Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye, barley and certain related grain hybrids, such as triticale and kamut. Some people have an allergic response to gluten (often referred to as gluten intolerance), or they may have a digestive disorder called celiac disease in which the small intestine has been damaged by the chronic allergic response. Children and adults with these disorders can react to gluten with symptoms that include difficulties sustaining attention, hyperactivity and anxiety---symptoms that cause the person to look like they have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with anxiety, when in fact there is an underlying digestive disorder that is triggering the ADHD symptoms. For these people, the disruptive effects of their so-called ADHD may be significantly ameliorated through proper diet.
Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
Celiac disease is a chronic, hereditary digestive disorder that is caused by intolerance to gluten. It mostly affects Caucasians of European heritage. Although the precise cause is not known, the body has an allergic response to gluten after it has been absorbed by the intestine, causing the immune system to attack the gluten. This induces inflammation that damages the hair-like structures called cilia that line the small intestine, reducing the body's absorption of minerals, vitamins and nutrients. Gluten intolerance is a related disorder in which the immune response is less severe, and there is not yet damage to the small intestine lining.
Prevalence and Onset
According to WrongDiagnosis.com, it is estimated that 1 in every 125 Americans has celiac disease, though only 1 in 4,700 Americans is actually diagnosed with the illness. Estimates of the prevalence of gluten intolerance are not available, though it is likely that the incidence is higher than for celiac disease. Gluten allergies can affect children and adults. It will sometimes first manifest itself when cereals are introduced into an infant's diet, usually around 3 or 4 months of age.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Initial symptoms of celiac disease or gluten intolerance will include diarrhea, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Other symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, attentional problems, fatigue, depression, muscle cramps, nausea, stools that float and joint or bone pain. Children and infants may show symptoms that include vomiting, burning sensations in the skin, canker sores, blisters and an itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis. Other symptoms can include an anemic appearance, iron-deficient anemia, indigestion, heartburn, headaches, gas and poor growth. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to more severe problems such as osteoporosis, seizures, pancreatic disease, kidney diseases and more.
Diagnostic Confusion
One reason celiac disease and gluten intolerance can be misdiagnosed as ADHD is that for children symptoms may only take the form of irritability, anxiety or attentional difficulties, and may not become manifest in obvious digestive problems. ADHA is a behavioral disorder. If ADHD or anxiety is present it is best to consult with a physician in order to rule out underlying disorders such as gluten intolerance and celiac disease. A blood test that your doctor conducts can determine if gluten antibodies are present, indicating gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Gluten and Western Diet
Gluten is widely incorporated into Western diet. It is found in most pasta products, breads and cereals. It is in flour and therefore in most baked goods such as cakes, pastries and cookies. It is hidden in many foods, such as sausage, lunch meat, gravy powders, stock cubes, sauces, soy sauce, salad dressings, soups, beer, ale, lager and more. People who have celiac disease or gluten intolerance must exert great vigilance to avoid wheat and grain products that have inundated the modern diet.
Treatment
There is no cure for celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Treatment involves eliminating all foods from the diet that contain gluten. Dietary counseling is highly recommended for those who have an identified gluten allergy. Note that both ADHD and anxiety can have multiple causes, so medical or therapeutic help should be sought if ADHD or anxiety symptoms persist after gluten products have been eliminated from the diet.
References
- Food Allergy Solutions: Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance: Common Wheat Allergies
- "Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- Wrong Diagnosis: Prevalence and Incidence of Celiac Disease
