Is “Gluten-Free” Right For You?… Here’s The 411 on Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergies and Gluten Sensitivity

“Gluten-free” is everywhere we look these days – even in the finest restaurants, many bakeries and most supermarkets.  The number of people now omitting gluten from their diet has become extremely widespread.  Most people who have “gluten issues” share the same symptoms: abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue and foggy thinking, which can intensify after eating wheat or other foods with gluten.

A recent study shows that the majority of people who feel that they have a problem digesting gluten, have never been to a doctor and have no medical evidence of any disease or  disorder.  In fact, there seems to be an overall “confusion” about gluten and its related diseases and disorders.

So, what is gluten and what is the meaning of gluten-free? What are the gluten-related diseases and disorders? Here are some differences and definitions:

Gluten is the spongy complex of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye that allows dough to rise. It’s also found in some products such as vitamin and nutrient supplements, lip balms and certain medications.  A gluten-free diet omits any food that includes gluten, but here’s a word of caution — this does not mean lower calories or fat-free.  There are many people who do not experience any discomfort or symptoms, but still opt for a gluten-free eating regime hoping to lose weight – and this can backfire.  By leaving out the gluten which binds foods together, manufacturers may add more fat and sugar – and that’s a high calorie substitute!

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder where the gluten proteins in wheat, barley and rye prompt the body to turn on itself and attack the small intestine. According to the National Institute of Health, people with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten because the response it causes damages the lining of the small intestine over time and prevents absorption of nutrients. Celiac disease affects about one in 141 people in the United States — some 3 million people — according to a 2012 report from the American Journal of Gastroenterology. Often sufferers go for 10 years before diagnosis.  The symptoms of celiac can include severe and/or chronic tissue and nerve inflammation and negative neuromuscular responses; in addition to chronic diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal distention, recurrent abdominal pain and chronic fatigue, among other symptoms. Those with the disease have a higher risk for anemia, osteoporosis, severe intestinal damage and gastrointestinal cancers.

Wheat Allergies, also called “baker’s asthma,” can appear in childhood and then be outgrown. It is the body’s allergic response to being exposed to some part of the wheat grain or plant. In this condition, a wheat-specific antibody, called an IgE, causes swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat; hives, an itchy rash or swelling of the skin; congestion and/or difficulty breathing; itchy, watery eyes; cramps, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Nonceliac Gluten Sensitivity is a type of gluten intolerance or sensitivity.  There have been many recent studies that reveal the number of people who have nonceliac gluten sensitivity has grown and may outnumber those who have full-blown celiac disease.

We encourage anyone who suspects that they have problems with gluten to make an appointment with their gastroenterologist to be tested for Celiac Disease before going gluten-free on their own.  Otherwise, with no gluten to react to, their blood tests will show false negatives and they won’t be able to be treated appropriately.

For more tips and health information, please see any of the five physicians at New York Gastroenterology Associates (NYGA), who are all renowned for their ongoing research endeavors and contributions to the medical field.  NYGA provides personal concierge-level service, easy scheduling and has two convenient office locations — at 311 East 79th Street and at Two Overhill Road in Scarsdale, NY. To schedule an appointment, call 212-996-6622, www.nyga.md.