On 30 Jan 2007 12:59:49 -0800, "TC" <tunder...@hotmail.com> wrote:
http://www.celiac.com/index.html
http://www.celiac.com/st_prod.html?
p_prodid=2&p_catid=2&sid=91hH9H1jb0Je5hZ-40107593203.23
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease (also called coeliac, nontropical sprue, celiac sprue,
gluten intolerant enteropathy, or gluten sensitive enteropathy) is a
condition in which there is a chronic reaction to certain protein
chains, commonly referred to as glutens, found in some cereal grains.
This reaction causes destruction of the villi in the small intestine,
with resulting malabsorption of nutrients.
There is clear evidence of a family tendency toward celiac disease.
5-10% of the first-level relatives (parents, children, and siblings)
of diagnosed celiacs may develop celiac disease. The disease affects
both sexes, and it can begin at any age, from infancy (as soon as
cereal grains are introduced) to later life (even though the
individual has consumed cereal grains all along). The onset of the
disease seems to require two components: genetic predisposition (two
specific genetic markers, called HLA subfactors, are present in well
over 90% of all celiacs in America), and some kind of trigger. The
trigger may be environmental (as in overexposure to wheat),
situational (perhaps severe emotional stress), physical (such as a
pregnancy, an operation), or pathological (a viral infection).
Once thought to be a childhood disease that would be outgrown, recent
evidence indicates that it is not uncommon for the symptoms of celiac
disease to disappear during late childhood or adolescence, giving the
appearance of a cure. Unfortunately, damage still occurs during these
years of apparent health, and later in life these celiacs may find
they have suffered considerable damage to the small intestine, and
have for years deprived themselves of important nutrients.
***
Hmmmm...... I'll settle for fresh whole non-grain produce.
And eat fatty meat and die of colon cancer? No thanks.
