The first place that came up on a search estimated the prevalence of Celiac disease in the US at approximately 1 in 100. For the people who have this, this is a very serious issue. For the people who don't but are somehow concerned about gluten in their diet, this is a fad. But it's a good fad in that it gives people who have Celiac or wheat allergies some options at restaurants and food shops.
Pam - 14 years ago
My symptoms started out vaguely 10 years ago... and worsened with time. Every night I experienced intense, painful bloating & abdominal pain. It became debilitating to the point that I just didn't go out in the evening if I could avoid it. Instead, I went to bed.
I went through countless tests, including testing for Celiac, all of which came out negative. I was told I just had IBS & concluded that pain would just be part of my life. At the suggestion of a friend, I finally decided to trial a gluten-free diet and within a couple of days, my symptoms were completely gone. I have maintained a GF diet since then. The only time my symptoms flare back up is when gluten is ingested again (and this is always by mistake!)
My advice? If you have unexplained symptoms, then try to go Gluten-Free for 2 weeks. If your symptoms clear up, you've just saved yourself thousands of dollars in useless testing. I do miss my donuts & breads, but not enough to live in pain!!!
P Dirt - 14 years ago
I was told that I should eliminate gluten from my diet as much as possible because I have type "O" blood. I didn't buy it at first, but after I began substituting regular whole grain breads for sprouted grain bread I began to notice a big difference. Maybe there really is something to it. I may have to look more closely at the blood type diet.
anna - 14 years ago
At Elissa- adding water to flour does not make gluten. Gluten is the protein in the flour, present without water.
melissa - 14 years ago
I suffered many symptoms for years from burning skin, to overall body pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, irritability, insomnia, memory loss, cracks in the corners of my mouth that wouldn't heal....the list was about 36 symptoms in all. None of the doctors I saw could figure out what was wrong. I got very ill about 2 years ago and had to be hospitalized and be re-hydrated with two bags of lactated ringers. Again the doctors gave me all kinds of tests but couldn't figure out what was wrong. The er doc wondered why I had ketones in my urine. I had enough by the time that er visit came around. I documented all of my symptoms and went online to research each one individually to find the common thread between them all. Each search turned up two common threads for all symptoms: Cancer and Celiac disease. I went to a Immunologist/Allergist and presented my findings and asked for a TTG/IGA Celiac test. Well what do you know?!! It came up positive!! The ketones in my urine was due to the fact that my body was starving (inability to absorb nutrients) and so was breaking down my fat and muscles that were in store. I went on a strict gluten free diet and felt better within 24 hrs. Each passing day made me feel better. And then I started feeling like vomiting again sometimes when I ate. I took notes of the things I ate and when I felt bad. I narrowed it down to eggs. Again I asked my Immunologist for a test and the egg allergy came back positive. So now I'm gluten free, egg free, poultry free and carry an epi pen for emergencies (anaphylaxis due to eggs). I'm healthier now than I've ever been.
If you have symptoms that noone can explain please go get tested for Celiac. It really can kill you or even cause major permanent side effects if left unchecked. I still have nerve damage from the whole thing.
cindy - 14 years ago
The need to live gluten free should not be referred to as a "lifestyle". It is a medical necessity for people with celiac disease, along with any other food allergies. Too often people think someone with diet restrictions is just being "picky", and they don't realize the consequences of ingesting something that can cause severe medical reactions.
Elissa - 14 years ago
Jessie ~ Talk to your doctor and get tested. I also suffer from IBS and *thought* I had celiac's disease. Got the blood test and nope. Just plain old IBS that flares up randomly. Gluten, being so prevalent naturally...as my baking instructor noted...adding water to flour makes gluten, wasn't something I was prepared to give up on a hunch. There are other methods of figuring out what triggers your IBS. Talk to your doctor and figure out how to start eliminating specific items to see how it effects your IBS. If you just go and eliminate gluten, you may eliminate what the culprit is (ex, sugar alcohols in some processed baked goods) and not realize it but cut yourself off from a heathy food group.
