As many as 10-30% of people of Northern European ancestry, have lesser forms of gluten sensitivity that causes symptoms that improve on a gluten free diet. The low carbohydrate diets have not only been popular because many have lost weight but many experienced dramatic improvements in general feeling of well being, increased energy, relief of fibromyalgia, joint aches, improved skin, fewer headaches, and improved digestive symptoms. Full benefit may have been missed though because gluten was not completely eliminated.

Though gluten can cause serious damage to the intestine that results in poor absorption and weight loss it may also cause weight gain. This is because it is insulinogenic, meaning it stimulates the release of insulin by the pancreas that promote fat storage and weight gain. This also can cause either too high or too low blood sugar levels. Some people will gain weight despite malabsorbing essential nutrients. More than 10% of insulin dependent diabetics have Celiac disease. Whether the Celiac or the diabetes came first is not known, but they commonly occur together.

CD is also often associated with other autoimmune conditions including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis and thyroid problems. It is a reversible cause of infertility, low birth

weight infants, pre-term labor and recurrent miscarriages. Untreated it is associated with a significant increase risk of numerous cancers and lymphoma. It is a common cause of unexplained iron deficiency anemia and premature osteoporosis.

If you have any of the above symptoms or problems, have a family history of Celiac disease or are of Northern European ancestry you should be screened for Celiac disease or gluten intolerance. If you have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance make sure your doctor excluded Celiac disease. Information about tests for Celiac disease and gluten intolerance or sensitivity are available on the website www.thefooddoc.com.

Dr. Scot Lewey is a physician who is trained and board certified in the specialty of gastroenterology (diseases of the digestive tract) who personally is DQ2 positive and gluten intolerant and has a growing practice focused in the area of Celiac disease, gluten intolerance and other food intolerances; colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome and reflux. He is a published researcher, author and founder of an educational website http://www.thefooddoc.com dedicated to helping people with food intolerances.