I want to discuss the importance of screening for celiac disease and hear your thoughts on the topic. A recent study examined the pros and cons of screening for this condition.
For a disease to warrant population screening, it must be common, impose a significant health burden, and be treatable. Celiac disease meets these criteria: it is the most common lifelong disorder in the United States and Europe, it is associated with 300 different diseases and conditions, and it is treatable by removing gluten from the diet.
However, my clinical experience shows that simply removing gluten is usually not enough; treating the secondary effects is also necessary. This is supported by the fact that only eight percent of celiacs fully regain the health of their small intestines after removing gluten.
Celiac disease affects one percent of the population, and research shows that its incidence increases to four percent with age. Gluten sensitivity, a related condition, affects anywhere from 10 to over 30 percent of the population. Despite its prevalence, only five percent of those with celiac disease are diagnosed. Screening would improve this diagnosis rate significantly.
Celiac disease is linked to various conditions, such as depression, anxiety, infertility, migraines, and IBS. It is also an autoimmune disease, and having one autoimmune disease often means having others. Autoimmune diseases are the third leading cause of death in the country. Effective screening for celiac disease could reduce the number of autoimmune diseases.
There are some challenges to screening. Current tests for celiac disease are not very sensitive and require significant bodily damage to show positive results. Cyrex Labs has developed a more sensitive test, which, while not perfect, is an improvement. It is also important to screen for gluten sensitivity alongside celiac disease, as both are associated with many health issues.
Cost is another consideration. However, the cost of screening is outweighed by the cost of treating the diseases caused by gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. Even the most conservative estimates suggest that 15 percent of the population is affected.
If you want to be screened but face resistance from your doctor, or if they only offer the conservative celiac test, get it done. If it’s negative, you may still have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Another tool you can use is to go on a strict gluten-free diet for 30 days. If you feel better at the end of this period, that is a positive test.
I hope I have provided some useful information and tools. Let me know your thoughts. Until next time, I wish you very good health.
