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Gluten Sensitivity Spectrum – Not Just a Celiac Issue

The Gluten Autoimmune Spectrum

The following picture displays some of the more common manifestations of gluten induced diseases. Problem is, many people, doctors, nutritionists, and the media are mostly in the dark when it comes to the different diseases linked to this food protein. Different manifestations of gluten induced damage The following is an abstract from a recent paper published in the journal, Rev Neurol. 2011 Sep 1;53(5):287-300.
Gluten sensitivity is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals on ingesting gluten. It can appear at any age, then becoming a permanent condition. It is more frequent in women, as happens with other autoimmune diseases. Celiac disease is the intestinal form and the most important manifestation among a set of gluten-induced autoimmune pathologies that affect different systems. Neurological manifestations of gluten sensitivity, with or without enteropathy, are also frequent, their pathogenesis including an immunological attack on the central and peripheral nervous tissue accompanied by neurodegenerative changes. The clinical manifestations are varied, but the most common syndromes are cerebellar ataxia and peripheral neuropathy. Finally, gluten sensitivity is associated to a varying degree, with other complex diseases and could influence their evolution. The early detection of cases of gluten sensitivity with neurological manifestations and subsequent treatment with the gluten-free diet could provide remarkable benefits to the patients.
Gluten Free Society's Stance - Dr. Peter OsborneThis research study is just another study of an ever growing list of medical research documenting the existence of gluten sensitivity in the absence of celiac disease. Why is this important? Most doctors don’t know the difference. Most doctors aren’t aware that gluten can contribute to hundreds of symptoms, syndromes, and diseases. Many of these symptoms manifest not in the gut, but in other tissues and organs.

Common examples of gluten related conditions are:

If gluten has affected your health in ways not linked to the intestine, share it with us below on facebook.

15 Responses

  1. Very interesting.

    I continue to wonder why many claim “celiac is the…most important manifestation.” Some of the other things gluten can cause –ataxia, for one– are devastating physical conditions. Why is celiac more important than ataxia or any other condition caused by gluten?

  2. I have a 9yr old daughter who has been suffering from some sort of intestinal bowel issue…the doctor tested her once for celiac disease, it came back with a borderline positive result….they herrefuse to retest her …the more ive read and been self educating….the more concerned I am…and finding a support group of people who know and understand…..

  3. My fibro was greatly reduced for a time when first starting a gf diet. However over the years it did start to get worse again.

  4. My fibromyalgia has improved quite a bit after giving up gluten. I still have flare ups, but they are less severe than they were before I gave up gluten. And I do notice that if I mess up, or cheat, that I feel it for the next few days.

    As a child, I had sensitivity to both dairy and processed sugars and the combination of meat and potatoes~ diagnosed by a Naturopath Dr. So it doesn’t surprise me that wheat is now added to the list.

  5. I was diagnosed with Celiacs when I was 23. Its been three years now, and it changed my life. I went from 276lbs to 150lbs, and it was confirmed…I was misdiagnosed as a child with ADHD. The gluten was speeding my brain up like speed. It is so great to think clearly now.

  6. I have battled with gut, immune and other disorders since I was a child. I have been tested a few times for celiacs and have always tested positive. I have been on a gluten free diet on and off for 10 years now and know that I definitely feel better off gluten than on it. Just recently I have tested positive to autoimmune antibodies although it is not clear which one it is until further testing. If I had of known the dangers of gluten 10 years ago I would have not treated gluten so lightly. My daughter is now also being treated for gluten sensitivity although again it has been undiagnosed. The sooner there is a more straight forward testing routine for gluten sensitivity the better.

  7. I do not have celiac disease; I am gluten intolerant.

    I have had hormonal disruptions and imbalances my entire life; I have had neurological issues as an adult, and I have had psychological disorders throughout my life.

    Clinically, I have none of these conditions at this time. I have been gluten free since 2005, and grain free since 2009.

    These issues did not fully resolve until 2010, after being grain free for one year.

    Don’t play with this! If you are sensitive, avoid all grains (without cheating), and you will be amazed at how your body can heal you.

