What is gluten intolerance?

A serious form of gluten intolerance is known as celiac disease, is a hereditary immune system disorder where protein fractions in wheat, rye, barley and related grains destroy the lining of the small intestine. This in turn challenges the body’s ability to absorb nutrients for good health. Some people present with classic symptoms but researchers are now finding that, like an iceberg, a great number of patients exist below the water line undiagnosed as asymptomatic or with atypical symptoms of celiac disease.

Most U.S. physicians have been trained to look for the classic symptoms in children of chronic diarrhea, bloating, failure to thrive, abdominal distention etc. The atypical symptoms of anemia, short stature, migraines, osteopenia, recurrent abortions, abdominal pain, gaseousness, dental enamel hypoplasia, ataxia, alopecia, Graves disease, psoriasis, developmental delays, infertility, epilepsy, hypo/hyperthyroidism, etc. may be overlooked as indicators of celiac disease. Asymptomatic patients (no symptoms) are generally detected through blood screening programs for first degree relatives of celiac patients.

For more information:  www.gluten.net