What is Gluten?

Gluten refers to a group or composite of elastic proteins found in the triticeae family of grass-like grains including:

barley, bulgur wheat, durum, einkorn, farro, graham, kamut, rye, semolina, spelt, triticale and wheat.

Specifically, the following proteins have a peptide profile that causes an autoimmune response:

• Glutenin and gliadin (in wheat and wheat varieties including Spelt and Kamut)
• Secalin (in rye)
• Hordein (in barley)

What are Gliadin and Glutenin?

Gliadin and Glutenin make up to 80% of protein in wheat. These proteins are most responsible for triggering Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance and Wheat Sensitivities (also knows as non-celiac gluten sensitivities). However, it is important to understand that the proteins peptides found in spelt, kamut, rye, barely are so similar to gluten that they can initiate reactions in those with Celiac and Gluten intolerances.

Gliadin and Glutenin are insoluble in water and therefore form an elastic, glue-like consistency when mixed with liquids. This quality provides a chewy and light quality to baked goods (this is why substituting gluten-free flours like rice can cause baked goods have a tendency to be more crumbly and denser). Because of the consistency of these proteins and because they are inexpensive as well as easy to isolate, they are often used in vegetarian/vegan meat substitute products and sauces. These foods are particularly important to pay attention to for individuals with Celiac Disease as well as those with wheat intolerances and digestive disorders (IBD, IBS) where inflammation is dominant.

What Is Gluten Intolerance?

Gluten intolerance is a term that is often used when referring to Celiac Disease but may also be used to describe inflammatory reactions that occur in individuals who eat gluten or wheat containing products but have not tested positive for Celiac.

Other terms that may be used include:Non-celiac gluten sensitivity / Wheat allergy /Wheat sensitivity

Understanding Celiac Disease:

Celiac disease is a specific autoimmune reaction with a strong genetic predisposition. Those who inherit one or both of the Celiac genes HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 are likely to develop the condition, however it can occur early on in life for some and much later for others. It is not yet clearly understood what triggers the condition to develop. 

Specifically, in this autoimmune condition, the enzyme tissue transglutaminase converts gluten proteins such as gliadin in a way that elicits an immune system reaction against the lining of the digestive tract. Celiac disease primarily affects the villi of the small intestine, damaging and truncating (flattening) the surface so that the digestion and absorption of nutrients is severely impaired. This causes a wide range of symptoms including:

• Impaired growth
• Diarrhea
  
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  
• Skin rashes (Dermatitis herpetiformis and others)
  
• Fatigue

Gluten Free Living:

The only way to manage Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivities is to follow a strict gluten free lifestyle. Dietary modifications are the central part of this process, however sensitive individuals need to look out for many cosmetics including moisturizers and hair products that may contain wheat products including wheat germ oils. It can be very overwhelming for those newly diagnosed and it is important to have a clear understanding of what to do in order for the body to begin to heal itself.

Furthermore, it is important to help establish the optimal levels of vitamins and minerals if they have been depleted as well as to heal the lining of the small intestine so that it may regenerate overtime.

As the recognition and diagnosis of Celiac and Gluten intolerance is more and more common, a wide variety of food options and gluten-free cosmetics are more accessible than ever before.

If you suspect that you may have a gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease, it is important to get the proper assessments not only for diagnosis but to identify any other food allergies and nutrient deficiencies.

DR CARRIE WATKINS | NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IN VICTORIA BC

VICTORIA MASSAGE THERAPY AND HEALTH SOLUTIONS CLINIC