Ailments and Situations - Wheat and Gluten Allergies - Causes

 

Causes:

Wheat allergies or sensitivities are caused either by an inability to digest the food molecule or an allergic reaction to it.

Wheat allergies can develop during the infant years when new foods are being introduced. If wheat is introduced into the diet before the digestive system is mature enough to handle this more complex food, it will pass directly through the system and into the blood stream. Once the intact, whole food molecule enters the blood stream, it will be seen as an invader by the immune system, which will develop antibodies to defend against the "invader".

 
Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is caused by gluten intolerance, specifically to a protein called alpha-gliadin that causes a reaction in the intestinal mucous lining. The reaction damages the villi (finger-like projections) lining the small intestine, hindering nutrient absorption.

An intestinal biopsy and positive blood test for antibodies against gliadin (anti-alpha-gliadin antibodies) will confirm the presence of celiac disease.

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