Taste Life Blog

“My doctor says I have a sensitivity to gluten.”

“My doctor says I have Celiac disease.”

Do those statements mean the same thing to you? They are actually quite different…especially to your immune system! You may have noticed that on the news and in the grocery, you’re seeing lots about ‘gluten free’ products. Gluten free diets are used as treatment for people who are diagnosed with Celiac disease.

According to the University of Maryland in people with Celiac disease, gluten sets off an autoimmune reaction in the small intestine. Those who are gluten sensitive may have similar side effects but not as severe since their immune system doesn’t ring the alarm bells. Here are some major differences between the two:

Celiac Disease

• Proteins found in wheat, rye and barley trigger the immune system and  attack the person’s small intestine.
• If untreated it can lead to the development of other autoimmune disorders:  “osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions and, in rare cases, cancer”.
• The Center for Celiac Research estimated that 1 in 133 people in the United States suffers from the disease.

Gluten Sensitivity

• Common symptoms: abdominal pain similar to irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, headaches, “foggy mind” or tingling of the extremities.
• Autistic children and a subgroup of schizophrenic patients  might be affected by gluten sensitivity.
• Gluten sensitive does not mean you have Celiac disease. A diagnostic blood test usually provides a negative result.
• The Center for Celiac Research estimates that approximately six percent of the U.S. population, or 18 million people, suffers from gluten sensitivity.

If you think you may have Celiac disease, it’s important that you have a blood test done by your doctor to minimize damage to your body. Don’t self diagnose and make dietary alterations before you are tested. This can sometimes lead to false positive readings for Celiac disease.