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Article: The role wheat plays in chronic tic disorders and other neuro


Caryn

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Thanks Kim!

I added your link to the original blog post along with a summary. It is a good one because it spans 8 years of results.

 

I also linked up a couple of educational you tube videos that Dr. Rodney Ford made for pediatric patients on the whole metabolic issue since my original post. The first one is really simple, short, and powerfully educational for children. (He uses a lot of props including large legos.) Anyone needing to do gluten and casein free with their child (4-10) and getting some resistance should take a look at these cuties together. It will spark some interesting discussion. Tigger loved the first one. The second is more for older kids and adults.

Caryn

http://healthy-family.org/caryn/360

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This is a Cross-post on the link between autoimmune disorders and celiac disease. I left this response in a penicillin thread but thought it was valuable enough to keep in the wheat thread for anyone researching gluten intolerance in general.

 

I just want to mention that in a quick google search I found scientific journal articles connecting (loosely) the simultaneous presentations of celiac disease and lupus. Lupus, or any autoimmune disorder, is quite often a sign that a genetic screening for gluten intolerance and a biopsy for celiac disease should be considered. Celiac and autoimmune disorders go hand and hand on most celiac forums I visit.

 

http://www.springerlink.com/content/12216h11401747l7/ "Celiac disease in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and review of literature"Abstract Celiac disease (CD) is an inflammatory condition of the gut with a known autoimmune pathogenesis. Many similarities exist between the pathogenesis of CD and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); it is still unknown whether there is an association. There are 13 case reports in the literature of both diseases occurring simultaneously. We report another patient who was diagnosed with SLE and 8 years later, developed CD. A review of the literature is also presented.

 

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=A...f6b4446da846569

"Duration of exposure to gluten and risk for autoimmune disorders in patients with celiac disease"

Abstract Background & Aims: The relationship between celiac disease and many autoimmune disorders has been explained by the sharing of a common genetic factor. In a multicenter national study, we examined the relationship between the prevalence of autoimmune disorders in celiac disease and the duration of exposure to gluten.

 

Here is a PDF that explains the many autoimmune disorders connected to gluten (Lupus is on this list):

http://www.gluten.net/downloads/print/Asso...neflat12-06.pdf

 

I understand the need to check for PANDAS, but I also think that it is vitally important to screen for gluten intolerance/celiac disease in cases where an autoimmune disorder is already present and the parent sees the onset of tics. Could this be a leaky gut issue? Candida overgrowth affecting the brain? Don't antibiotics also kill candida (and everything else)?

 

Caryn

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I just wanted to add a clip from an article written by Dr. Rodney Ford, pediatric gastroenterologist.

The article can be found at: http://www.celiac.com/articles/21521/1/How...osed/Page1.html

How Early Can Celiac Disease Be Diagnosed?

In my experience, I have seen a number of children develop celiac disease whilst I have watched and waited. While we doctors wait and see if the gut will become progressively damaged, these children will continue to experience their gut symptoms and they may not be growing so well. We doctors are waiting to make a certain diagnosis of celiac disease. We want to repeat their blood tests and do another endoscopy.

 

Is this reasonable? Experience has changed my mind. I have come to the conclusion that this is not an appropriate way to deal with these children. Currently, most medical specialists are adamant. They will not make a diagnosis of celiac disease until the histologist can confirm the typical tissue damage.

 

How long can you wait?

I have given up the “wait and see” approach. I act. I carefully scrutinize the symptoms and the blood test results - the gluten antibodies (IgG-gliadin) and tissue damage antibody (tTG) levels. I may organise an endoscopy test. If these findings suggest the development of celiac disease, then I make a pre-emptive diagnosis of “early celiac disease”, often before the gut gets badly damaged. I give these children a trial of a gluten-free diet – I see what their clinical response is. Pleasingly, most get completely better! If they get better, then they want to stay gluten-free.

 

The problem is that the diagnosis of celiac disease currently hinges on the abnormal appearance of the small bowel. This damage can take years to develop.

 

The main argument against my approach is that if you do not have a “definite” diagnosis of celiac disease, then you cannot advise a gluten-free diet for life. In my opinion, the decision to go on a gluten-free diet is not a black and white choice. For children, I give them the option of a gluten-free diet early in their disease. Let them feel well. Let them grow properly. Later, as an adult, they can challenge their diagnosis and have a formal gluten challenge when they understand the issues.

 

Conclusion – my approach

As you can see, it is difficult to say how early you can diagnose celiac disease. It is my practice to carefully assess children regarding their symptoms, their antibody levels, their genetic status and their endoscopy results (if appropriate).

