommend the accepted blood tests and small
bowel biopsy for confirmation of Celiac. Though the reports in the lay community
are overwhelmingly positive they have not been subjected to peer review in
the medical community pending Dr. Fine publishing his data or other researchers reproducing his results.

However, doctors open to
the broader problem of gluten
sensitivity are reporting these tests helpful in many patients suspected of gluten
intolerance. Especially when someone has symptoms consistent with gluten sensitivity but has negative or inconclusive blood tests and/or biopsies these tests may be very helpful though some are not certain
how to interpret the tests. The national Celiac organizations are uncertain about how to
comment on their application without published research though a recent article
in the British Medical Journal did show stool tests highly specific for Celiac. Dr.
Fine has publicly commented that his unpublished data demonstrates those with
abnormal stool tests indicating gluten sensitivity
overwhelmingly respond favorably to a gluten free diet with improvement of
symptoms and general quality of life.

Another problem is that there are not universally agreed upon definitions for gluten sensitivity or intolerance. This becomes especially difficult for those who do not meet strict criteria for Celiac disease yet may have abnormal tests and/or symptoms that respond to a gluten-free diet. Those individuals become confused when they try to find information but do not have a formal diagnosis of Celiac disease. Consensus in the medical community on definitions and more research in this area is greatly needed.

The few doctors who appreciate the spectrum of gluten
intolerance or sensitivity are outnumbered by the medical majority that continue to
insist on strict criteria for diagnosis for Celiac disease before recommending a
gluten-free diet. Doctors either unfamiliar with the limitations of the tests as documented by Celiac research or who insist on the
strict criteria for Celiac being the only indication for recommending a gluten free
diet unfortunately may confuse or frustrate gluten sensitive individuals. Some of these people then seek answers on the internet or from alternative practitioners. Many have their diagnosis missed, challenged, dismissed, or are misinformed. As a result they fail to benefit from the health
benefits of a gluten-free diet because they are advised that it is not required based on normal blood tests and/or normal biopsies. In the meantime, Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity continue to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. For more information visit http://www.thefooddoc.com.

Diagnosing Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

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Experts Pronounce Celiac Disease Is More Typical Than You Suppose

Celiac disease can be very harmful as it can definitely damage the inner lining of the small intestine and this will in turn not allow the intestine to absorb the part of the food. One should know that absorption of the food is very important and it definitely keeps the body healthy all the time. As far as the damage is concerned, it definitely affects the body and is caused due to the absorption of the gluten. One can find the gluten in the food material, which are like rye, oat, wheat and barley. No one until now has been able to find out the exact reason for the Celiac disease. There is no doubt at all that the lining of the intestine, known as the villi stops absorbing the nutrients. The food material, which contains the gluten damage the villi through the immune system.

After the body is affected by this disease then the body is not able to absorb the nutrients properly. Hence, the person gets malnourished but this does not depends upon the food, which they eat or she eats. Generally, the disease does not belong to any particular age group. It can develop at any stage from childhood to the adulthood. It does not really matter that the person is a child or an adult. It is hereditary. If any family member is being affected by the Celiac disease then that person has high chances to get the Celiac disease as well.

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This disease is quite common among the Caucasians as well as all the persons who are linked to Europe. It is also found that this disease is quite common among the women but the men seldom finds themselves being affected by this disease. There is no doubt at all that this disease can be found in multiple people. Undoubtedly, the diagnosis of this disease is definitely very tough due to some reason. The first person may have the constipation and the second person may have the problem with the stools. It might happen that the third person gets affected by the Diarrhea. Hence, this disease is definitely very hard to be diagonosed.

Some of the gastrointestinal symptoms can be found like constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss and decreased appetite. The chronic stress can definitely weaken the immune system and hence the syndrome symptoms of the Celiac disease is quite similar to the leaky gut syndrome symptoms. Generally, the Celiac disease causes leaky gut syndrome as well and this is not surprise news. Leaky gut damages the inner layer of the intestine, this is what happens in Celiac disease, and thus both of them might affect the body from side by side.

