Health Topics > Bowel health > gluten-intolerance
Gluten intolerance
What is it?
Gluten intolerance is also known as coeliac disease and is an intolerance to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, oats and barley. Once thought to be quite rare, new evidence has found it is frighteningly common. Approximately one in 100 Australians has coeliac disease. Left undiagnosed, coeliac disease renders the sufferer much more susceptible to a host of medical conditions.
What happens when a coeliac eats gluten?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition. An immune reaction occurs, which produces damage to the small intestine. A healthy small intestine contains many tiny, finger-like protrusions called villi. Their function is to break down and absorb nutrients from the food we eat. In untreated coeliacs, the gluten causes irritation and inflammation to the small intestine, damaging the villi, and leaving the intestinal lining with a flattened appearance. This means the surface area for absorbing nutrients is greatly reduced; leading to deficiencies in vitamins, minerals and fats. Because of this, untreated coeliacs usually suffer with fatigue, anaemia, a weak immune system and digestive upsets.
Why do people develop coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition. It is thought that the tendency to develop the condition is present at birth; however, symptoms cannot develop until gluten is introduced into the infant's diet. Damage occurs to the intestinal lining each time gluten is ingested, however the expression of symptoms varies markedly between individuals. In some cases infants with the condition fail to thrive and become rapidly ill; sometimes children develop symptoms slowly, over years; and a small percentage only develop symptoms in adult life. The earlier coeliac disease is diagnosed, the less negative impact it will have on the individual's health. However, because symptoms are varied, and can range from mild to overbearing, the condition often goes undiagnosed for many years.
What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?
The following is a list of possible symptoms of coeliac disease:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Anaemia
- Abdominal bloating, cramping and flatulence
- Diarrhoea and/or constipation
- Weight loss - this does not occur in every case; some patients are of normal weight or overweight.
- Mouth ulcers
- Miscarriages and infertility
- Skin rashes
- Bone and joint pains
- Depression
Potential long term complications of undiagnosed coeliac disease
Left undiagnosed, coeliac disease can cause serious health problems. Osteoporosis is a common symptom of long standing coeliac disease, and every person with osteoporosis should be tested for gluten intolerance.
Lymphoma of the small intestine is significantly more common in coeliacs who consume gluten. In children undiagnosed coeliac disease can cause short stature and a failure to develop properly. People with coeliac disease are at greater risk of several autoimmune conditions including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (causing an under active thyroid), type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
How is coeliac disease diagnosed?
There are specific blood tests available to measure the presence of antibodies to gluten and levels of Ig A and Ig G immunoglobulins. If the result is positive, a small bowel biopsy usually follows. The purpose of a biopsy is to prove that the small intestine does in fact demonstrate the typically damaged villi. An optic fibre instrument is passed through the mouth; when it reaches the small intestine, it removes tiny pieces of bowel lining, which are then taken away for microscopic examination.
How is coeliac disease treated?
There is no cure for coeliac disease; treatment involves the lifelong abstinence from gluten containing foods. As mentioned, the major grains that contain gluten are wheat, rye, oats and barley; however, many foods contain hidden gluten, thus food labels must be checked thoroughly. The help of a naturopath, nutritionist or dietitian can be invaluable for newly diagnosed coeliacs when trying to adapt to a gluten free diet. Due to malabsorption, coeliacs are often very deficient in several nutrients, such as vitamin B 12, calcium, iron, zinc and essential fatty acids. These nutritional deficiencies must be corrected in order to restore good health.
Recommended books
- The Ultimate Detox All recipes in this book are gluten free.
- The Healthy Liver and Bowel book
- Your Thyroid Problems Solved This book is valuable for coeliacs who have a thyroid condition.
Recommended supplements
Omega 3 fish oil
Take 2 capsules twice daily with meals. Omega 3 fats are anti inflammatory and assist with the repair of the digestive tract. Coeliacs are commonly deficient in essential fatty acids.
Multi vitamin and mineral formula
Take 1 tablet daily with food. This will help to correct a range of deficiencies. Additional iron and folic acid may need to be taken in supplement form.
Selenium antioxidant formula
Take between 1 and 4 tablets daily with meals. Selenium is an essential supplement for all autoimmune conditions in order to improve immune function.
Calcium and mineral formula
Take 1 to 4 tablets daily with meals. Coeliacs are usually deficient in calcium and most other minerals.