Allie - 14 years ago
I have gluten intolerance and while it was intially very hard to stop eating gluten-y foods, once I started and saw how much better I felt, it was much easier to stay gluten-free. In addition to eliminating my daily headaches and upset stomach, symptoms I didn't even realize were related to my diet improved, such as a minor skin rash, my ability to pay attention at work and school, and my energy level. If you suspect you have a gluten allergy/intolerance, definitely see a doctor to be tested. You will not regret the improvements it has on your life.
And the good news is with all the media attention and education on this, more and more delicious substitute products are poppiing up (Udi's bread, Kinnick's doughnuts, Nature's Path waffles, Chex cereal, GF Bisquick, GF Betty Crocker brownie mix, and various pastas). Many restaurants now offer gluten free menus (Maggianos has a great GF pasta for example) and you can order safely and enjoy your meal. There are so many food and drink choices out there, you will find new favorites and won't feel like you're missing out. Once you see how good you feel, the benefits will take away your desire for gluten filled foods.
Jessie - 14 years ago
It was amazing to see this article. CNN is my first stop on my news and research daily. I have been having trouble with IBS for a while now, and someone mentioned to me just yesterday that it could be a gluten problem. I am a bit of a hypochondriac, and I haven't talked to my doctor yet, but what I've researched has led me to think that trying a gluten free diet wouldn't hurt. And if that isn't my problem, then I can go back to eating my favorite foods. The one scary thing is that I get most of my fiber from oats and bran, and I reward myself for diet acheivements with carbs. I'm scared to give up my favorite foods.
Autumn - 14 years ago
My son has gluten intolerance, milk too. I spent years trying to find a root to his behavioral problems and wide range gi problems. Not a single dr. would ever listen to me. He was 3 and everyone said autistic even though gi problems and delayed speech where his only symptoms. They even told me to stop fighting on it and learn to except it. I couldn't. I tried numerous elimination diets and decided to give gluten free a shot. With in two weeks my son was talking in full sentences even a stranger could understand. He put on weight, his color returned to normal (he would flash orange before). At 6, while he is still autistic, he is now ready to start regular classes in school, with a little help in speech therapy. I had to become a master chef of gluten free cooking and shopping, but in our house gluten is the enemy which stole my son for the 1st 3 years of his life. With every gluten free milk free product that hits store shelves i have great sigh of relief of the new found awareness of the world and one less 5+hr cooking chore for mom.
Lea Cambridge - 14 years ago
??? - "A wheat allergy is like any standard allergy, with a reaction similar to what a sufferer might have to animal dander or shellfish – hives or mild nausea." Bullsh!T!!! A wheat allergy can also cause a full anaphylactic reaction same as shellfish or peanuts.
sharotri - 14 years ago
I am a physician and have had the diagnosis for ten years now. My symptoms were more neurological also and inability to gain weight. I had severe pains all over my body, chronic fatigue, burning sensations in feet and upper, and lower extremity tics. This was associated with anemia and inability to gain weight. I have been on very strict gluten free diet ( different kitchen utensils even) and I am glad to see all of symptoms go away and i have gained a little bit of weight. There has been only one time i was accidently exposed to Gluten ( very recently) , my symptoms of faituge, tics and neuropathic symptoms came back, with a vengence. ( However gladly lasted only few days).
The reason i am writing is to give my own two cents on it. Any time one sees symptoms which one's physician cannot put away into a diagnosis, idiopathic neuropathy, movement disorders otherwise unexplained, i would recommend getting evaluated for Celiac's. It does present with a lot of non GI symptoms.
Also the stores are more educated and carry a lot more options now.
bostonbird - 14 years ago
I have tested positive for celiac disease (bloodwork and endoscopy) yet my symptoms are non-standard. I suffered from panic disorder and generalized anxiety for years. When I removed gluten from my diet, the panic and anxiety simply disappeared. If I eat gluten now, my symptoms come back. I have never experienced any gastrointestinal symptoms at all. This disease has many faces - and one doesn't necessarily suffer from malnutrition. It is difficult at times to get healthcare providers to accept non-standard symptons as real.