Some of the supplementary Celiac disease symptoms are like staining, gloominess or nervousness, fatigue, hair loss, nosebleeds, mouth ulcers, as well as the unexplained short heights. As far as the Celiac disease treatment is concerned, it definitely needs the Celiac disease diet and this type of diet should be free from the gluten, which can definitely be very dangerous. One should not dare to take the junk food as they are rich in gluten. This type of disease can be very harmful and hence the gluten free diet is important.

Those people who wants to get rid of the Celiac disease, should definitely make sure that they take the gluten free diet, which is essential.

Experts Pronounce Celiac Disease Is More Typical Than You Suppose

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Gluten Intolerance Vs Celiac Disease

People often assume gluten intolerance and celiac disease are one and the same. While celiac disease is a gluten sensitivity, it is possible to exhibit clear signs of a gluten sensitivity without testing positive for celiac sprue disease. One accurate way to look at it is to view celiac disease as a severe and more clearly diagnosed subset of a gluten intolerance. Let's walk through some of the similarities and differences between gluten intolerance vs celiac disease.

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Similar Symptoms

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One obvious similarity is that the symptoms experienced by someone who is intolerant to gluten and someone diagnosed as a celiac will be very similar. The primary symptoms will include alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea, excessive foul-smelling flatulence, intestinal bloating and cramping, lethargy, weight-loss and sore joints.

Similar Microvilli Response To A Gluten-Free Diet

One way doctors try to diagnose people as celiac or not is to take a biopsy of the small intestine wall before having the patient subscribe to a strict gluten-free diet and then after that patient has been on that diet for some time (usually at least six weeks).

Along the walls of the small intestines are little finger-like hairs called villi or microvilli. Someone suffering from both gluten intolerance and celiac disease will have damaged microvilli, and after subscribing to a strict gluten-free diet for a good period of time, the microvilli will start to recover.

Different Presence of Antibodies

The most common blood test for celiac sprue disease involves checking for raised levels of specific antibodies that are triggered by consuming gluten. These antibodies are AGA, EMA, and Anti-tTG. However, there have been cases where someone who broadly exhibits negative effects from consuming gluten won't always show a clear sign of having these antibodies at a raised level. In some people, these antibody levels may fluctuate, so testing them at different times may create different results.

While the presence of these antibodies strongly suggests celiac disease is present, some people have exhibited a clear negative response to consuming gluten despite testing negatively for this blood test, so it can be a difference.

Different Presence of Specific Genes

If DNA testing is conducted, a pretty stark line can be drawn between gluten intolerance vs celiac disease. If you exhibit symptoms of a sensitivity to gluten and you have the HLA-DQ8 or HLA-DQ2 genes, than you have celiac disease. If you show all the signs of being gluten sensitive but you don't have these genes you will be diagnosed as having an intolerance to gluten but you may not be diagnosed a celiac sufferer.

However, the genes associated with various degrees of gluten sensitivity are currently being researched and our understand of this matter appears to be evolving. But for now, this is another difference between those who would be considered gluten intolerant compared to those who would be officially diagnosed as having celiac disease.

Just because you test negative for celiac disease doesn't mean you aren't suffering from some form of gluten sensitivity. Please see your doctor before defining yourself either way. Specifically, I encourage you to discuss the matter with an immunologist who has specific experience with gluten sensitive patients.

Gluten Intolerance Vs Celiac Disease

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Celiac Disease Biopsy Explained: Part I Villous Atrophy

The diagnosis of celiac disease is confirmed by a characteristic abnormal appearance of the small intestine under the microscope. Flattening of the normal finger like projections called villi accompanied by signs of inflammation is taken to indicate damage or injury from the storage protein gluten in wheat and similar proteins in barley and rye. The small intestine biopsy has became the gold standard for establishing the diagnosis of Celiac disease or gluten sensitive enteropathy. Before 1960 gluten withdrawal followed by improvement and subsequent worsening upon rechallenge was the diagnostic criteria.

celiac disease

Early in the 1960's through the 1970's the small intestine was biopsied by having people swallow a small metal capsule that was attached to a suction tube. This was used to suction up tissue into the capsule before guillotining off some tissue once the capsule was confirmed to be in the small intestine by x-ray. Now the tissue is obtained by upper endoscopy, the passage of a lighted video scope through the mouth under sedation to the small intestine, where biopsies are obtained with cupped forceps.

