I received the following question from a reader suffering from gluten intolerance. It brings up a very important issue to address and likely a source of confusion for some.

If You Eat Gluten & Feel Fine, Are You Fine?

Here’s the question: “I am using something called “an enzyme product”, along with HCL [hydrochloric acid] capsules and experimenting with eating gluten occasionally. I am getting good results I believe, so far. Can Dr. Vikki comment on any strategies like this that would allow some of us to occasionally consume some gluten?”

When I read this question I get the terrible image of someone playing Russian roulette. Let me explain… Recently I met with some of the top researchers from both coasts of the US. Doctors who are spending their entire careers trying to find an enzyme or drug that a person with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can ingest safely to eliminate the dangerous effects gluten has on the human body.

No Drug or Enzyme Yet Exists That Works 100%

The researchers explained that each substance showing promise has approximately a seven-year cycle it must go through in order to prove its efficacy and arrive on the market. Anywhere during that seven-year span failure can occur, including at the seven-year mark. It made me wonder, how many such cycles can one do in a career?

Currently, the closest substances in the pipeline are at the two to three-year mark, according to these researchers – meaning it will be a minimum of four to five more years before they know for sure if they have a winner. All preceding efforts have failed, unfortunately. While prior failure in no way signals that future success is impossible, the point is that such a substance does not currently exist. If it did, there would be several studies showing its efficacy.

In the promotional materials for the above-mentioned enzyme, the manufacturer states that their product: “helps eliminate or significantly reduce symptoms related to Celiac disease.”

The emphasis on the word “symptoms” is my own. Reducing symptoms is not equivalent to eliminating the negative effects of gluten. Remember that it is estimated that less than one-quarter of the time are the effects of gluten digestive related. Therefore at least three-quarters of the time the symptoms and effects are occurring at a site distant to the digestive tract.

Some Effects of Gluten Cannot Be Felt

The insidiousness of gluten is just that – effects can occur that one cannot “feel”. But just because one can’t feel them doesn’t mean that they aren’t there. Such changes as those leading to nervous system inflammation, cancer, and autoimmune disease can’t be felt initially. It is estimated that changes can be occurring for 5 to 15 years in the body before a person “feels” any symptoms.

So when the gentleman above says that he’s “getting good results, so far” what does that mean? I can tell you what it doesn’t mean. It doesn’t mean that all possible forms of inflammation and damage that gluten can cause have been evaluated for and none are occurring. If that was the case, believe me, the celiac disease community world-wide would know about this product and all the researchers I was mentioned above would be kicking themselves that they hadn’t created it first!

When and if that day does arrive, not only will there be a lot of happy gluten intolerant people, but the researcher will be ecstatic and a multi-millionaire to boot – a well-deserved bonus in my opinion.

Eating Gluten Initiates Cravings

The other dangerous issue here is that gluten creates gluteomorphins that create cravings. When one starts consuming gluten “occasionally” it isn’t long before cravings set it in and almost without realizing it one is ingesting more and more.

I say this from over two decades of clinical experience with patients. Believe me when I say that I take no personal joy in restricting people’s diets. Should the day come when gluten can be properly digested with absolutely no negative side effects, I will be delighted. However, that day is not today.

In the meantime, the safest and kindest approach you can take if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is a zero-tolerance policy on gluten. And enjoy the good health that will result! Please do contact me regarding any questions that you have. We are here to help you, your friends, and your family. Root Cause Medical is a destination clinic that treats patients from across the country as well as internationally.