benefits of a gluten free diet

[johnny alpha]

Benefits of a Gluten-Free Diet
Gluten Sensitivity, Not Just Celiac or a Digestive Problem
© Kimberly Burnham

Jan 28, 2007
Many people may benefit notably from a gluten-free diet,
including those with M.S., brain fog, seizures, arthritis,
osteoporosis, autism, diabetes, ataxia and more.

A gluten-free diet is a way of life for the person with
celiac disease, a digestive disorders due to severe
gluten sensitivity. No one needs to tell them to stay
completely off of gluten, the protein component in
many grains. But what about people with joint pain,
brain fog, loss of balance or other neurologic and
auto-immune disorders? All of these things have also
been linked with gluten consumption.

One out of every 133 healthy adults in the United States
(Univ of Chicago Celiac Disease Program, 2006), has
celiac disease and the accompanying digestive problems
if they eat anything with gluten. Gluten is the protein
component of several grains. A variety of factors, including
genetic inheritance, infections, liver function and even a
summer birthday can influence gluten sensitivity.

According to the recent medical literature, people with the
following conditions may benefit notably from a
gluten-free diet:

- Rheumatoid arthritis

- Multiple sclerosis

- Parkinson’s disease

- Neuromyelitis (inflammation of the nervous system)

- Peripheral neuropathies

- Seizures

- Autism

- Ataxia (loss of balance)

- Late-onset Friedreich ataxia

- Down’s syndrome

- Cognitive problems (brain fog)

- Osteoporosis

- Type 2 and Type 1 diabetes

- Anemia

Gluten-Free Diet

A gluten-free diet means not eating foods that contain
wheat (including duram, spelt, triticale, and kamut),
oats, rye, and barley. The foods and products made
from these grains are also not allowed. In other words,
a person with celiac disease should not eat most grain,
pasta, cereal, and many processed foods. Despite these
restrictions, people with celiac disease can eat a
well-balanced diet with a variety of foods, including
gluten-free bread and pasta. For example, people with
celiac disease can use potato, rice, soy, amaranth,
quinoa, buckwheat, or bean flour instead of wheat flour
.2 (NIH, 2006)

Currently, wheat and grain growers have an incentive
to increase the amount of gluten in their products because
grain with a higher protein content brings a higher market
price. At the same time more and more companies are
looking at how to best market gluten-free products. The
taste and quality of gluten-free foods is also getting better
and better.

Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT) For the Gluten Sensitive

In addition to dietary changes, people with gluten related
symptoms can look to Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT)
for help with shifting physical pain and loss of function.
IMT practitioners are seeing evidence of what could
potentially be called a gluten-sensitivity epidemic.
Physical indicators of a problem digesting and processing
gluten include, positive myofascial mapping, an IMT
diagnostic procedure assessing the connective tissue
at the ileocecal valve or the first part of the large intestine
near the right hip. There is also evidence of the presence
of allergy related circadian rhythms in the large intestine
.3 (Weiselfish-Giammatteo, 2002).

Other indicators are zinc, manganese and chlorophyll
deficiencies. There is often skeletal muscle and smooth
muscle weakness seen in these neurologic and autoimmune
disorders. There is considerable evidence in the medical
literature linking nutritional deficiencies, gluten sensitivity
and other disease processes.

Gluten Sensitivity, Neuromyelitis Optica, Seizures and
Peripheral Neuropathy

Once considered part of the spectrum of multiple sclerosis,
neuromyelitis optica, is a clinical syndrome characterized
by acute transverse myelitis plus an acute or subacute
optic neuritis (inflammation of the nerves to the eye).
Several neurological complications have been described
associated with gluten sensitivity ranging from peripheral
neuropathy and cerebellar ataxia to an increased risk of
epilepsy. Gluten sensitivity is confirmed by immunological
and histological studies.4 (Jacob 2005).

Arthritis Pain: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren’s and Gluten

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjogren’s syndrome and other
inflammatory arthritis’s have been linked to gluten
sensitivity. One journal article noted, "the data provides
evidence that dietary modification may be of clinical
benefit for certain RA patients, and that this benefit
may be related to a reduction in immunoreactivity to
food antigens eliminated by the change in diet."
5 (Hafstrom, 2001)

Another researcher found, "an increased prevalence
of raised autoantibodies, including rheumatoid factor,
has been reported in patients with gluten sensitivity.
This selective increase of IgA rheumatoid factor suggests
that rheumatoid factor production in patients with
gluten sensitivity primarily results from immunological
activation in the gut mucosa."6 (Sokjer 1995). A study
from 1984 found, circulating antibodies to gliadin, gluten
and 'reticulin glycoprotein' have not been previously
recognized in Sjogren's. Their occurrence suggests that
small bowel injury may be common in Sjogren's.
7 (Teppo, 1984).

