Humans have been consuming wheat for 10,000 years.
There's a reason it's called the staff of life.
Gluten and wheat sensitivity are driving gastroenterology
doctors bananas (a gluten free food). Popular foodie blogs are shedding
wheat, more books come out on gluten sensitivity, and well, it's a bonafide
food fad. But what credible literature is really out there? How is
it diagnosed, can we eat a bagel again, and how many of us are affected?
Gluten sensitivity is an actual reaction to gluten.
According to Dr. Alessio Fasano, medical director of the University of
Maryland's Center for Celiac Research, "...we have scientific evidence
that indeed, gluten sensitivity not only exists, but it is very different from
celiac disease." The draw back is that there is no biological marker
for non-celiac gluten sensitivity at this time. Also, a lot of people can
consume small amounts of gluten with no issues unlike Celiac disease.
Currently, an article on Celiac Central reported
more on diagnosis:
"Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is diagnosed by process
of exclusion. Experts recommend that you first get tested for a wheat allergy
and for celiac disease. If both of those are negative, then your doctor may
recommend a gluten elimination diet. If symptoms improve on a gluten-free diet,
then you likely have non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
It is very important that a knowledgeable physician oversee
this entire process, which can help to omit patients self-diagnosing themselves
and to reduce the likelihood of a placebo effect occurring during dietary
intervention."
The condition is rare in children, 1% of children have the
sensitivity out grow gluten sensitivity whereas the estimated number of
Americans according to Gastroenterology and Endoscopy News, reports
about 7% of Americans or roughly 20 million people.
Read more:
Clues to Gluten Sensitivity
Diagnosis Of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Gluten Sensitivity Baffles Celiac Disease Specialists
Gina Lesako RD, LD is the SCAN blog coordinator (those interested in writing for SCAN can email her directly at glesako@gmail.com, resolve to increase your online exposure).
She can also be found blogging at http://dietitianseatchocolatetoo.blogspot.com/). Find her on SCAN: http://www.scandpg.org/dietitians/15720/