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Celiac disease biopsy: What does the pathologist look for under the microscope?

The small intestine normally has finger like projections called villi that give it a large surface area or contact area for absorption. The villi result in a shag carpet or terry cloth towel type appearance. Lining the outside surface of each villous are intestinal cells or enterocytes that secrete mucus and absorb fluids, nutrients, minerals like iron, and vitamins like B12. On the surface of the enterocytes are digestive enzymes like lactase that digest lactose or milk sugar. At the base of the villi are crypts or circular like collections of intestinal cells.

Celiac disease biopsy: What is villous atrophy?

Normally, villi are 3-5 times longer than the crypts are tall. However, intestinal injury can result in blunting, shortening (partial villous atrophy) or complete loss of the villi and flattening (villous atrophy) of the intestinal surface. The shag carpet will have bare spots or the terry cloth towel becomes like a tee shirt. The result is lack of absorption of nutrients and water resulting in weight loss, malnutrition, and diarrhea.

Celiac disease biopsy: What if the biopsy does not show atrophy or partial atrophy?

If the villi are at least 3 times as long as the crypts are tall then no flattening or blunting of the villi is present and celiac disease becomes more difficult for the pathologist to diagnose without the history or blood test results. However, an increased number of IEL's (intra-epitheliel lymphocytes) in the setting of a positive specific blood test for celiac, symptoms and especially if supported by presence of DQ2 and/or DQ8 gene pattern, is highly suggestive of celiac disease. The difficulty comes when the blood tests for the specific tests are negative or not elevated but only the "non-specific" blood tests (anti-gliadin or AGA and anti-reticulin antibodies) are elevated. Also, some people with milder forms of celiac have no blood tests abnormal but have classic biopsy findings of celiac and are termed seronegative (blood test negative) celiacs.

Celiac disease biopsy: Can the biopsy be normal in celiac disease?

By definition, the biopsy has been considered the gold standard for diagnosing celiac. However, recent studies have shown that the biopsy can be normal in some people with celiac. How can this be? The pathologist reading the biopsy may interpret the biopsy as normal based on his or her bias about celiac disease, a failure to appreciate the significance of the presence of IEL's, or misuse of the older standard of >40 IEL's per 100. However, more importantly is the recent recognition that normal appearing biopsies may not be normal. Electron microscopy has revealed ultra-structural abnormalities in apparent normal biopsies of people confirmed to have celiac disease. Special stains, that include immune labeling of lymphocytes, have also confirmed increased numbers of certain types of specific lymphocytes in the villi of intestinal biopsies of people confirmed to have celiac. The bottom line is that a normal biopsy does not definitively exclude celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Celiac diasease biopsy: What are other possible causes of biopsy changes that mimic celiac disease?

Cow's milk protein sensitive enteropathy (CMSE), viral or bacterial infections, medications (especially aspirin like arthritis medications e.g. ibuprofen etc), autoimmune enteropathy, Helicobacter pylori infection (the stomach ulcer bacteria), AIDs, common variable immunodeficiency, and lymphoma of the intestine are all possible causes of small intestine changes that may mimic celiac. However, if you have classic celiac type symptoms, a positive celiac specific antibody (anti-endomysial antibody or tissue transglutaminase antibody) and a positive response to a gluten free diet then celiac is the likely cause. The likelihood is further increased if you carry one or both of the two major genes associated with celiac disease, DQ2 and/or DQ8. Normalization of celiac specific blood tests and the biopsy after a gluten free diet confirms the diagnosis of celiac disease.

Celiac Disease Biopsy Explained: Part I Villous Atrophy

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Celiac Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Chronic or unexplained constipation and diarrhea are often categorized as irritable bowel syndrome, otherwise known as IBS. But these can also be signs of celiac disease. While celiac sprue disease was once thought to be uncommon in the United States, as we learn more we discover it may not be as uncommon as once thought. In fact some people who have been told they have IBS may actually have a gluten sensitivity or even celiac disease.