 

I do not think it is logical to leave children with significant symptoms waiting for the small bowel damage to eventually occur. Indeed, I think that these long delays in treatment are inhumane. Postponement of a gluten-free diet will cause these children to suffer ongoing symptoms. Worse, they can have growth failure, from which they may not recover.

 

My approach is to put these children on a gluten-free diet early. I watch and see if thy have a clinical response: if they get better. The evidence shows that you cannot rely entirely on the small bowel biopsy for your diagnosis of celiac disease. These children can have a gluten challenge later in their lives.

 

The onset of celiac disease is progressive. Why wait until the bitter end before going gluten-free?

 

Thought I would share.

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  • 4 weeks later...

For those with comorbid OCD and ADHD symptoms--

 

I want to preface by saying that the dx for celiac disease is evolving and in the future may not require intestinal flattening of the villi. There is much evidence to point to the fact that in adolescent cases there may be NO gastrointestinal symptoms at all. So let's just look at this from the standpoint of genetically 'gluten intolerant' and with neurological symptoms. I think too many people put too much stock in the gastrointestinal aspect of diagnosis and miss the fact that the neuro can be corrected through a gluten free diet even if the child is NOT dxd celiac through a biopsy. Just MHO.

 

Found this scientific study very interesting:

 

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/5/14

 

Gluten-free diet may alleviate depressive and behavioural symptoms in adolescents with coeliac disease: a prospective follow-up case-series study

 

The alleviation of psychiatric symptoms found among adolescents with coeliac disease after commencement of a gluten-free diet coincides with a rapid decrease in antibody titres indicating coeliac disease activity and in their prolactin levels, and with a significant increase in L-tyrosine and other CAA serum concentrations, and with a nearly significant increase in the free fraction of L-tryptophan. Although these findings are only preliminary, and more research is needed, they give support to previous findings on patients with coeliac disease, suggesting that serotonergic dysfunction due to impaired availability of tryptophan may play a role in vulnerability to depressive and behavioural disorders, also among adolescents with untreated celiac disease. And since diet treatment may alleviate psychiatric symptoms, and earlier diagnosis may have beneficial effects on psychological and even on neurobiological vulnerability to depression, the possibility of psychiatric complications of coeliac disease needs to be taken into account in differential diagnosis of depressive and behavioural disorders.
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Hi There..

 

I know with NAET they do a baseline first of I think 10-15 different things....a lot of times if they clear the baseline items....some things within your own system clear right up and start functioning normally!! We have done this for my husband....he doesn't have a lot of food sensitivities but has dust and dander sensitivities...sometimes it takes a few tries before it's completely cleared but it does work.

 

I would atleast start with the baseline items and see what things clear on their own...the system might be able to handle the wheat if something is not functioning right in the small instestine. I've read amazing things about NAET and find it fascinating. Good luck!!

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  • 3 weeks later...

Crosspost from easy bruising thread....

I was always an easy bruiser as a kid.

 

Just want to throw the celiac symptoms your way as that is one of the signs. (after a year gf I no longer have easy bruising).

 

From: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/ar...33.htm#Symptoms

 

Celiac disease is an inherited, autoimmune disease in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged from eating gluten and other proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.

 

Causes Return to top

 

The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. The intestines contain projections (called villi) that absorb nutrients. In undiagnosed or untreated celiac disease, these villi become flattened, and the ability to absorb nutrients properly is altered.

 

The disease can develop at any point in life, from infancy to late adulthood.

 

Those with a family member with celiac disease are at greater risk for developing the disease. The disorder is most common in Caucasians and those of European ancestry. Women are affected more commonly than men.

 

There are numerous diseases and conditions associated with celiac disease, including:

 

* Anemia

* Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus

* Certain types of intestinal cancer

* Dermatitis herpetiformis

* Down syndrome

* Lactose intolerance

* Miscarriage or unexplained infertility

* Neurological conditions

* Osteoporosis or osteopenia

* Thyroid disease

* Type 1 diabetes

 

Symptoms Return to top

 

The symptoms of celiac disease can vary significantly from person to person. This is part of the reason the diagnosis is frequently delayed. For example, one person may have constipation, a second may have diarrhea, and a third may have no irregularity in stools.

