Have You Been Properly Tested for Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity?

As this blog is written (May, 2014) , it is Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Celiac Disease, just in case you're not familiar with it, occurs in about 1% of the U.S. population, but that's only those who have been diagnosed. Almost 20% of those with celiac have not been diagnosed. 

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by the body not being able to digest wheat proteins (barley and rye and cross-contaminated foods as well). As a result of celiac disease, the protective lining of the small intestine becomes compromised, potentially leading to 'leaky gut' and a plethora of other symptoms.  

But the millions of people who have gone gluten free ... are they gluten free because they had a proper diagnosis, or, is it because they have been convinced by the media, celebrity diet gurus, health blogs, alternative wellness practitioners, etc., that all their misery is because of gluten, one of the main proteins of wheat, barley and rye?

An Australian study, published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice, concluded that many people who are gluten free and think they are non Celiac gluten sensitive (NCGS), may not have been accurately tested to prove that they are indeed sensitive. 

More on the results from the study in a moment....

But, we on the Miracle Noodle Team believe that even if it's psychosomatic, if you feel better not eating gluten, stay on the gluten free bandwagon. While it's true that some people can probably eat all the gluten they want without any ill effects, most gluten products are processed and heavy with grains, two types of foods that usually promote inflammation in the diet. 

So even if someone tells you, "Oh, it's all in your head; don't listen to those New Age hippies, nothing's wrong with you; you can eat some gluten here and there, don't be a radical gluten prohibitionist," you can reply to them, "Yes, you're right, it is all in my head...after I eat something with gluten, I do feel spacey, and not as clear-headed as when I eat a meal that doesn't have gluten. Whether it's mental or not, I don't care...I feel better without gluten in my diet."

So what does the study say about those who claim gluten sensitivity even though they haven't been clinically tested for celiac disease?

The study's conclusion: "Just over 1 in 4 respondents self-reporting as NCGS fulfill criteria for its diagnosis. Initiation of a GFD without adequate exclusion of celiac disease is common. In 1 of 4 respondents, symptoms are poorly controlled despite gluten avoidance."