While the existence of gluten
sensitivity is, at this point well established, I wanted to write this post to
address a common misconception. And that is that some people adopt a
gluten-free diet who perhaps don’t need to.
Just a few weeks ago, a study was
published in the Journal of Clinical
Gastroenterology.The authors wanted to address the topic of people
adopting a gluten-free diet without a celiac diagnosis.
Dr Murray and his team from the Mayo
Clinic evaluated 137 patients on a self-treated gluten free diet and compared
them with 443 patients with known celiac disease. Those on the self-treated
diet had a history of diarrhea, abdominal distention, flatulence, cramping,
itchy skin, oral inflammation and constipation. These symptoms were more
frequent in this group as compared to those with celiac who presented with more
anemia and malaise (fatigue).
Upon testing it was discovered that 2%
of those self-treated patients actually had celiac disease and 59% of them
carried the gene for celiac disease. This was compared to 94% of those with
confirmed celiac disease who carried the genes.
Interestingly, both groups had the same
incidence of celiac disease in their families.
As far as gaining benefit from the
gluten free diet, both groups had an extremely high response rate – 98% with
the celiac patients and 94% with the self-treated group.
What does this mean? It means that
individuals do not adopt a gluten-free diet just for the heck of it, as is
sometimes implied. But rather, they have intelligently discovered for
themselves, whether due to a missed celiac diagnosis or a missed gluten
sensitivity, that their body does much better gluten-free.
Do you follow a gluten-free diet
despite no formal diagnosis? If so, do not doubt your decision or self
awareness. You are doing the right thing!
I hope this was helpful and validating
if you fall into this category. Studies such as these will start to show the
true incidence of gluten sensitivity in our society and give credence to those
who have chosen to follow a gluten-free diet despite no formal celiac
diagnosis.
If your health is not to the level you
desire, please consider calling us for a free health analysis.
If you don’t live locally, that isn't a
problem. Our destination clinic treats patients from across the country and
internationally. We are here to help!
Need Help? We're Here for You!
If you felt as if I was describing you above, you are not alone. As I mentioned earlier, adrenal fatigue/exhaustion is almost epidemic. If you would like assistance and don’t have a clinician whom you feel can assist you, consider contacting us for a FREE Health Analysis. We are a Destination Clinic and treat patients from across the country and internationally. We would be delighted to help you as we have been doing so for over two decades.
Visit us at www.RootCauseMedicalClinic.com. If you have questions or need any help, I’m here for you! Call 408-733-0400.
I look forward to hearing from you.
To your good health,
Dr Vikki Petersen, DC, CCN, CFMP
IFM Certified Practitioner
Founder of Root Cause Medical Clinic
Co-author of “The Gluten Effect”
Author of the eBook: “Gluten Intolerance – What You Don’t Know May Be Killing You!”
Founder of Root Cause Medical Clinic
Co-author of “The Gluten Effect”
Author of the eBook: “Gluten Intolerance – What You Don’t Know May Be Killing You!”
Source:
Journal of Clinical
Gastroenterology. 2013 Apr 29. [Epub
ahead of print] Human
Leukocyte Antigen Genetics and Clinical Features of Self-treated Patients on a
Gluten-free Diet.
2 comments:
This is a great write-up, and one that helps to dispel many of the myths surrounding the benefits of going gluten-free.
Going gluten-free can be of great benefit to many people and is an absolute must for people who suffer not only from Celiac Disease, but also (potentially) people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's Disease and other ailments.
That said, sometimes after years of gluten consumption, the damage has been done and diet modification isn't enough; in cases like that, digestive enzymes can be of real benefit.
Team Sorbeo
www.getsorbeo.com
A gluten-free diet is not a proven way to lose weight, however. You will only lose weight if your gluten-free diet involves portion control and healthy foods to keep your calorie intake below your daily calorie burn rate.
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