Gluten and Lifespan

There are several studies done around the globe demonstrating that those with celiac disease have a shortened life expectancy. There aren't many studies on those who are gluten intolerant and don't have celiac, but the outcomes would most likely be similar. The difference between the two is a matter of degree. A little gluten for a celiac is kerosene to the fire where the gluten intolerant individual the same gluten is more like lighter fluid. Both cause a fire to burn but the degree of intensity is different.

A large study on hospitalized celiac patients performed in Sweden (they have a higher incidence of celiac that is presumed to be related to early introduction of grain based cereal drinks into the infant diet) were found to have a 2 fold increase in mortality from various causes. Celiac disease is related to intestinal cancers and lymphomas, but also has high incidence of provoking immune system problems resulting in more autoimmune diseases. If you are already suffering from an autoimmune disorder, you may be gluten intolerant if you aren't a celiac sprue sufferer.

The study found that some of the deaths for those with celiac were related to autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue disorders. Other deaths were cirrhosis of the liver (can be a result of celiac disease and not related to alcohol), and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. It is hypothesized that many of these deaths especially cancer, are related to malabsorption. This results in poor nutrient, vitamin and mineral status. In these cases, a poor vitamin A and D levels would have been found. Both of these vitamins work together and an adequate vitamin D level is protective against so many diseases such as influenza, cancer, and heart disease.

Generally, celiac disease and gluten intolerance are diseases that are based in chronic inflammation. "Gluten sensitivity should be considered as a state of heightened immunologic responsiveness to ingested gluten proteins in genetically predisposed individuals. The brain is particularly vulnerable." This statement came from a study done by Pediatrics Journal. Inflammation is found to be the culprit in many diseases including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, and arthritis. Many people suffering from

Another study in the Lancet, demonstrated that those who didn't follow a gluten free diet had a 600% increase risk of death. Death rates were also affected by delay in diagnosis as well as the non-gluten adherence, meaning monthly cheating.

Many who experience relief from physical symptoms or maladies with a gluten free diet, think it is acceptable to cheat now and then. Another study found that minute amounts of gluten caused inflammation in gluten sensitive individuals. There is difficulty to abstain at all times unless you make your own food at all times. But you don't want to compound those inadvertent gluten exposures with your own blatant cheating. It takes 3-6 months to reduce inflammation from that exposure. So cheating every month won't give your immune system a chance to relax and you will experience chronic inflammation. Some of the gluten free products/foods available have a threshold of gluten. If it contains less than 20 parts per million it can be considered gluten free. This can be a problem if you consume a gluten free muffin in am, cookie at lunch and pasta at dinner. You may be exceeding the gluten level your body can take with this ingestion.

Keep this in mind, when you think about cheating.......

This week's recipe is a low budget, easy and tasty soup.

Greek Bean Soup

1 can 15oz of navy or Northern beans, rinsed
4-5 c. broth, use more if you want a thin soup, less for thicker soup
Fresh ground pepper
4 carrots sliced
3 stalks of celery sliced with the leaves
2 onions diced
4 sprigs of fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
2 Tbsp. of tomato paste

Combine all in a pot and cook over medium low heat for 40-50 minutes until carrots are soft.

Enjoy!