Gluten Sensitivity - A Common Problem Or a Myth? (More)

Gluten-free pizza crusts are very helpful to people with gluten-sensitivity.

Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts:  Tasty Substitutes

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As we covered previously, gluten sensitivity, also called "gluten intolerance," happens because you are allergic or sensitive to gluten, a grain protein.

Finding substitutes for gluten-rich products, such as gluten-free pizza crusts is crucial

The market has responded admirably, with so many more people being diagnosed with gluten sensitivity; because of that, you have a readily available choice of cookies, breads, and other traditionally flour-based goods, such as gluten-free flatbreads that are nonetheless gluten-free and therefore perfectly fine for you to have. They'll be a little bit more expensive than their gluten-based counterparts, but they're well worth the price you'll pay for feeling better, having more energy, and having a number of health problems get better or even simply disappear.

How Can I Tell If I am Gluten-Sensitive?

Several blood tests exist for Celiac disease. They have varying degrees of accuracy. Some are more sensitive, meaning they will be positive in milder forms of the disease but are not specific, meaning a positive test may not indicate Celiac disease. Others are felt to be very specific, meaning that when they are positive, it is almost certain you have the disease.

The most specific tests are tests for Celiac disease endomysial antibodies (EMA) and tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG) tests. These two tests are IgA based tests and can be negative if you are deficient in the immunoglobin IgA, which occurs in 10-20% of people with Celiac. When either EMA or tTG are positive Celiac disease is very likely and usually the intestine biopsy is positive. Recent studies indicate that the tTG may only be positive in 40% of true Celiacs when mild degrees of intestine damage are present on biopsy. Seronegative Celiac, meaning the blood tests are negative but the biopsy is positive, may occur in up to 20% of Celiacs.

Antibodies for gliadin (AGA), the toxic fraction of gluten are considered very sensitive but not specific for Celiac disease. Newer assays for AGA antibodies for gluten that has undergone a chemical change called deamidation appear to be more specific for Celiac disease (Gliadin II, Inova) than the older gliadin tests. They also may be as or more accurate than EMA and tTG
antibody tests but are not yet widely available. The most distressing problem for people with lesser forms of gluten intolerance who have blood tests and/or biopsies that are normal or borderline yet respond to a gluten free diet is either not being taken seriously or knowing for sure if they are sensitive to gluten.

If you are gluten-sensitive, however, make sure you find a good source for gluten-free foods.  

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Gluten Sensitivity - A Common Problem Or a Myth?

Gluten-free pizza crusts may help to avoid a growing health concern in the US:  gluten-sensitivity.

Is Gluten-Sensitivity a Myth

There seems to be a lot of hype about gluten-sensitivity. But, is gluten-sensitivity a myth?

Celiac disease, also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy is very common but frequently missed. It is an autoimmune disease of intestinal damage due to gluten in people who are genetically predisposed.

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Classic Celiac disease is diagnosed by abnormal blood tests and an abnormal appearing intestine on biopsy and symptoms that resolve with a gluten free diet.

Gluten sensitivity, also called "gluten intolerance," happens because you are allergic or sensitive to gluten, a grain protein. Gluten is found in grains like rye, barley and wheat. Therefore, gluten sensitivity requires that you avoid anything with gluten in it (meaning anything made with wheat, barley or rye) so as to avoid the symptoms related to gluten intolerance.

Diagnosing Gluten Sensitivity & Celiac Disease

The proper tools must be used to accurately diagnose gluten sensitivity. Relying solely on a biopsy can delay a diagnosis for several years. I have personally seen cases of celiac disease where up to 8 biopsies were performed before a diagnosis was made. Blood antibody tests provide a better degree of accuracy but still have a great degree of false negatives. Genetic testing offers the greatest degree of accuracy and when combined with a patient's history and examination a diagnosis can be made early and accurately. However, the greatest tool is patient improvement. If a person starts to feel better on a gluten free diet it doesn't matter what blood tests or biopsies reveal. The proverbial proof is in the pudding.

What are the symptoms of gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance?

Most often, gluten intolerance symptoms are those related to the "gut." That is, you're going to have digestive difficulties when you ingest wheat, barley or rye; removing these products from your diet will alleviate your symptoms.

Digestive symptoms of gluten sensitivity include bloating, gas and diarrhea. However, what is less well known is that gluten sensitivity, because it causes inflammation that can affect the entire body, can also cause or exacerbate depression, anxiety, headaches, and aching joints.

There are many health problems that can be avoided by buying foods such as gluten-free pizza crusts.

Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
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The Top Reasons Why You Should Buy Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts (Conclusion)

Gluten free foods such as gluten-free pizza crusts may help to prevent or control celiac disease.
As we covered previously, when talking about gluten issues, most people only think about the gut.  Which leads us to our next point.

Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts and a Healthy Gut

Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts | (310) 322–7357

(7) Preventing imbalances in the gut flora

Gut flora (also called gut microbiome or gut biome) is a group of friendly bacteria that reside in the gut. These bacteria help to regulate the immune system, digest food, control intestinal permeability, synthesize nutrients such as vitamin K2, convey fullness/hunger signals to the brain, and accomplish several critical functions. However, gut flora are averse to gluten and do not thrive when the gut is frequently exposed to the protein. In fact, studies have shown that people with celiac disease have terrible problems with their gut flora, which are significantly reduced when gluten is eliminated. Similarly, people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity experience gut flora disturbances. Going gluten-free can therefore help to restore a proper balance in the gut flora and enhance the overall health of the gut.

(8) Preventing skin problems

The most common cause of gluten-associated skin problems is celiac disease, which causes a condition called dermatitis herpetiformis. Dermatitis herpetiformis is characterized by a red itchy rash with raised blisters. However, studies have also demonstrated that non-celiac gluten sensitivity can also cause itchy skin problems similar to psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis herpetiformis on the arms and legs. Besides, many people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance find that their skin improves when they avoid gluten while conditions such as psoriasis and eczema usually improve with a gluten-free diet.

Gluten-Free Foods and Better Health

(9) Alleviation of symptoms of a variety of diseases

Gluten-free diets are effective in alleviating the symptoms of a variety of diseases. For example, people consuming well-balanced gluten-free vegan diets have increased antibodies which protect them against rheumatoid arthritis. Likewise, people with gastrointestinal tract conditions (such as IBS, colitis and Crohn’s disease) feel better when they eat gluten-free pizza crusts. Equally, a gluten-free diet is protective against type 1 diabetes while autistic children fed on gluten-free foods show positive behavioral and developmental improvements.

Conclusion

Just like people with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivities, eating a gluten-free diet provides several benefits and can improve your health and well-being. Nevertheless, before deciding to go gluten-free, it is important to consult your doctor and to work with a competent dietician. This will ensure that you are always on a balanced diet and receive adequate nutrients. Equally, you must assess the quality and safety of gluten-free foods before buying them.

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Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
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Top Reasons Why You Should Buy Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts (Contd.)

Gluten-free foods such as gluten-free pizza crusts are a first line of defense against potentially serious food allergies such as celiac disease.

Intestinal Permeability and Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts

Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts are a Safe Alternative | (310) 322–7357

As we covered previously, frequent gut inflammation can result in a condition called intestinal permeability. Typically, the gut has a complex and functional “border control” mechanism that allows the passage of digested food into the bloodstream and locks out everything else (including viruses, bacteria, dust molecules and other materials ingested with food. However, when the gut is subjected to inflammation, the border control is messed up and the junctions between cells of the gut wall are loosened, making the gut “leaky” and permeable to all kinds of stuff. Gluten also accelerates intestinal permeability by stimulating the production of zonulin, a protein that promotes the loosening of junctions between gut wall cells. Intestinal permeability is a huge problem and is a major factor in the development of autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease.

Non Celiac Gluten-Sensitivity and Gluten-Free Foods

(4) Preventing non-celiac autoimmune diseases

Many studies have linked gluten to several non-celiac autoimmune disorders, including fibromyalgia, type-1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disorders, autoimmune liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and different autoimmune skin diseases. By getting rid of gluten from your diet through gluten-free pizza crusts you can significantly reduce the risks of having these conditions.

(5) Preventing gastrointestinal symptoms

For individuals with celiac disease, a gluten-containing diet results in instant and severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, pain, bloating, gas, heartburn, vomiting, nausea and stools that smell awfully. And in individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a gluten-rich diet results in similar symptoms as those of celiac disease. But even for those who are not sensitive to gluten, the indestructibility of gluten results in gut inflammation which in turn leads to persistent, relapsing gut problems (such as frequent bloating and inflammation after meals). Hence, by eating gluten-free pizza crusts, you can avoid these gastrointestinal problems.

(6) Preventing brain problems

When talking about gluten issues, most people only think about the gut. However, while typical problems are gut-related, the brain is another vital organ that is adversely affected by gluten. For instance, brain fatigue and brain fog are common symptoms of both celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. But more importantly, gut inflammation and the disturbances involved in immune-inflammatory responses to gluten may increase the brain’s vulnerability to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, gluten-related autoimmune disorders may lead to depression. Therefore, while mental health is complicated and several factors are involved, avoiding gluten is one of the best ways of reducing the risk for mental health problems.

A good place to start?  Buying gluten-free pizza crusts.

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Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
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