Because the side effects of gluten sensitivity and celiac
disease aren’t the same for everyone, both often go
undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. On the other end of
the spectrum, some people self-diagnose themselves incorrectly.
Some doctors and scientists believe there’s been an increase in gluten sensitivity due to environmental and food changes, with theories
including:
*New wheat varieties have a higher gluten content
*Farmers are using wheat with higher gluten varieties because of
their natural insecticide qualities
*People are consuming more wheat-based products than in
previous decades
Beyond these agricultural-related theories, some research has led scientists to believe that, because many people of European descent carry the genes for celiac
disease, there’s an increased susceptibility to health issues from consuming gluten.
Celiac disease is hereditary and can be passed down through
the generations. A parent, child, or sibling has a one in twenty
chance of being diagnosed with celiac disease if a family
member has also been diagnosed.
While only around 1% of the population has celiac disease,
between 35 and 40% of the overall population has celiac disease
genes, HLA DQ2 or HLA DQ8. Some doctors also believe those
with HLA DQ1 and HLA DQ3 are also predisposed to having
gluten sensitivity.
Every person gets one copy of an HLA DQ gene from their
mother and a second copy from their father. There are four
general types of HLA DQ genes, and the HLA DQ1
and HLA DQ3 genes are further broken down, resulting in many
different possible gene combinations. The celiac disease genes
are subsets of the HLA DQ3 gene.
Depending on the two copies of HLA DQ genes you get, you
could develop celiac disease or experience no sensitivities to
gluten.
While more research is needed for the greater medical community to accept this theory, it can still provide insight into how your genes and family history can impact your
gluten sensitivity. Genetic testing may also be an appropriate option if you’re interested in learning if you have a genetic predisposition for celiac disease.
Just remember, even if you have the gene doesn’t mean you have or will develop celiac disease.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.svg)