The first place that came up on a search estimated the prevalence of Celiac disease in the US at approximately 1 in 100. For the people who have this, this is a very serious issue. For the people who don't but are somehow concerned about gluten in their diet, this is a fad. But it's a good fad in that it gives people who have Celiac or wheat allergies some options at restaurants and food shops.
My symptoms started out vaguely 10 years ago... and worsened with time. Every night I experienced intense, painful bloating & abdominal pain. It became debilitating to the point that I just didn't go out in the evening if I could avoid it. Instead, I went to bed.
I went through countless tests, including testing for Celiac, all of which came out negative. I was told I just had IBS & concluded that pain would just be part of my life. At the suggestion of a friend, I finally decided to trial a gluten-free diet and within a couple of days, my symptoms were completely gone. I have maintained a GF diet since then. The only time my symptoms flare back up is when gluten is ingested again (and this is always by mistake!)
My advice? If you have unexplained symptoms, then try to go Gluten-Free for 2 weeks. If your symptoms clear up, you've just saved yourself thousands of dollars in useless testing. I do miss my donuts & breads, but not enough to live in pain!!!
I was told that I should eliminate gluten from my diet as much as possible because I have type "O" blood. I didn't buy it at first, but after I began substituting regular whole grain breads for sprouted grain bread I began to notice a big difference. Maybe there really is something to it. I may have to look more closely at the blood type diet.
At Elissa- adding water to flour does not make gluten. Gluten is the protein in the flour, present without water.
I suffered many symptoms for years from burning skin, to overall body pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, irritability, insomnia, memory loss, cracks in the corners of my mouth that wouldn't heal....the list was about 36 symptoms in all. None of the doctors I saw could figure out what was wrong. I got very ill about 2 years ago and had to be hospitalized and be re-hydrated with two bags of lactated ringers. Again the doctors gave me all kinds of tests but couldn't figure out what was wrong. The er doc wondered why I had ketones in my urine. I had enough by the time that er visit came around. I documented all of my symptoms and went online to research each one individually to find the common thread between them all. Each search turned up two common threads for all symptoms: Cancer and Celiac disease. I went to a Immunologist/Allergist and presented my findings and asked for a TTG/IGA Celiac test. Well what do you know?!! It came up positive!! The ketones in my urine was due to the fact that my body was starving (inability to absorb nutrients) and so was breaking down my fat and muscles that were in store. I went on a strict gluten free diet and felt better within 24 hrs. Each passing day made me feel better. And then I started feeling like vomiting again sometimes when I ate. I took notes of the things I ate and when I felt bad. I narrowed it down to eggs. Again I asked my Immunologist for a test and the egg allergy came back positive. So now I'm gluten free, egg free, poultry free and carry an epi pen for emergencies (anaphylaxis due to eggs). I'm healthier now than I've ever been.
If you have symptoms that noone can explain please go get tested for Celiac. It really can kill you or even cause major permanent side effects if left unchecked. I still have nerve damage from the whole thing.
The need to live gluten free should not be referred to as a "lifestyle". It is a medical necessity for people with celiac disease, along with any other food allergies. Too often people think someone with diet restrictions is just being "picky", and they don't realize the consequences of ingesting something that can cause severe medical reactions.
Jessie ~ Talk to your doctor and get tested. I also suffer from IBS and *thought* I had celiac's disease. Got the blood test and nope. Just plain old IBS that flares up randomly. Gluten, being so prevalent naturally...as my baking instructor noted...adding water to flour makes gluten, wasn't something I was prepared to give up on a hunch. There are other methods of figuring out what triggers your IBS. Talk to your doctor and figure out how to start eliminating specific items to see how it effects your IBS. If you just go and eliminate gluten, you may eliminate what the culprit is (ex, sugar alcohols in some processed baked goods) and not realize it but cut yourself off from a heathy food group.
