Celiac disease rates increasing?

"Celiac disease, an immune system reaction to gluten in the diet, is at least four times as common today as it was 50 years ago, according to findings of a Mayo Clinic study published this month in the journal Gastroenterology. Joseph Murray, M.D., a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologis, describes the study findings and provides background on the disease, its symptoms and treatment."



Following current theories about this condition, I can't help but wonder if the increased incidence of Celiac disease could be related to some type of viral intervention. There is emerging evidence that the IGRM gene, which is directly related to Crohn's/Celiac disease, has recently been resurrected after being inactivated millions of years ago by a human endogenous retrovirus:

"For 25 million years, the IRGM gene was effectively dead. But then, in the common ancestor of humans and the great apes, something unexpected happened. The gene somehow regained its ability to produce a protein, albeit a shortened one. The gene had been resurrected, and ironically enough, its saviour was another genetic hitchhiker that inserted itself in just the right place."

This may very well be the first documented examples of gene death and rebirth. It would seem to follow that there could be a link with HERVs, the IRGM gene, and the recent increase in gluten intolerance and Crohn's disease.

I would be curious to hear people's comments about this theory.

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References:

Death and Resurrection of the Human IRGM Gene

The death and resurrection of IRGM - the "Jesus gene"

Celiac Disease Prevalence and Mortality

Gluten Free Concessions!

"A new gluten-free food concession stand is opening on July 23, 2009 at Coors Field in Denver. It is thought to be the first of its kind in baseball."

Continue reading "Gluten Free Concessions!"...

Gluten Free Backlash?

Daniel Engber over at Slate thinks Gluten Intolerance is all in your head. He states "Is it a coincidence that the specter of gluten intolerance only emerged in the midst of the low-carb bonanza?"

But Daniel might be onto something. For example, how about those annoying diabetics and always having to watch what they eat to control their blood sugar? Diabetes is just caused from too many people cutting sugar out of their diets... right?

And people with peanut allergies... always insisting on asking what is in their food to prevent anaphylactic shock. I mean peanut allergies are just a fad anyways... right?

And don't even get me started on the Phenylketonurics... always concerned about phenylalanine in their food! This is probably a result of the Low Carb diet fad as well... might want to tell the hospitals to stop testing the newborns for this genetic condition.

Continue reading: "Are we being too tolerant of gluten-intolerance?"

Gluten Free Success Stories...

The Wheat Deficiency Syndrome

Beware the dreaded Wheat Deficiency Syndrome!

Like any other syndrome, you can recognize this condition by its many tell-tale signs:

--Flat abdomen
--Rapid weight loss
--High energy
--Less mood swings
--Better sleep
--Diminished appetite
--Reduced blood sugar
--Reduced blood pressure
--Reduced small LDL and total LDL
--Increased HDL
--Reduced triglycerides
--Reduced C-reactive protein and other inflammatory measures

Blatantly stolen from: The Heart Scan Blog

Zonulin, Vitamin, and Leaky Gut

" in both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, vitamin D deficiency was independently associated with having increased disease activity scores compared to those with normal levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficient CD patients, but not UC patients, had worse quality of life when compared to patients who were not Vitamin D deficient."

Continue reading "Zonulin, Vitamin, and Leaky Gut"...

Cucumber shaped like Gluten Free Bagel?

Mechanism of Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy

Via http://www.albatherapeutics.com/

Charles Darwin and Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy?

"However, while most agree that the majority of Darwin’s symptoms were gastrointestinal in nature, some remain unconvinced that the best explanation was that Darwin was lactose intolerant. Instead, they point to a more serious disorder known as Crohn’s Disease. This new diagnosis is garnering much support within the medical community, in that Crohn’s – even more so than lactose intolerance – accounts for the vast majority of Darwin’s incapacitating symptoms."

Continue reading "Darwin and Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy?"...

Gluten Free in Cannon Beach!

- Clam Chowder
- Crab Cakes
- Rice Toast
- And much more at Cranky Sue's

Possible link between Autism and Autoimmunity?

"Children of mothers who have autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease have up to a three times greater risk for autism, a new study finds."

Continue reading "Possible link between Autism and Autoimmunity?"...

Happy 3rd of July!!

1. Lectin free ground turkey enchiladas with guacamole and sour cream.
2. Home-cooked tortilla chips.
3. Lobster tail on the grill.
4. Lectin free pineapple salsa.
5. Cabbage salad with lime juice and onions.

Mt Bachelor Adventures!

Mount Bachelor Adventures! from David Cain on Vimeo.