Gluten intolerance Sick by grain

Many Germans suffer from a gluten intolerance

05/15/2012

Many people suffer from a gluten intolerance (celiac disease), which can lead to significant health problems when eating gluten-containing foods. Those affected only benefit from a complete relinquishment of the corresponding foods, but many are not aware of their illness at all, the experts warn in the context of the current World Celiac Week.

Around one in 200 Germans can not tolerate the gluten contained in grain. Those affected can not use the gluten properly and often suffer from significant digestive problems. In the long run, not only an inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, but also the development of osteoporosis or anemia threatens. If gluten intolerance is suspected, a doctor should urgently be consulted.

Substantial health impairments due to gluten intolerance
As the experts of the German Celiac Society report in the context of the current World Celiac Week (12 to 19 May), relatively many Germans suffer from gluten intolerance. After eating gluten-containing foods, they show a type of allergic reaction that can lead to significant health problems. The symptoms range from indigestion such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fat, nausea and vomiting, severe inflammation of the intestinal mucosa to mental health problems such as depression. Included are gluten, for example, in wheat, barley, oats and rye. The expert of the German Celiac Society, Sofia Beisel, explained on the occasion of the World Celiac Week that the gluten intolerance due to the extremely variable symptoms is often extremely difficult to diagnose. An early diagnosis and subsequent consequent refraining from gluten-containing foods, however, is of great importance for those affected in order to avoid more serious consequences of celiac disease. Because the gluten intolerance remains untreated, threatening sequelae, such as anemia (anemia) or osteoporosis. In addition, celiac disease is suspected to increase the risk of lymphoma and colon cancer.

Gluten intolerance as a trigger of autoimmune diseases?
To exclude more serious health risks, a doctor should be consulted in case of suspected gluten intolerance. The doctor may use a blood test to determine any signs of celiac disease and, if suspected, may perform a biopsy of the small intestine to confirm the diagnosis. However, there is no possibility to cure celiac disease even after a confirmed diagnosis. The persons affected must now renounce their obligations. You should follow a gluten-free diet „strictly and for life“, emphasized Sofia Beisel. This also applies to patients who have only mild symptoms, since the symptoms can be increased with prolonged consumption of gluten. Also is the „Celiac disease is strongly associated with other autoimmune diseases, with diabetes or certain thyroid disorders“, so that these are made possible by the consumption of gluten eventual feed, said the expert.

Celiac disease is hereditary
Since a gluten intolerance can be inherited, affected parents should be particularly careful with their children, so the statement of Sofia Beisel. The responsible physicians are to be informed about the increased risk of the children and as early as possible a test for celiac disease should be carried out. Because around one in ten sufferers pass on the gluten intolerance to their children, explained the expert. As a general rule, children up to the fourth month are advised to refrain from gluten „Gluten is not particularly digestible for even younger children“ are, Beisel continues.

Gluten-free diet only form of therapy
According to the expert, the recommended gluten-free diet is easy to follow, as gluten is on the one hand subject to labeling and the list of ingredients on the back of the food packaging clearly indicates whether gluten is present. On the other hand, food manufacturers and many supermarket chains are already offering special gluten-free products made with substitute ingredients such as millet, corn, rice, buckwheat or soya, according to the expert of the German Celiac Society. (Fp)

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Health: Hotline on food allergies

Picture: Sigrid Rossmann