The Indian population is currently grappling with a health challenge known as celiac disease, more commonly referred to as Wheat Allergy. Reports have indicated that approximately one out of every 140 citizens in the country have been diagnosed with this condition. Celiac disease is largely caused by an intolerance to gluten, a protein commonly found in certain grains such as wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. Genetically predisposed individuals tend to be most prone to developing the disease.
Understanding Gluten and its Role
The term ‘gluten’ is used to refer to the proteins present in select grains, including wheat, rye, barley, and triticale – a hybrid of wheat and rye. Gluten’s primary function lies in enabling food to maintain structure and consistency. It essentially acts as a glue to hold food together.
The Impact of Celiac Disease on Human Body
When a person with celiac disease ingests food containing gluten, their immune system initiates an attack against the small intestine. This indicates the autoimmune nature of the disease. The resulting attacks cause severe damage to villi, small fingerlike projections lining the small intestine responsible for nutrient absorption.
Once these villi are damaged, the body’s ability to properly absorb nutrients suffers a significant setback. Additionally, the hexaploid nature of modern wheat, as opposed to diploid, makes it notably more antigenic, stimulating a much greater production of antibodies upon entering the body.
Celiac Disease: Risk Factors and Treatment
Individuals living with celiac disease face twice the risk of developing coronary artery disease. They are also four times more likely to develop small bowel cancers. At present, the only way to manage celiac disease is to commit to a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Adhering to this dietary restriction means avoiding foods containing wheat, rye, and barley like bread and beer.
| Celiac Disease Risk Factors | Risk Multiplier |
| Coronary Artery Disease | 2x |
| Small Bowel Cancers | 4x |
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
It’s important to note that gluten intolerance isn’t limited only to those diagnosed with celiac disease. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a significantly common phenomenon. The response to gluten in such cases can vary from individual to individual.
Issues with Gluten-Free Diet
There’s been a recent trend of individuals without a celiac diagnosis opting for grain-free diets with the perception of shedding weight and improving digestion. However, these cereal grains are crucial sources of dietary fiber necessary for proper bowel movement. They also provide protein, which many Indians lack in their diet. Surprisingly, going gluten-free might even raise the risk of heart disease.
Autoimmune Diseases: A Brief Overview
Our bodies are equipped with an immune system, a complex network consisting of specialized cells and organs that protect us from harmful germs and other foreign invaders. Autoimmune diseases cause this system to misfire, leading it to attack the body’s own tissues and organs. The affected body parts largely depend on the type of autoimmune disease – there are more than 80 known types. They range from Multiple Sclerosis to Leucoderma and beyond.
