Gluten Sensitivity vs Celiac Disease - Doctor Explains

Summary

This video clarifies the distinction between celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, while NCGS is an intolerance to wheat proteins, not specifically gluten. Many individuals mistakenly adopt a gluten-free diet without a proper diagnosis. The video explores theories like glyphosate, a pesticide used on wheat, which may be contributing to the rise in gluten sensitivity. It also examines the potential role of gut health, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors in the increasing number of wheat intolerance cases.

Takeaways

• 😀 Celiac disease is a genetic, autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, causing inflammation in the small intestine.
• 😀 Gluten sensitivity (non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or NCGS) refers to gastrointestinal symptoms triggered by gluten, but without the biomarkers of celiac disease.
• 😀 About 1 in 132 children in the U.S. have celiac disease, often alongside other autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes and vitiligo.
• 😀 More than 70% of adults who follow a gluten-free diet do not have true celiac disease, and the rise of gluten-free diets is partly due to the increase in gluten sensitivity diagnoses.
• 😀 Wheat contains over 700 proteins, and reactions to wheat may not be caused by gluten alone. This explains why some people can tolerate beer (made from barley) but not wheat.
• 😀 The FODMAP diet (low in fermentable carbohydrates) is often ineffective for those with gluten sensitivity or wheat intolerance.
• 😀 Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, may be a major contributing factor to wheat intolerance, especially in the U.S., due to its widespread use on crops.
• 😀 Some individuals with wheat intolerance experience symptoms in the U.S. but can tolerate wheat products in countries with stricter glyphosate regulations, like Europe and Asia.
• 😀 Glyphosate may contribute to gut health issues like leaky gut syndrome, which can increase intestinal permeability and cause immune responses that lead to inflammation.
• 😀 Glyphosate's potential effects on gut health and its link to diseases like cancer are a concern, with studies showing its ability to alter methylation patterns and cause epigenetic changes.

Q & A

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disorder where the small intestine is damaged due to a sensitivity to gluten and related proteins. It affects individuals with a genetic predisposition and requires a gluten-free diet for management.

How common is celiac disease in the U.S.?

Approximately 1 in 132 children in the United States is affected by celiac disease, though many individuals with the condition may not even be aware of it.

What proteins in wheat cause celiac disease?

Celiac disease is triggered by two proteins in wheat—glutenin and gliadin—which are components of gluten. These proteins cause an immune response in individuals with celiac disease.

What is non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)?

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a condition where individuals experience symptoms similar to celiac disease, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, after consuming gluten, but they do not test positive for celiac biomarkers. This condition is poorly understood and lacks clear diagnostic criteria.

What is the difference between non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat intolerance?

Wheat intolerance is a broader condition that may involve an immune response to various proteins in wheat, not just gluten. Unlike non-celiac gluten sensitivity, people with wheat intolerance can tolerate barley or rye, but may still experience symptoms when consuming wheat.

Why do some people with wheat intolerance tolerate wheat products in other countries but not in the U.S.?

One possible explanation is the use of glyphosate, a pesticide widely applied to wheat crops in the U.S. Glyphosate is believed to contribute to gut health issues, potentially making individuals more sensitive to wheat. In countries where glyphosate use is more restricted, such as Italy, individuals may not experience the same intolerance.

What is glyphosate, and why is it a concern in relation to gluten sensitivity?

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, a widely used pesticide. It is thought to disrupt gut health by affecting microbial diversity and increasing intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which may exacerbate gluten sensitivity or wheat intolerance in some individuals.

How does glyphosate affect human health?

Glyphosate has been shown to cause increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which allows partially digested wheat antigens to enter the bloodstream and trigger immune responses. It is also classified as a probable carcinogen and is thought to negatively affect gut bacteria, leading to health issues like inflammation and poor digestion.

What is the relationship between glyphosate and neurotransmitter production?

Glyphosate may alter plant proteins in a way that reduces the availability of essential amino acids like phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine. These amino acids are crucial for the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, potentially affecting brain chemistry and mental health.

Is eating organic wheat a solution for glyphosate-related wheat intolerance?

While organic wheat is less likely to be treated with glyphosate, the widespread use of glyphosate in agriculture has still altered plant proteins in ways that could affect health. Thus, eating organic wheat may help avoid glyphosate exposure, but it may not completely eliminate the risk of wheat intolerance.