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Correct Diagnosis Is Important

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The sad part about a possible misdiagnosis is that celiac sprue disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause damage to the intestines, which can affect the absorption of nutrients from food. Living for several years not absorbing all of the nutrients from your food can cause other health problems over time. This disease is triggered by eating gluten, a composite protein in grains like wheat, rye and barley. It is something most people are exposed to on a regular basis.

Symptoms Of Celiac Disease

There are a number of symptoms people may experience when they have celiac sprue disease or gluten intolerance. Because some celiac disease symptoms are fairly common and possibly a sign of another problem -- like loose stools, constipation, abdominal pain or bloating -- they are easy to misdiagnose.

Other symptoms of gluten intolerance or celiac disease are not gastrointestinal so they can be difficult to connect and correctly diagnose. Non-gastrointestinal symptoms can include skin lesions, joint pain, depression, anemia, fertility problems or osteoporosis. To make it even more difficult, some people don't have obvious symptoms but they may still be suffering from a lack of nutrition absorption caused by the damage done to the small intestine by the autoimmune response to gluten.

Risk Factors

There are a few uncontrollable risk factors to be aware of if you suspect you may be gluten intolerant. Celiac sprue disease can be genetic, so if someone else in your family has it consider getting tested. Women and Caucasians are more prone to this disorder. If you have another autoimmune disorder there is a greater chance you may be suffering from gluten intolerance.

What To Do

It is important to consult your doctor if you think you may have a problem digesting wheat products or any products with gluten, but in the meantime one thing you can do on your own is to completely eliminate gluten from your diet for a couple of weeks to see if the symptoms go away.

Keep a food journal and record any changes as you start to add gluten back into your diet. Take detailed notes on any changes you notice and report your findings to your doctor. You may ultimately discover you do have irritable bowel syndrome and not sensitivity to gluten, so don't jump to conclusions.

If you find out you have celiac disease you will need to completely eliminate gluten from your diet. Luckily as the demand has increased there are now more and more gluten-free food options available.

Celiac Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

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Celiac Disease in Children

Celiac disease is a condition which transpires in the small intestine. It is basically an autoimmune disorder that that occurs to people who are genetically predisposed to this condition. The disease in children may be a bit difficult to diagnose since those affected by this condition are too young to talk and communicate properly. Since this disease in children can stunt growth and reduce thriving, it is advisable to be aware of one's family history to be able to tackle this condition forewarned.

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Children are initially introduced to solid food around five to seven months. It may be around this time that a genetically predisposed child may be exposed to gluten which in turn triggers the autoimmune disease which if celiac disease. Regular ingestion of food products with gluten can worsen the condition and ruin the small intestines. This condition is also known as celiac spruce disease and is passed on genetically from one relative to another.

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Celiac disease in children may not be immediately obvious since this disease is triggered by the presence of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat that can cause the autoimmune system to affect the absorption function of the small intestine. One surefire symptom of celiac disease in children is stunted growth. This is caused by the malfunction of the absorption process of nutrients in the small intestines. This symptom manifests in the slow weight gain of the affected child as well as the slow growth, either horizontally or vertically of the child.

Diarrhea and fatigue are also other classic symptoms of celiac disease in children. Diarrhea has something to do with the inability of the small intestine to process and absorb food properly which means that there is a digestive problem. Fatigue is caused when the child lacks nutrients for an active lifestyle and is constantly tired due to the presence of celiac disease in children. In some cases, though, there is not much diarrhea occurring to the child which can result to a misdiagnosis of the disease.

Celiac disease in children can prove fatal if left untreated or unnoticed. Frequent ingestion of gluten can destroy the villi as well as the mucosa lining of the small intestine. This is where the problem arises and stays because the damage is usually permanent and can affect the digestive processes of the child. This disease in children should be treated properly as soon as it is diagnosed to avoid malnutrition or stunted growth.

