Celiac disease is the body allergically reacting to wheat. It is a portion of the wheat kernel that the body responds against. A crazy little molecule called zonulin normally responds to immune challenges by opening up the gut wall and pulling in irritating chemicals or molecules. Unfortunately when it pulls in the gluten particles there is a rush of lymphocytes to the area. This causes a significant cascade of  chemical responses which, when maintained,  severely damage the surrounding tissue. Commonly diarrhea or constipation result. If that was not enough the lymphocyte(white blood cell) response can occur anywhere in the body! -Especially in the brain and liver. Biopsies of the brain, liver and gut show damage occurring due to the in-rush of lymphocytes. I have witnessed MRI changes to the white matter in the brain from gluten exposure. Do you see the implications? ALS (lou gherigs disease), multiple sclerosis and Ahlzeimer’s can be brought on by celiac disease. In fact, gluten sensitivity, not just gluten allergy has been implicated in ADHD , ADD, and autism. Journal articles support this very clearly. How do you find out if you are gluten sensitive or have celiac disease? Come in for a simple blood draw. There are new tests coming out for saliva and stool sample testing . We look for antibodies and tissue breakdown in your system. We will walk you through the process of eliminating wheat. It is a permanent life change. It can permanently improve your life!

There are some great websites for help with getting gluten free.

theglutensyndrome.net looks very helpful.

celiacdisease.org is good too.

There is an incredible prevalence of gluten sensitivity. It has been implicated in the most obscure, previously misunderstood diseases. Mayo Clinic came out with a list of the diseases potentially associated with the exposure to gluten. In  Heptology , Vol. 46, No. 5

They list:

 cryptogenic cirrhosis,

 autoimmune liver disorders such as primary biliary cirrhosis, auto immune hepatitis type 1 & 2, autoimmune cholangitis

primary sclerosing cholangistis

chronic hepatitis C

hemochromotosis

non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

acute liver failure

and hepatocellular carcinoma

regenerative nodular hyperplasia

all these are associated with Celiac disease!

Also well known associations are migraine headaches,fibromyalgia, and autoimmune reactions of many kinds!

Roughly 30% of patients do not respond to becoming gluten free. They need additional help: Such as lymphocyte calming and repair of the damaged tissue before feeling better. We have the right stuff to help you repair!

If you have been suffering with a problem that seems dietary sensitive but you have been unable to diagnose it or find relief… come in and let us test you for sensitivities or gluten allergy.  630-322-9522.