The Swedish Epidemic

From a 2005 study8 (Ivarsson, A. 2005), "Sweden has
experienced an epidemic of symptomatic celiac disease
that has no likeness anywhere else in the world. This
is quite unique for a disease that is genetically
dependent, immune-mediated and chronic, and
suggests an abrupt increase and decrease, respectively,
of one or a few causal factors influencing a large
proportion of Swedish infants during the period in question."

Researchers noted,"half of the epidemic was explained
by an increase in the proportion of infants introduced
to gluten in comparatively large amounts after
breast-feeding had been ended. Moreover, children
born during summer had an increased risk for coeliac
disease, possibly as they were mostly introduced to
dietary gluten during winter when infections are more
common."

A Wide Range of Diseases Associated with Gluten

According to a magazine for people with celiac disease,
Living Without,9 (Woodward, 2007), the following
conditions are commonly associated with gluten
consumption: iron-deficiency anemia, diarrhea,
failure to thrive, abdominal distention. Less common
features include: short stature, delayed puberty,
gastrointestinal features, recurrent abdominal pain,
osteoporosis, vitamin K deficiency, athropathy
(joint dysfunction), polyneuropathy, ataxia, epilepsy
(with or without cerebral calcification), infertility,
recurrent abortions, anxiety and depression,
alopecia (hair loss). Conditions associated with
gluten allergies include: dermatitis herpetiformis,
IgA deficiency, Type I diabetes, autoimmune thyroid
disease, Sjogren's syndrome, microscopic colitis,
rheumatoid arthritis, Down's syndrome, IgA
nephropathy,

Living Without lists the following as conditions possibly
associated with gluten: congenital heart disease,
recurrent pericarditis, sarcoidosis, cystic fibrosis,
fibrosing alveolitis, lung cavities, pulmonary
hemosiderosis, inflammatory bowel disease,
autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis,
Addison's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus,
vasculitis, polymyositis, Myasthenia gravis,
schizophrenia.

Autistic Behavior Improves with Gluten-Free

In one of several studies linking gluten and autism,
parents reported improvements in their children
during the gluten-free period. The study "tested the
efficacy of a gluten-free and casein-free diet in
treating autism using a randomized, double blind
repeated measures crossover design. The sample
included 15 children aged 2-16 years with autism
spectrum disorder. Data on autistic symptoms and
urinary peptide levels were collected in the subjects'
homes over the 12 weeks that they were on the
diet."10 (Elder, 2006).

Another study looked at how to improve function in
autistic children and gave dietary restrictions,
including removal of milk and other casein dairy
products, wheat and other gluten sources, sugar,
chocolate, preservatives, and food coloring are
beneficial and prerequisite to benefit from other
interventions. Researchers went on to say, "many
nutrient supplements are beneficial and well tolerated,
including dimethylglycine (DMG) and a combination
of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and magnesium, both of
which benefit roughly half of ASD cases. Vitamins A,
B3, C, and folic acid; the minerals calcium and zinc;
cod liver oil; and digestive enzymes, all offer benefit.
Immune therapies (pentoxifyllin, intravenous
immunoglobulin, transfer factor, and colostrum)
benefit selected cases. Long-chain omega-3 fatty
acids offer great promise.11 (Kidd, 2002).

Shake the Depression Gluten-Free

Gluten sensitivity has also been linked with depression
in teenagers. One study suggested, "serotonergic
dysfunction due to impaired availability of tryptophan
may play a role in vulnerability to depressive and
behavioral disorders also among adolescents with
untreated coeliac disease."12 (Pynnonen, 2005).

Gluten Ataxia and Immune System Related
Balance Problems

In one study with 12 people with idiopathic (no known
reason) ataxia, gluten was found to be relevant in 8
cases.13 (Anheim, 2006). Another study noted, "this
finding strengthens the contention that gluten ataxia
is immune mediated and belongs to the same spectrum
of gluten sensitivity as celiac disease and dermatitis
herpetiformis."14 (Hadjivassiliou, 2006). "Gluten
sensitivity is associated with multiple neurological
abnormalities including gluten ataxia, motor neuron
disease-like neuropathy, small fiber type neuropathy,
cognitive impairment, and even parkinsonism."
15 (Ihara, 2006).

Let Go of Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior

There is some evidence that links gluten sensitivity
with obsessive-compulsive behavior and with
Tourette’s syndrome. "There is an "emerging concept"
that central nervous system dysfunction can be caused
by an aberrant immune response triggered by
exogenous antigens such as the food allergen gluten
or streptococcal infection. Sydenham's chorea (SC),
Tourette's syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder
and other movement disorders have been described
in association with anti-basal ganglia antibodies.
Wills went on to say, "the current working hypothesis
is that antibodies induced in response to streptococcal
infection cross-react with antigenic determinants in
the basal ganglia resulting in basal ganglia dysfunction.
Although the experimental evidence is incomplete,
there is sufficient evidence to support
immune-mediated basal ganglia dysfunction as an
emerging clinical entity."16 (Wills, 2005).

