Researchers are attempting to modify grains with the hope that it will eliminate immune reactions to the gluten within it. The belief is that a new modified product, such as hydrolyzed wheat, might give people who are diagnosed with a gluten intolerance, another option for food. A switch to a hydrolyzed wheat diet for others might also help to decrease the risk of developing a gluten intolerance. This research sounds promising and the end product may be beneficial.
Many people are told that they have a lactose intolerance and are never investigated further to find the cause. Usually, only a lactose-free diet is recommended. I think we (doctors, nurses) need to dig a little deeper. Gluten could be the trigger and a gluten-free diet could be the real solution. For many, a lactose intolerance may actually disappear once an individual is consuming a gluten-free diet.
Let me explain further………
Have You Been Diagnosed With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Heartburn, Or Indigestion? You Could Be Having Immune Mediated Reactions To Foods!
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, and indigestion can be a symptom of gluten intolerance and other food allergies. Many doctors are not aware of this connection, unless they are specialists in the field of gluten intolerance and allergies. The lack of awareness around this issue is the reason why most patients are put on medication for their symptoms and they are never informed that their symptoms could be related to immune reactions to food.
I have a close relative with Crohn’s disease. This is another autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage in the bowel. Upon diagnosis, he was offered a drug to suppress his immune system and help decrease the inflammation. When he asked about diet, the gastroenterologist told him that diet modification would not help him because Crohn’s disease didn’t appear to be related to diet. I was quite surprised by this guidance because, for me, it seemed logical to suspect that Crohn’s disease could be associated with something in the diet. After all, what is the bowel most exposed to? Food!
This is the third part in a 5 part series that discusses how gluten could be one of the underlying triggers for scoliosis. In the first post, I discussed whether an association between gluten and scoliosis could exist, described scoliosis, and I provided an outline for the series. In the second post, I discussed how gluten may trigger antibodies against transglutaminases (involved in bone health), antibodies against bone cells, nutrient deficiencies, low melatonin levels, arthritis and how this may lead to scoliosis. Today, I would like to discuss how a gluten intolerance may cause scoliosis in various age groups.
This is the second part in a 5 part series that discusses how gluten could be one of the underlying triggers for scoliosis. In the first post, I discussed whether an association between gluten and scoliosis could exist, described scoliosis, and I provided an outline for the series. In this post, I will discuss how gluten may trigger antibodies against transglutaminases (involved in bone health), antibodies against bone cells, nutrient deficiencies, low melatonin levels, arthritis and how this may lead to scoliosis.
Annually, May is celiac disease awareness month. I value this month because it brings everyone together to focus on an important topic, celiac disease (CD) and gluten intolerance awareness. After suffering for many years, I was finally diagnosed with celiac disease in 2004. I consider myself lucky because only 3% are diagnosed. The other 97% are unaware that their symptoms are related to the ingestion of gluten (wheat, rye, barley, and for some people oats) and, unfortunately, are living a decreased quality of life with the risk of multiple complications. As well, many are living with a non-celiac gluten intolerance which is also very under recognized and under diagnosed. Combined, this can lead to unnecessary suffering, increased doctors visits, increased hospital visits, and possibly death due to all the possible associated complications. This can drastically reduce an individual’s quality of life and adds an additional strain to an already overstressed healthcare system. Collectively, we need to increase awareness to effectively address this public health concern.
Does Celiac Disease Or Gluten Intolerance Increase The Risk Of Having An Immune Reaction To Nanoparticles In Food?
Nanotechnology involves altering or manipulating tiny particles on a molecular and atomic scale, that are about the size of one billionth of a meter (called a nanometre). These incredibly small particles can be changed into a powder, added to a liquid, gas or other substances and used to create new materials or devices with many various applications. There has been much excitement about the future use of these fascinating nanoparticles, since the possibilities and supply seem endless. Their potential use is valued in biotechnology, certain industrial applications (ex. electronics, computers, plasmonics, energy production) and in medical applications (ex. timed released and targeted medication, immunizations, enzymes for catalyzing reactions, surgical applications such as nanoscale valves, DNA computers, nanorobots that could diagnose with sensors and treat illness by targeting certain organs). As well, these particles are valued in the food industry for their potential effects in stabilizing or preserving food (ex. coating on an a piece of fruit) and increasing the taste of certain food products. I find the subject of nanotechnology very intriguing and it is exciting to think that many past fictional ideas could actually become a reality in the future. Life might be much easier with all of these new gadgets, tools, and resources (1,2,6,7,15,21-27).