Gluten sensitivity and intolerance result in a wide variety of symptoms. Arthritic pain, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and generalized bone and joint pain can be symptoms of a gluten intolerance or sensitivity. A gluten-free diet improves these symptoms if you are reacting to gluten in your diet, but you should speak to your doctor before you change your diet.
Arthritis
There are two distinct and unrelated types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing painful joint inflammation and swelling. Osteoarthritis is not an autoimmune disorder and is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint. Systemic causes may contribute to the swelling and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis. Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis may be impacted by food intolerances, including gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, is an autoimmune disorder affecting the small intestine. Gluten triggers an immune response that destroys the villi lining the small intestine, resulting in a wide range of health problems. The symptoms of celiac disease can mimic arthritic conditions or may worsen existing rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you are at higher risk for celiac disease and should be tested for the condition.
Gluten Sensitivity
If you have either type of arthritis, you may be sensitive to gluten even if you do not have celiac disease. A diet free of gluten may improve your health if you have rheumatoid arthritis, according to a 2008 study published in the journal "Arthritis Research and Therapy." Dr. Mark Hyman, the Editor-in-Chief of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, reports that up to 30 percent of the population may have some degree of gluten sensitivity that could contribute to inflammation for patients with osteoarthritis. There is no definitive test for sensitivity other than an elimination diet.
Testing and Diet
Testing for celiac disease involves blood tests for IgG and IgA anti-gliadin antibodies, as well as biopsies to determine whether you have damage to the villi lining the small intestine. These antibodies are produced in response to wheat and other sources of gluten and may indicate celiac disease. If you have antibodies but lack damage to the intestine, you have a gluten sensitivity and carry the gene for celiac disease. You may, however, have a sensitivity that worsens arthritic pain or causes symptoms similar to arthritis without carrying the gene or antibodies.
References
- CNN.com; Are There Degrees of Gluten Sensitivity?; Melina Jampolis; July 15, 2011
- "Arthritis Research and Therapy"; Gluten-free Vegan Diet Induces Decreased LDL and Oxidized LDL Levels and Raised Atheroprotective Natural Antibodies Against Phosphorylcholine in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Study; Ann-Charlotte Elkan et. al.; 2008
- National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse: Celiac Disease
- Ultrametabolism; How to Relieve Arthritic Pain; Mark Hyman
