Gluten Sensitivity and Auto-Immune Disease

Gluten: The Inflammatory Molecule in Bread:

Gluten is the common protein found in wheat, barley, & rye. Gluten is a sticky, storage protein that challenges the digestive tract. Gluten often binds to the small intestinal wall where it can cause digestive and immune system disorders. Gluten sensitivity is an epidemic that is a major contributing factor with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Gluten intolerance is highly associated with inflammatory disorders of all kinds. It is also a contributing factor in many autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, autoimmune cardiomyopathy, lymphoma, and dermatitis herpetiformis (skin disease) among others. It is also linked as a contributing factor in asthma, allergies, & excema.

Why is Gluten a Modern Day Epidemic?

People have been eating wheat, barley, & rye for many years. Why is gluten intolerance a modern day epidemic? Wheat is called the staff of life in the bible, why is it now a hazardous food?

Humans for many centuries have consumed gluten, but mostly in a sprouted form. In fact, it is well-known that the Hebrew people of the bible sprouted their grains and made bread. The sprouting process activates key enzymes that help digest and metabolize gluten.

Our human genetic code plays a role in the gluten intolerance. The natural DNA blueprint carries a specific genetic code for our immune system. These genes are called Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex. Gluten intolerance has been noted with HLA-DQ2 & HLA-DQ8. HLA-DQ2 is most common in individuals of Western European decent. This is primarily Ireland, England, & Spain. High levels are also seen in North and West Africa. HLA-DQ8 is seen in mostly in Central America and the American Hispanic population.

Genetic Predispositions for Gluten Intolerance:

These genetic predispositions are dormant until excessive environmental stress activates them. Environmental stresses can come in the form of infections by opportunistic organisms, toxicity, malnutrition, physical nerve stress, lack of sleep, & high emotional challenges.

Throughout the history of mankind, babies have relied on the nutritional benefits of mothers’ breast milk for the early part of their life. With the industrialization of dairy and grains this natural process has been reduced. Many babies are weaned off of mother’s milk after just a few months. Other babies are started on these industrialized gluten containing formulas right away.

Breast Milk is Extremely Critical for the Reducing Gluten Intolerances:

The lack of mothers’ milk is an especially challenging stress for the baby’s immature immunity. For one, breast milk naturally passes on immunoglobins that help prevent against intestinal infections. Breast-fed infants have significantly less gut infections than non-breast fed infants of similar age.

Breast milk also contains a large amount of the immunoglobin IgA which the infant depends on. This critical antibody helps protect the infant from infection and reduces the entry of antigenic food fragments from disturbing the immune system. This significantly reduces the incidence of food allergy. Breast feeding an infant for six months or longer appears to significantly reduce the incidence of both infection and food allergy formation.

Children who had gluten containing formulas within their first 4 months of life have a 5 time greater risk of celiac disease and 6 time greater risk of type I diabetes than children who had their first gluten experience after 4 months.

Tips to Reduce risk of Gluten Intolerance:

Breastfeed newborns for at least the first 6 months of life.
Optimize vitamin D3 levels between 60-100 ng/ml
Optimize gut flora with high-quality fermented foods and probiotic supplements
Keep blood sugar under control with regular exercise and a low carbohydrate diet that is loaded with phytonutrient rich veggies, good fats and anti-inflammatory herbs.
When introducing gluten it is best to use sprouted forms.