Gluten and Schizophrenia

Researchers have noted that schizophrenia, which
affects roughly 1% of the population and is
considered one of the top 10 causes of disability
worldwide, is also linked with gluten. "A drastic
reduction, if not full remission, of schizophrenic
symptoms after initiation of gluten withdrawal has
been noted in a variety of studies."
17 (Kalaydjian, 2006).

Gluten and the Opium Connection

Another study compared the chemistry of gluten
to that of opium like chemicals. "Opiate receptor
-active peptide fragments (exorphins) have been
identified recently in casein and gluten hydrolysates,
and morphine has been found in bovine and human
milk."18 (Boublik, 1983).

Gluten, Blood Sugar and Diabetes

"Celiac patients are at high risk of developing insulin
-dependent diabetes mellitus, a condition that has a
long pre-diabetic period. During this lapse, anti-islet
cell antibodies serve as markers for future disease.
This may be related with the duration of the exposure
to gluten." Researchers concluded, "Celiac patients
long exposed to gluten have a significantly higher
prevalence of anti-islet cell antibodies than those
exposed for a short period. This fact supports the
hypothesis that the development of these antibodies
is associated with the length of the exposure to gluten."
19 (Verbeke, 2004).

In another study with a 6-month gluten-free period,
researchers concluded, "these findings indicate that
6 months of gluten deprivation do not influence
humoral autoimmunity, but may have a beneficial
effect on preservation of beta-cell function in subjects
at risk for Type 1 diabetes."20 (Pastore, 2003).

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have been linked
to gluten. "This population-based study showed the
highest reported prevalence of celiac disease in
Type 1 diabetes in Europe. Patients with celiac
disease showed clinical improvements with a
gluten-free diet (GFD). We recommend screening
for celiac disease in all children with type 1 diabetes."
21 (Hansen, 2006)

Gluten, Osteoporosis and Bone Disorders

Many people with celiac disease also have osteoporosis.
When it comes to osteoporosis the sooner the gluten-free
diet starts the better. "Although treatment with a gluten
-free diet appears to prevent bone loss while correcting
skeletal demineralization in childhood, there is evidence
that mineral density does not return to normal in if
diagnosed in adulthood."22 (Fiore, 2006) It is also
interesting to note that the worst bone problems were
in the hips (near the large intestine) rather than
in the spine.

Calcium malabsorption hypocalcemia (low calcium in
the blood) and skeletal demineralization (osteoporosis)
are well-recognized features of untreated celiac disease.
Researchers found this "suggestive of a continuing
long-term benefit of gluten withdrawal on bone
metabolism in celiac patients."23 (Pazianas, 2005).

Gluten and Zinc Metabolism

Zinc is an essential trace metal nutrient and has a role
as a component in metal-protein interactions for a
substantial number of human metabolic functions.
"The primary site of absorption of zinc is thought to
be the duodenum and jejunum (small intestine),
which are also the locations of the most severe
mucosal lesions in celiac disease." Solomons continues,
"these observations indicate that trace metal deficiency
is another common nutritional complication of adult
celiac disease."24 (Solomons, 1976). It seems that
even if zinc intake is normal there can be deficiencies
due to an increased turn over and loss of zinc.
25 (Crofton, 1990).

Down’s Syndrome, the Gluten and Zinc Connection

Zinc levels have also been found to be lower than normal
in people with Down’s syndrome (DS). The zinc
deficiencies, diarrhea and weight loss in adults with
Down’s syndrome has been linked to gluten sensitivity.
One study found "28 % of the DS patients had
autoantibodies to the thyroid gland. Our results
suggest intestinal malfunction in DS, perhaps
related to a defect of immune regulation caused
by reduced levels of zinc in serum."26 (Kanavin, 1988).

References

1. University of Chicago Celiac Disease Program, (2006) from www.celiacdisease.net/Portals/1/Celiac%20Statistics%20and%20Facts.pdf

2. NIH (2006) http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/index.htm

3. Weiselfish-Giammatteo, S. and T. Giammatteo (2002). Elimination Diet A New Health Care Tool. Bloomfield, CT, ANA Publishing. from www.CenterIMT.com

4. Jacob, S., M. Zarei, et al. (2005). "Gluten sensitivity and neuromyelitis optica: two case reports." J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 76(7): 1028-30. full article found at: http://jnnp.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/76/7/1028

5. Hafstrom, I., B. Ringertz, et al. (2001). "A vegan diet free of gluten improves the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: the effects on arthritis correlate with a reduction in antibodies to food antigens." Rheumatology (Oxford) 40(10): 1175-9 from http://171.66.120.158/cgi/content/abstract/40/10/1175

6. Sokjer, M., T. Jonsson, et al. (1995). "Selective increase of IgA rheumatoid factor in patients with gluten sensitivity." Acta Derm Venereol 75(2): 130-2.

