Trying to solve these questions we have to ask ourselves the basics where, when and how. Simply put, allergies are classified as type I or immediate form of hypersensitivity. Now I know, that explanation is not going to settle this issue – so lets break it down.
A hypersensitivity or allergy is simply when the body’s immune system becomes so alert or so aggressive to a particular substance it builds a defense system against it. Over time this hypersensitivity can involve other tissues of the body creating symptoms that can make a diagnosis difficult. Here is a simple guide to understanding the difference between a hypersensitivity to gluten and a systemic disease like Celiac.
Gluten Sensitivity vs. Celiac Disease
Gluten allergy or Sensitivity
During a gluten allergy, the body becomes hypersensitive and mounts an attack against gluten. This attack can be measured by studying antibodies. These antibodies are used by your immune system to act as a marker signaling an alert against gluten and to attack the wheat in it’s system. In this heightened state your body’s attack involves and often disregards it’s own healthy functioning tissues. This heightened state or sensitivity can be the root cause of symptoms such as swelling, pain, periods of constipation and gas.
Celiac or (Coeliac) Disease
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune and a genetically predisposed, reaction to wheat affecting the intestines and more importantly the brain. Yes, I said it the brain. One study in 2001 [1] found 7 out of 10 subjects that had: headaches, difficulty walking and elevated antibodies against gluten demonstrated a complete resolution of symptoms on a gluten free diet!!!
Again if we compare the process in simple terms:
Gluten sensitivity & No intestinal damage = Wheat (gluten) sensitivity
Gluten sensitivity & Intestinal damage = Celiac disease
How does Gluten sensitivity turn into Celiac Disease? Well often it doesn’t, many people just have a hypersensitivity to gluten or wheat and never develop into Celiac Disease. Some researchers found newest that genetically predisposed people can become sensitive to gluten and react to a point where they develop an autoimmune disorder. In this case it is called Celiac Disease. The problem is, often people don’t know they are in an autoimmune state causing neurological damage over long periods of time. This damage progresses into conditions such as: muscle spasms, muscle weakness, coordination issues, headaches, sensory impairment and the list goes on. If you think you are hypersensitive, it is imperative to examine the possibility that you might be at risk for this often low grade autoimmune reaction that can severely debilitate you throughout your life time.
Now you understand a little more about this progressive disease process, the next step is to understand how to diagnose and treat it. And that will be for a later blog post. As always, if you have any questions please contact my office for any assistance.
Always here for you,
Dr. Joshua Borgardt