Celiac Disease in Children

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The Link Between Fibromyalgia and Celiac Disease

Do you have Fibromyalgia? Are you constantly sick and tired all the time? Have you been told to live with it and that there is no cure? Could you actually have Celiac Disease and it has been undiagnosed? Is there a possibility you could find a solution to all your health problems that is a simple as a change in diet?

celiac disease

Fibromyalgia is a complex pain syndrome, with a multitude of different symptoms and without a single known cause. There are many symptoms. Here are some of them:

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• Increased sensitivity
• Stiffness on Awakening.
• Arthritis like pain, with or without joint involvement
• Fatigue
• Un-refreshed sleep (tired on awakening)
• Sleep Disturbances
• Muscular pain
• Tendon pain
• Hormonal effects
• Headaches and Migraines
• Brain Fog
• Depression
• Exercise Intolerance
• Low immunity/ frequent infections
• Stomach/ Bowel disturbances /Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• TMJ/ jaw pain.

Many people tend to have Fibromyalgia as a co-existing condition along with another disease. The most common of these is Rheumatoid Arthritis, but it can also exist with Lupus, or Psoriasis. However is also possible for it to exist as a stand alone disease. There is however another possibility that has been overlooked and that is the incidence of Celiac Disease that is being misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia.

Celiac Disease is an auto-immune disease that is, the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues seeing them as a foreign substance. When a person with Celiac Disease eats any food containing gluten (the protein found in Wheat, Rye, Oats and Barley), the body reacts to those proteins found in the gluten and attacks the small finger like projections in the small intestine called villi, thus preventing absorption of food. This leads to major digestive disorders, stomach ailments, fatigue, anemia, headaches, exhaustion, and pain and fatigue.

At least 1 in 100 people have Celiac Disease but it is often missed. It is not commonly something that is checked for when someone has all the fibromyalgia symptoms, but it is worth ruling out and investigating. It is diagnosed by a blood test and by a biopsy of the small intestine during a gastroscopy. The simple treatment of it is a completely Gluten free diet.

Most often people with Fibromyalgia have digestive disorder complaints, most commonly they are told that it is caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The symptoms of this are alternating diarrhea and constipation, nausea, bloating and wind and constant fatigue. Well unsurprisingly this is also the exact symptoms of Celiac Disease! How many doctors have checked their Fibromyalgia patients for Celiac. I know I wasn't.

Since following a Gluten free diet all my symptoms of Fibromyalgia and IBS have disappeared! I am however not advocating that all Fibromyalgia is caused by Celiac Disease, but don't you think it's worth your health to rule it out.

The Link Between Fibromyalgia and Celiac Disease

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Celiac Disease - Neurological Damage Caused By Celiac

Did you know that sufferers of celiac disease (those who have an autoimmune reaction to gluten) can end up with severe neurological problems?

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There are many in-depth articles and discussion on medical websites and journals which discuss the links between neurological symptoms and gluten intolerance. Most people with classic celiac disease believe that it is mainly their small intestine which is affected as the body's gluten intake is attacked by the body's autoimmune system.

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They know that the disease causes the body to mistakenly identify gluten as a toxic material and then, as a result, it releases antibodies against which erode the lining of the small intestine. As it is mostly classic digestive symptoms that send the gluten intolerant to the doctor, it is easy to forget that the disease can affect other parts of the body as well.

Reaching a diagnosis of celiac often takes years. For those with gluten-related neurological disorders, the diagnostic journey is much more difficult, and without increased public awareness many may never discover the destructive connection gluten has to their health.

Suffers of the disease may sustain neurological damage whose symptoms include difficulty walking, balance and coordination problems, numbness, slurred speech, headaches, seizures and dementia, among others. These neurological symptoms can occur with or without the other symptoms associated with celiac disease. In the case of neurological symptoms, the antibodies attack the brain. In cases of ataxia, which causes mobility problems and unsteadiness, the antibodies seem to be attacking the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls coordination and movement.

Current research indicates that the same antibodies that attack the small intestine of a person with celiac disease are also responsible for the neurological damage as well. As common as the phrases gluten-free and celiac disease have become in recent years, very little is mentioned about the neurological damage that gluten can wreak on the human body.