I have gluten intolerance and while it was intially very hard to stop eating gluten-y foods, once I started and saw how much better I felt, it was much easier to stay gluten-free. In addition to eliminating my daily headaches and upset stomach, symptoms I didn't even realize were related to my diet improved, such as a minor skin rash, my ability to pay attention at work and school, and my energy level. If you suspect you have a gluten allergy/intolerance, definitely see a doctor to be tested. You will not regret the improvements it has on your life.
And the good news is with all the media attention and education on this, more and more delicious substitute products are poppiing up (Udi's bread, Kinnick's doughnuts, Nature's Path waffles, Chex cereal, GF Bisquick, GF Betty Crocker brownie mix, and various pastas). Many restaurants now offer gluten free menus (Maggianos has a great GF pasta for example) and you can order safely and enjoy your meal. There are so many food and drink choices out there, you will find new favorites and won't feel like you're missing out. Once you see how good you feel, the benefits will take away your desire for gluten filled foods.
It was amazing to see this article. CNN is my first stop on my news and research daily. I have been having trouble with IBS for a while now, and someone mentioned to me just yesterday that it could be a gluten problem. I am a bit of a hypochondriac, and I haven't talked to my doctor yet, but what I've researched has led me to think that trying a gluten free diet wouldn't hurt. And if that isn't my problem, then I can go back to eating my favorite foods. The one scary thing is that I get most of my fiber from oats and bran, and I reward myself for diet acheivements with carbs. I'm scared to give up my favorite foods.
My son has gluten intolerance, milk too. I spent years trying to find a root to his behavioral problems and wide range gi problems. Not a single dr. would ever listen to me. He was 3 and everyone said autistic even though gi problems and delayed speech where his only symptoms. They even told me to stop fighting on it and learn to except it. I couldn't. I tried numerous elimination diets and decided to give gluten free a shot. With in two weeks my son was talking in full sentences even a stranger could understand. He put on weight, his color returned to normal (he would flash orange before). At 6, while he is still autistic, he is now ready to start regular classes in school, with a little help in speech therapy. I had to become a master chef of gluten free cooking and shopping, but in our house gluten is the enemy which stole my son for the 1st 3 years of his life. With every gluten free milk free product that hits store shelves i have great sigh of relief of the new found awareness of the world and one less 5+hr cooking chore for mom.
??? - "A wheat allergy is like any standard allergy, with a reaction similar to what a sufferer might have to animal dander or shellfish – hives or mild nausea." Bullsh!T!!! A wheat allergy can also cause a full anaphylactic reaction same as shellfish or peanuts.
I am a physician and have had the diagnosis for ten years now. My symptoms were more neurological also and inability to gain weight. I had severe pains all over my body, chronic fatigue, burning sensations in feet and upper, and lower extremity tics. This was associated with anemia and inability to gain weight. I have been on very strict gluten free diet ( different kitchen utensils even) and I am glad to see all of symptoms go away and i have gained a little bit of weight. There has been only one time i was accidently exposed to Gluten ( very recently) , my symptoms of faituge, tics and neuropathic symptoms came back, with a vengence. ( However gladly lasted only few days).
The reason i am writing is to give my own two cents on it. Any time one sees symptoms which one's physician cannot put away into a diagnosis, idiopathic neuropathy, movement disorders otherwise unexplained, i would recommend getting evaluated for Celiac's. It does present with a lot of non GI symptoms.
Also the stores are more educated and carry a lot more options now.
I have tested positive for celiac disease (bloodwork and endoscopy) yet my symptoms are non-standard. I suffered from panic disorder and generalized anxiety for years. When I removed gluten from my diet, the panic and anxiety simply disappeared. If I eat gluten now, my symptoms come back. I have never experienced any gastrointestinal symptoms at all. This disease has many faces - and one doesn't necessarily suffer from malnutrition. It is difficult at times to get healthcare providers to accept non-standard symptons as real.