Gluten Sensitivity: An Uncommonly Known Condition with Common Symptoms

Many of us, who suffer from acid reflux, heartburn, stomach bloating and gas, work hard to change our diet only to find that even though we're eating less fat and calories, we still have some of the same stomach problems as before. This may be a signal of gluten sensitivity--a condition which requires a lifetime commitment to eating differently, which could save our life. Here's a simple breakdown and overview of this uncommonly known condition.

What is gluten?

According to dictionary.com, gluten is "the tough, viscid, nitrogenous substance remaining when the flour of wheat or other grain is washed to remove the starch." Glutens are further described as a protein mixture, or prolamins, called gliadins and glutelins, insoluble in water and create the elastic nature of dough and the spongy texture of bread. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye, but will also be present in any of the products made from these grains. Cereal, bread, crackers, pasta, and also some inedible products, such as medicine fillers, contain gluten.

What is gluten sensitivity?

The Gluten Syndrome.net states: "Gluten grain sensitivity is an umbrella term for unhealthy responses to wheat, rye, barley and oats." Although, there is still some speculation that oats cause gluten sensitivity, sensitivity toward gluten occurs when the body's immune system is triggered to recognize gluten as a toxic foreign protein when certain genes (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8) are present within the individual. Because of the high levels of antibodies in the blood of these individuals and the sensitivity of their immune system, the body feels this "foreign protein" is something to rid itself of and begins to defend the body against it. This can cause the body to prevent the absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

What are the symptoms of gluten sensitivity?

An individual may not show any symptoms of gluten sensitivity until villi in the intestines have been damaged, but when symptoms occur, they may include, bloating or pain of the abdomen, constipation, and/or diarrhea, nausea which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting, acid reflux/heartburn, flatulence, joint pain, bone pain, fatigue, weight gain/loss, mouth ulcers, anemia, malnutrition, and infertility and abnormal periods in women.

When to get tested

Medical News Today reported in 2006 that 1 in 133 Americans have Celiac Disease, the disease characterized by the body's intolerance to gluten, and it is most prevalent in people of Northern European descent. Anyone with a relative with gluten sensitivity or any of a plethora of auto-immune diseases should be tested. A blood test will first be done to check for very high levels of the antibodies anti-endomysial and anti-tissue transglutaminase. An endoscopic biopsy of the villi within the small intestine may also be performed to check for damage. This requires running a small endoscope down the patient's mouth into the small intestine.

What happens now?

When an individual has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease or as being gluten sensitive, it is then necessary for them to change their diet and avoid gluten and its products. Many of the foods which contain gluten are obvious, but some, such as some premade sauces, may have gluten hidden within and require much research to become familiar with the foods that are safe to consume. It may be daunting, but after becoming familiar with which products are safe to eat, the process of selection will be easier and feeling better is definitely worth the work.

Following a gluten-free diet may help to rid those who are sensitive to gluten, of many of the symptoms associated with gluten sensitivity and Celiac Disease, but there is no substitute for the advice of a good physician which should always be sought before any drastic diet change. By paying attention to what your body is telling you and doing a little research, this uncommonly known condition may become a little better understood.

Sources:
Dictionary.com (2009). Gluten. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gluten

Medical News Today (2006). What Is Gluten Intolerance? What Is Celiac Disease? Retrieved from http:www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/38085.php

Primer on Gluten Grain Sensitivities (2006). The Gluten Syndrome.net. Retrieved from http://theglutensyndrome.net/primer.pdf