Celiac Disease - Neurological Damage Caused By Celiac

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Celiac Disease and Gluten Linked to Brain Disease by Deposits in Intestine and Brain

Antibodies for tissue transglutaminase found in the intestines of blood test negative celiac disease patients are also found in the intestine and brain in people with brain disease due to gluten. Gluten ataxia is a brain disorder characterized by balance disturbances not explained by any other cause but due to the ingestion of gluten. The disorder responds to a gluten free diet if irreversible brain damage has not already occurred. Calcifications can be seen in the brain on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

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Deposits of gluten related antibodies have been found in brain tissue obtained on biopsy and autopsy specimens. Mario Hadjivassiliou, M.D. from Sheffield England recommends gluten ataxia be added to a list of gluten related diseases that includes peripheral neuropathy and the skin disorder dermatitis herpetiformis. He has called for a new paradigm to be accepted where celiac disease is not considered primarily as an intestinal disease.

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Dr. Hadjivassiliou and colleagues recently published a report of nine patients with gluten ataxia compared with seven patients with ataxia due to other causes. They found tissue transglutaminase IgA deposition on jejunum intestinal tissue on all nine patients with gluten ataxia but none of the control patients. Brain tissue from an autopsy of one patient with gluten ataxia was also found to have IgA tTG deposits in the cerebellum, pons and medulla of the brain but not in a control brain.

Previous studies have found negative celiac blood tests in patients with gluten ataxia suggesting that they may not have celiac though they had a gluten related disease. In light of a new report that blood test negative celiac disease can have intestinal tTG and advanced intestinal damage it is curious to wonder if the gluten ataxia patients with blood tests negative are seronegative celiacs. It is increasingly appearing that there is a very broad spectrum of gluten related disease and there are non-celiac gluten related symptoms that include the brain, skin, musculoskeletal system as well as the gut.

Many patients I have seen with gluten sensitivity describe symptoms of balance difficulty, concentration problems or "brain fog", headaches, and neuropathy and a few report symptoms such as "bug crawling" sensations and strange muscle twitches. These symptoms commonly improve with a gluten-free diet and return with intentional or accidental gluten exposure. For some, intestinal symptoms or skin rashes occur but not all. The concept of gluten as a cause of brain symptoms is still not one widely known or accepted by many doctors, especially in the United States. However in Europe, especially England, Germany and Scandinavian countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand the gluten brain-gut connection is more accepted.

Casein causing brain symptoms is also not commonly accepted by doctors in the U.S. though many lay public organizations and support groups have found a casein-free diet to be associated with improvement of brain function as well as helping autism.

What is needed is more openness of U.S. doctors to the role of diet and foods in such symptoms and diseases and much more scientific research. I ask you to join me on the journey of the food, bacteria, gut-brain-joint-skin connection to disease and health.

References:

Autoantibody targeting of brain and intestinal transglutaminase in gluten ataxia. Hadjivassiliou M. et. al. Neurology 2006; 66:373-377.

Endomysial antibody-negative coeliac disease: clinical characteristics and intestinal autoantibody deposits. Gut 2006; 55:1746-1753.

Celiac Disease and Gluten Linked to Brain Disease by Deposits in Intestine and Brain

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Gluten Allergies, Celiac Disease and Dairy

Gluten is found in the protein of cereal grains. It can be found in a wide variety of foods and some people have allergies to it. Allergies to gluten are found in women more than men and tend to affect those of European descent.

lyme disease

Gluten allergies can cause eczema, skin rashes, itching and hives. More severe sufferers may develop asthma. Nearly 43 percent of gluten allergy sufferers who never seek treatment will get arthritis. Fifteen percent who go on a gluten-free diet because of their allergies will get arthritis anyway.

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Celiac, also known as Coeliac is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract that very often forms directly from an allergic reaction to gluten. Its symptoms are similar to those of a regular gluten allergy, but it can also cause brain dysfunction, arthritis and inflammation of the lungs. You might also notice a clay-colored greasy stool. It is much more serious than the allergies it came from and must be guarded against.

Symptoms that gluten allergies have turned to Celiac are diarrhea, weight loss, iron deficiency, bloating, abdominal pain and malnutrition. The latter is caused by a decreased ability to absorb essential nutrients like iron and vitamins K and D. Celiac sufferers are at higher risk for esophagus, pharynx and small intestinal cancer. Fibroid lung disease seems to occur at a higher rate in gluten allergy and Celiac sufferers.

