Humans didn't always eat wheat, which is the main source of gluten in most American diets. Wheat consumption rose with the rise of agricultural societies, and diseases associates with gluten consumption, such as celiac disease, accompanied that rise. The introduction of grains into the diet early in human history caused some people to develop immunological sensitivities to gluten.
Autoimmune Disorders
An autoimmune disorder occurs when your body mistakenly senses a threat due to the presence of a normally harmless substance, such as gluten. In such cases, your immune system responds by mounting an attack against the perceived threat and ends up attacking your own body tissues. For some people, gluten is a trigger that causes an autoimmune response.
Celiac Disease
If you have celiac disease, you are genetically predisposed to react to gluten as if it is a harmful pathogen, according to a study published in "Mucosal Immunology" in January 2009. When you eat gluten, your immune system attacks the cell lining of your intestines, causing inflammation. In turn, your damaged intestinal cells fail to absorb nutrients properly, and you may become malnourished. Although celiac disease is genetically inherited, it may not be apparent until a trigger, such pregnancy, infection or severe stress, activates it.
Sensitivity Symptoms
People with celiac disease suffer from a variety of symptoms. Children and infants experience digestive symptoms more often than adults with celiac disease. Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, fatty stool, weight loss and vomiting may occur. When gluten intolerance causes malnutrition, symptoms such as anemia, bone and joint pain or tingling in the hands and feet can result from the various vitamin deficiencies that ensue.
Gluten-Free Diets
Researcher Yolanda Sanz notes that as of 2010 the only effective treatment for gluten sensitivity is the avoidance of all foods that contain gluten. Research is necessary to educate yourself about foods to avoid and foods are allowed. Wheat, barley and rye are high on the list of foods that contain gluten. These ingredients are sometimes present in foods that you wouldn't suspect, such as French fries, bouillon cubes and self-basting turkey. If you have gluten sensitivity, being an avid food label reader is one of your best weapons against celiac symptoms.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Celiac Disease
- "Gut Microbes"; Effects of a Gluten-Free Diet on Gut Microbiota and Immune Function in Healthy Adult Humans; Yolanda Sanz; May-Jun 2010
- "Mucosal Immunology"; Celiac Disease: From Oral Intolerance to Intestinal Inflammation, Autoimmunity and Lymphomagenesis; B. Meresse, et al.; 2009
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