    1. Wow. Thank you so much. I’ve been gluten-free for probably 25 years and I’ve seen some benefit, and really not that much. I’m so grateful for finding Dr. Osborne and for testimonials like yours. Thank you for sharing. I have hope that going grain free will seal the deal.

  8. My symptoms were not related to the intestines, mine are muscular. I get such extreme muscle fatigue sometimes I have trouble breathing. When I have a reaction to food I need reading glasses when I’m good, no reading glasses, that’s how bad the muscle reaction is. I was told by many different doctors I was fine (could be depressed, which I was because no one would help me). No one suggested food as an issue. Even now I get poo poo’d when I tell doctors about my food sensitivities. If I didn’t go through the process myself I would still be suffering. I am now “grain” free, dairy free, sugar free, nightshade free, chicken egg free, it’s a process but it’s well worth it. There’s sooooo much info out there, you really don’t need doctors, patience and the desire to change.

      1. I have been gluten free for about 6 years after testing positive to gluten intolerance. I started using oil of oregano as recommended by Dr Oz and I continue to improve. I still have bad days, but more good days these days. I have rice occasionally and tolerate it well.

  9. I realized I was gluten sensitive almost three years ago. I’ve been grain free for almost three months. My health has improved greatly! The point I want to make is that you should not wait for a positive test result if you think you may have an issue with gluten and grains. Just take some time to plan ahead and start a gluten free and grain free diet. It’s likely you will see improvements in your health quickly. You will feel empowered as your health improves and will want to explore and experiment with wonderful new foods and recipes. Here’s a tip – Sweet potatoes are a wonderful and versatile food. I frequently make sweet potato mash, sweet potato chili and sweet potato fries and they’re all wonderful! Also, look into the Paleo Diet. It dovetails perfectly with a gluten/grain free diet. All the best to all of you. I wish you the best of health!

  10. I have had celiac disease for 18 years now. Was diagnosed with epilepsy 16 years ago. The type was complex partial. I now have had two brain surgeries and doctors have removed all the brain cells that have died and caused seizures!
    Unfortunately I have started reacting to lactose since the last surgery. The nurse and from my research shows this could be due to stress, DNA, antibiotics, medication for seizures, And more.
    Also am allergic to polyester! The man made fabric with plastic bottles and chemicals. This gives me Urticaria, hives that can be up to 12″ diameter and eyes swollen closed as well as lips being 3x their size.
    I have to constantly check that my epilepsy medicine is gluten free as well as lactose free. Checking all skin care, oral care, hair care is also important. I have reacted to these areas, especially oral!

  11. My symptoms prior to diagnosis as an adult, were similar to dimensia. I would even forget I was driving and suddenly let go of the wheel to look at a bill… and many more examples.
    I was only 30.
    I have struggled with sleep issues since I was small and had trouble focusing. Like walking to the post office to get the mail and forgetting it.

    I’ve been meat intolerant since birth. Not for lack of trying. I had a family that tried to cook it many ways and different kinds. It makes me instantly puke.
    As a child, I recall lots of abdominal pain and constipation. My parents put flour on everything. .. we had no idea.
    I’m convinced my poor mother had it as well. She was barely able to function from 40 on. Child birth took all her calcium. She had arteries disease, emphysema, heart attacks, strokes, annurisms, ulcers to the bone, uterine cancer at one point. She suffered horribly, had shingles for 10 years, was in constant pain and still the sweetest woman I ever knew.
    She was on a lot of medication but in retrospect. She ate flour everyday and smoked… I
    I was diagnosed with celiacs at the age of 36. Life changing! I have my mind back! Still can’t sleep because I’ve been on Ambien since I was young.
    Now if I get glutened, my symptoms are cold soars, bad… Insomnia for about 2 weeks. By the 3rd day, I’m too brain fogged to be very functional, some intestinal issues, but not horrible. Mostly neurological.
    Very sensitive to skin products and cross contamination.

    I’m so thankful to see this being researched and information being gathered. My daughter has celiacs as well. We would both healing share information to help research this disease.

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