 

A partial listing of gastrointestinal symptoms:

 

* Abdominal pain

* Abdominal distention, bloating, gas, indigestion

* Constipation

* Decreased appetite (may also be increased or unchanged)

* Diarrhea, chronic or occasional

* Lactose intolerance (common upon diagnosis, usually goes away following treatment)

* Nausea and vomiting

* Stools that float, are foul smelling, bloody, or “fatty”

* Unexplained weight loss (although people can be overweight or of normal weight upon diagnosis)

 

A partial listing of non-intestinal symptoms:

 

* Anemia (low blood count)

* Bone and joint pain

* Bone disease (osteoporosis, kyphoscoliosis, fracture)

* Breathlessness (due to anemia)

* Bruising easily

* Dental enamel defects and discoloration

* Depression

* Fatigue

* Growth delay in children

* Hair loss

* Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

* Irritability and behavioral changes

* Malnutrition

* Mouth ulcers

* Muscle cramps

* Nosebleed

* Seizures

* Short stature, unexplained

* Skin disorders (dermatitis herpetiformis)

* Swelling, general or abdominal

* Vitamin or mineral deficiency, single or multiple nutrient (for example, iron, folate, vitamin K)

I will cross-post this under the wheat thread in essential threads.

 

Caryn

 

Here are some symptoms I no longer have unless I get glutened: canker sores, muscle cramps (used to get those annoying cramps between the toes, the kind that are excruciatingly painful, low blood pressure (to the point where I would get light-headed often), anemia, easy nosebleeds or reoccurring bleeding gums on occasion. Also, the gastro, of course, as many of you know. When I started on the gf diet I would allow myself to 'cheat' when I got the taste for something. I feel so much better now that I have absolutely no desire to cheat at all anymore (besides, I'm learning how to be a pretty darn good gf baker anyway!)

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Caryn,

 

Thought this was interesting.

 

One of two genes involved in oldest son's condition ...EXT2 on 11p11-p13

 

377 Coeliac disease: follow-up linkage study provides further ...Coeliac disease linked to 11p11. 383. Chromosome 11. 11p11. Map position (cM). Fig. 1. Linkage map of chromosome 11p11 showing the position of markers used ...

journals.cambridge.org/article_S0003480001008703

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This is a cross post

 

Here is a study that connects OCD to untreated celiac disease:

 

http://psy.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/43/4/331

 

QUOTE

The mechanisms involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of mental and behavioral disorders related to CD are unclear. Hallert and Sedvall6 reported an increase of 33% in major monoamine metabolite (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid [5-HIAA], homovanillic acid, and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol) concentrations and a 10% increase in the concentration of tryptophan in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in adult CD patients after 1 year on a gluten-free diet. Hernanz and Polanco7 found significantly decreased plasma concentrations of tryptophan, citrulline, tyrosine, valine, isoleucine, and leucine and significantly diminished ratios of tryptophan to large neutral amino acids in children with CD, regardless of dietary treatment. In untreated children, plasma tryptophan was 84% less (mean±SD=13±4 µmol/L) and in the treated group 62% less (31±3 µmol/L) than in children without CD (81±22 µmol/L), and the plasma tryptophan ratio was found to be significantly lower in the untreated group compared with the treated and control groups. Nine of 15 children with untreated CD showed signs of "behavioral disturbances" and were irritable or apathetic. In some of these patients, mood and behavioral problems improved after starting a gluten-free diet. However, to our knowledge, these findings have not been confirmed elsewhere.

 

To our knowledge, there are no studies based on structured psychiatric interviews that have examined mental disorders associated with CD in children and adolescents. We describe two adolescent patients who suffered from severe mental and behavioral disorders before receiving a CD diagnosis. In both cases, psychiatric status considerably improved soon after the commencement of a gluten-free diet.

 

 

Caryn

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  • 2 weeks later...

Tooth Enamel Defects:

(This is a cross-post)

 

Apparently it is very commonly the first sign of celiac disease and often dentists are the ones that refer their patients to gastroenterologists for testing. Celiac is currently in the spotlight research-wise at the moment. We all know here that most of these kids have multiple allergies/intolerances/ causes for digestive problems. It probably isn't that 'cut and dry' for Tourette's. I would suggest you check into it though, if you haven't already, just to rule digestive issues out.

 

 

Here is a study:

 

Dental enamel defects in celiac disease

 

The teeth of 40 adults aged 19 to 67 yr with celiac disease (CD) were examined for dental enamel defects (ED). A total of 33 of the 40 adults with CD (83%) had systematic ED in contrast to only 5 of the 112 clinical controls (4%). Unspecific enamel lesions were found in both groups, but they were more common in the control group (80% vs. 18%). Altogether 69% of the permanent teeth in adults with CD were found to be defected, in clinical controls only 19%. In adults with CD the ED were in contrast to those in controls symmetrically and chronologically distributed in all four sections of dentition. The present study clearly shows that symmetrically and chronologically distributed enamel defects are strongly associated with CD. Therefore in the absence of symptoms and signs of malabsorption dentists could easily select the right patients possibly suffering from CD for gastroenterologic consultations.
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  • 6 months later...

With all the talk going on these days about strep, pitands, h-pylori, et al, I thought I would post a link to a recent article from celiac.com.

