🌟 Can I Build My Gluten Tolerance? (and other myths)

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It is Celiac & Gluten Awareness Month!

Let's start with a quick review about celiac disease.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakes the protein in gluten for a dangerous invader. Whenever the immune system detects the gluten protein, it makes antibodies to get rid of it. In the process, the antibodies cause damage to the body, especially to the villi of the small intestine.

There are over 300 recognized symptoms for celiac disease, and they vary from person to person.

Celiac disease is one of the only autoimmune disease in which the trigger is know: gluten. The symptoms and damage caused by gluten can be treated by eliminating by following a strictly gluten-free diet. The antibodies and damage will resume if gluten is added back into the diet.

Myth #1: A little bit of gluten each day will build your tolerance.

If you have celiac disease, a little bit of gluten each day will keep your immune system continuing to produce antibodies. Symptoms and damage to villi will continue.

People with gluten intolerance may be able to tolerate small amounts of gluten without symptoms, but there is no evidence that a daily dose of gluten will eliminate their intolerance.

Myth #2: It is all in your head; if you don't know you are eating gluten, it won't bother you.

This myth brings significant anguish and distress to individuals with celiac disease. The immune system will mount a reaction to gluten regardless of whether it was consumed knowingly or unknowingly. As symptoms often manifest with a delay of up to 6 hours, pinpointing the exact source of gluten contamination can be exceedingly challenging.

Myth #3: You can outgrow celiac disease.

Celiac disease is a lifelong condition. Once the immune system becomes sensitized to gluten and starts producing antibodies, it continues to do so indefinitely. The only effective treatment is adhering to a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Contrary to popular belief, there is no known cure for celiac disease, and it cannot be outgrown.

Learn More

To learn more about celiac disease, gluten intolerance, diagnosis, and other reasons to be gluten-free, please join the Problem With Gluten Mini course. We have extensive information about celiac disease and gluten intolerance and more.

Stay tuned for more helpful tips coming your way soon!

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Remember, whether you're celiac, gluten intolerant, or somewhere in between, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Warm regards,
Karen Horan