The treatment for both gluten allergies and Celiac is avoidance of gluten. There is no cure for any allergy. One must simply avoid the allergen. When doing so, it's a good idea to take some natural supplements to replace the nutrients you're missing in your gluten-free diet. They'll help build your body back up to its normal, healthy state.

So what is a gluten-free diet? It's one in which you eat no food containing wheat, oats, barley or rye in any form whatsoever. It can be difficult, but once you start finding alternatives to grains, you'll start feeling better quickly. It's important to find other tasty foods in order to keep yourself away from those that will make you sick.

It's important to note that if you have been diagnosed with a gluten allergy, it's very likely you also are sensitive to dairy products. Milk or dairy allergies are sensitivities to proteins found in cows' milk. Most cows eat a lot of grain and perhaps a link can be inferred.

Milk allergy symptoms can occur within minutes or hours after consuming the dairy product. They can be triggered by a very small amount of milk protein in the system. Like gluten allergy symptoms they can be skin reactions, like swollen lips, tongue, mouth, face or throat. They can also be digestive reactions, such as vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhea. Respiratory reactions can include a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes or shortness of breath.

The needed nutrient in dairy products that must be replaced when embarking on a gluten- and dairy-free diet is primarily calcium. Aside from natural supplements, increase your intake of calcium-rich foods like seafood, spinach, broccoli and salmon.

A gluten allergy is not the end of the world. There are plenty of fresh, colorful and tasty foods that contain no grain or dairy. But you must stay vigilant to keep your allergies from turning into something much worse.

Gluten Allergies, Celiac Disease and Dairy

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Celiac Disease Symptoms Difficult to Diagnose

Celiac disease, or CD, is an autoimmune disease which requires a strict gluten-free diet to treat. If you are familiar with celiac sprue disease, you are probably familiar with the gastrointestinal symptoms, such as intermittent diarrhea, constipation, malodorous flatulence and intestinal pain. However, there are many CD symptoms you may not typically associate with celiac sprue disease.

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Latent Celiac Disease Symptoms

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While latent celiac symptoms can be any symptoms of CD, there are a few symptoms that are more likely to be latent than others. A latent symptom of any kind is one that does not consistently present itself. Because it doesn't persist, people may mistakenly discount it as a sign of a specific illness.

Common latent symptoms of celiac sprue disease include joint pain or arthritis, headaches and migraines, numbness and tingling in the limbs and extremities, and mouth sores.

Silent Celiac Disease Symptoms

Silent celiac symptoms are similar to latent symptoms of celiac in that they are present but often either overlooked or misdiagnosed. While gastrointestinal symptoms like those mentioned at the beginning are pretty evident, silent symptoms often blend into your life and are excused for occurring as a result of some other activity in your life. You might not associate these celiac signs with a serious condition like celiac sprue disease.

Common silent symptoms of celiac sprue disease include headaches, fatigue, irritability, nausea, sore muscles and minor weight loss.

Refractory Celiac Disease Symptoms

Refractory CD is the most serious and frustrating form of this autoimmune disease. Sadly, it may be overlooked simply because the typical treatment for CD is a gluten-free diet. Yet those suffering from refractory CD are the rare few whose bodies will not respond to a gluten-free diet.

Because the symptoms do not go away after eliminating gluten from one's diet, some people with this form of CD may believe they are not actually suffering from celiac disease symptoms. But they are and they must be treated with stronger medications such as cortisone and immuno-suppressant drugs to help them heal their intestinal tract.

Misdiagnosed Celiac Symptoms

Other symptoms which may be hard to diagnose include those misdiagnosed as other ailments. These include lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease. If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions, you might have your doctor further investigate the possibility that you are actually experiencing CD symptoms.

Celiac sprue disease is a serious autoimmune disease and if you suspect you may be suffering from it, I urge you to consult your doctor right away. A strict gluten-free diet may be your key to greater health and vitality.

Celiac Disease Symptoms Difficult to Diagnose

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