Dr. Weiner explains Gluten Sensitivity
On Saturday, January 23rd, we kicked off the “Souvia Saturday Forums”. a two hour informal session, during which an guest speaker will discuss a topic of interest and answer questions. We had a great turnout with an inquisitive group. Thanks to everyone who came out and participated.
Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease was the topic of Saturday’s forum. Dr. Andrea Weiner, NMD, a local naturopathic physician talked about what it means to be gluten sensitive or suffer from celiac disease, how it affects a person’s overall health and what it means to “live without”.
Celiac disease is characterized by damage to the intestinal wall due to eating gluten and is one of the most common chronic health disorders in western countries. It is also one of the most under-diagnosed. According to the National Institute of Health, about 1 in 180 Americans suffers from celiac disease and about 1 in 7 from gluten sensitivity.
Dr. Weiner explained the difference between celiac disease, a genetic autoimmune disease, and gluten sensitivity/intolerance where people don’t have the building blocks to digest the gluten. The symptoms are so varied that it makes it difficult to diagnose the disease. They can reach from gastro-intestinal problems to fatigue, osteoporosis, hypoglycemia and even skin disorders. All of these are a result of the body’s weakened immune system and the lack to absorb nutrients. Even though there are blood tests that can reveal celiac disase, a biopsy of the colon is more accurate. Alternatively, and also less expensive, you can start an elimination diet to find out if there is any improvement in well being once gluten is removed.
I found out that this is not an easy task – but an essential one for those who do have celiac disease. Gluten is in so many of our daily foods, that label reading is a must. While it maybe easier to identify wheat, barley and reye as gluten containing foods, it is hidden in products you’d never suspect. One of the participants shared that she even had to switch to a special tooth paste and that gluten can be found on dental floss, french fries, and even in certain medications.
Dr. Weiner not only provided insight into the intricacies of the disease, answered questions of the audience, but also provided helpful tips on what the individual can do to begin the healing process.
The discussion was lively and participants not only liked the topic, but also enjoyed the informal ”round-table” feel of the forum, the expertise of the presenter and of course a pot of Souvia tea (gluten-free!).
Dr. Weiner,