7. Teppo, A. M. and C. P. Maury (1984). "Antibodies to gliadin, gluten and reticulin glycoprotein in rheumatic diseases: elevated levels in Sjogren's syndrome." Clin Exp Immunol 57(1): 73-8.

8. Ivarsson, A. (2005). "The Swedish epidemic of coeliac disease explored using an epidemiological approach--some lessons to be learnt." Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 19(3): 425-40.

9. Woodward, A. B. (2007). "All in your head." Living Without Winter

10. Elder, J. H., M. Shankar, et al. (2006). "The gluten-free, casein-free diet in autism: results of a preliminary double blind clinical trial." J Autism Dev Disord 36(3): 413-20.

11. Kidd, P. M. (2002). "Autism, an extreme challenge to integrative medicine. Part 2: medical management." Altern Med Rev 7(6): 472-99. from www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_6_7/ai_96416601/print

12. Pynnonen, P. A., E. T. Isometsa, et al. (2005). "Gluten-free diet may alleviate depressive and behavioural symptoms in adolescents with coeliac disease: a prospective follow-up case-series study." BMC Psychiatry 5(1): 14 from http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/5/14

13. Anheim, M., B. Degos, et al. (2006). "[Ataxia associated with gluten sensitivity, myth or reality?]." Rev Neurol (Paris) 162(2): 214-21.

14. Hadjivassiliou, M., M. Maki, et al. (2006). "Autoantibody targeting of brain and intestinal transglutaminase in gluten ataxia." Neurology 66(3): 373-7.

15. Ihara, M., F. Makino, et al. (2006). "Gluten sensitivity in Japanese patients with adult-onset cerebellar ataxia." Intern Med 45(3): 135-40. from www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/internalmedicine/45/3/45_135/_article

16. Wills, A., R. Dale, et al. (2005). "Gluten Ataxia and Post-Streptococcal Central Nervous System Syndromes: Emerging Immune-mediated Disorders of the Central Nervous System?" Curr Treat Options Neurol 7(3): 183-189.

17. Kalaydjian, A. E., W. Eaton, et al. (2006). "The gluten connection: the association between schizophrenia and celiac disease." Acta Psychiatr Scand 113(2): 82-90.

18. Boublik, J. H., M. J. Quinn, et al. (1983). "Coffee contains potent opiate receptor binding activity." Nature 301(5897): 246-8. from www.nature.com/nature/journal/v301/n5897/abs/301246a0.html

19. Verbeke, S., S. Cruchet, et al. (2004). "[Risk markers for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and duration of exposure to gluten in celiac patients]." Rev Med Chil 132(: 979-84.

20. Pastore, M. R., E. Bazzigaluppi, et al. (2003). "Six months of gluten-free diet do not influence autoantibody titers, but improve insulin secretion in subjects at high risk for type 1 diabetes." J Clin Endocrinol Metab 88(1): 162-5 from http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/88/1/162

21. Hansen, D., B. Brock-Jacobsen, et al. (2006). "Clinical benefit of a gluten-free diet in type 1 diabetic children with screening-detected celiac disease: a population-based screening study with 2 years' follow-up." Diabetes Care 29(11): 2452-6

22. Fiore, C. E., P. Pennisi, et al. (2006). "Altered osteoprotegerin / RANKL ratio and low bone mineral density in celiac patients on long-term treatment with gluten-free diet." Horm Metab Res 38(6): 417-22.

23. Pazianas, M., G. P. Butcher, et al. (2005). "Calcium absorption and bone mineral density in celiacs after long term treatment with gluten-free diet and adequate calcium intake." Osteoporos Int 16(1): 56-63.

24. Solomons, N. W., I. H. Rosenberg, et al. (1976). "Zinc nutrition in celiac sprue." Am J Clin Nutr 29(4): 371-5 from http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/29/4/371

25. Crofton, R. W., P. J. Aggett, et al. (1990). "Zinc metabolism in celiac disease." Am J Clin Nutr 52(2): 379-82 from www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/52/2/379

26. Kanavin, O., H. Scott, et al. (1988). "Immunological studies of patients with Down's syndrome. Measurements of autoantibodies and serum antibodies to dietary antigens in relation to zinc levels." Acta Med Scand 224(5): 473-7.
cut and pasted from here:
http://chronic-illness-treatments.suite101.com/article.cfm/benefits_of_a_glutenfree_diet

_________________
one cannot discover new lands without first having thee courage to leave thee shore...we can go on....together!