I follow Roy Jamron's articles and the last one talked at length about vitamin D deficiency and the proliferation of gut bacteria leading to the onset of Celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders. Folks reading this that are also dealing with reoccurring bacterial infections may want to 'think outside the box' and consider some of what is laid out in this recent study. The more I read about gluten/corn/ grains in general, the more I come to understand that the diagnosis of Celiac really isn't necessary for trying a gluten free diet. It may not be necessary to 'rule it out' or to decide not to try the diet based on a negative Celiac test. I see it as a chicken/egg thing and have come to realize that the real enemy is the overgrowth of bacteria, and part of the healing process involves the use of bifidobacterium-- Perhaps why the Kefir helped my son when he was healing his gut 1 1/2 yrs ago....

 

More is out on the subject with a new study on gut bacteria and celiac disease. The role of antibiotics and the consumption of gluten in the diet then leads to inflammation.

More Evidence Links Gut Bacteria to Celiac Disease

 

The makeup of fecal microflora in celiac disease patients differs significantly from that of healthy subjects. To determine whether gut microflora is a participant in the pro-inflammatory milieu of celiac disease, the Spanish research team incubated cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy adults with fecal microflora obtained from 26 active celiac disease children, 18 symptom-free celiac disease children on a gluten-free diet, and 20 healthy children. The scientists additionally investigated possible regulatory roles of Bifidobacterium longum ES1 and B. bifidum ES2 obtained from the feces of healthy individuals, co-incubating the Bifidobacterium with the test subject fecal microflora and the peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture.

 

Fecal micrflora from both active and, notably, treated, symptom-free celiac children caused a significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production and a decrease in anti-inflammatory IL-10 production in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures compared to the fecal microflora from healthy children. However, cultures co-incubated with the Bifidobacterium strains exhibited a suppression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine production and an increase in IL-10 production. IL-10 is a cytokine which promotes immune tolerance.

 

The scientists concluded that the makeup of the gut flora of celiacs may contribute to pro-inflammation in celiac disease, possibly in a synergy with gliadin, and that certain strains of Bifidobacterium appear to suppress and reverse pro-inflammatory effects and offering therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of celiac disease.

 

The fact that certain strains of fecal Bifidobacterium from healthy individuals appear to suppress celiac disease inflammation brings to mind the concept of "fecal bacteriotherapy" or "fecal transplant", a therapy developed and used in practice by the world reknown Australian gastroenterologist, Prof. Thomas J. Borody, M.D., known best for his development of a triple-antibiotic treatment for H. pylori and ulcerative colitis.[5] Fecal bacteriotherapy involves transplanting feces from a healthly, screened donor into an ailing patient with a persistant bacterial gastrointestinal disorder whose own gut flora has first been reduced or eliminated with antibiotics. The fecal microflora from the healthy donor reseeds the gut of the ailing patient with a healthy mix of intestinal microflora curing the gastrointestinal disorder. The Bifidobacterium research done by the Spanish researchers suggests that fecal bacteriotherapy might be an option to treat or cure celiac disease in adults, replacing gut flora causing intolerance to gluten with a healthy mix of gut flora that encourages tolerance to gluten.

 

If you haven't read his original article on Vitamin D deficiency that is a good one too. He links the D deficiency to the onset of an autoimmune disorder. Those in northern climates need to really read up on D. Lots of info on that (M.S. is linked to D deficiency, for example, and is more common in northerly climates.) I would be curious, how many here have diagnosed kids in climates that receive less direct sunlight (more rainy weather, colder, less hours of sunlight a day, a childhood of sunscreen, an infancy in the shade or lathered in sunscreen, etc....) Just curious.... Maybe I will start a thread on that if there is interest.

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Caryn,

So is what I'm getting from this is that "bifidobacterium" specifically is something that contributes to the healing of the gut? or any combo of probiotics? Now we are not celiac or gluten free - is this only for celiacs? Did you use probiotics all along or just the kefir? My probiotic right now (Klaire Labs Vital Plex) contains bifidobacterium bifidus and bifidobacterium lactos, along with two other strains. Another one I used previously was Klaire Labs BioComplex? contained bifidus and longum. I changed around just to get other strains of probiotics as well. I am wondering if it matters which strains are used.

 

Can anyone who does use probiotics for their kids which contain bifidus strain weigh in on how they think it helps and how their child is doing now?

 

Thanks

Faith

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Also, regarding the northern climates, not sure what you mean. Is NY considered northern? :( I think we here are all spread out around the U.S., I am not aware if we have any Vit D deficiency, is that what you are referring to? Or do you mean diagnised celiac or ts?

 

If it means anything, I do believe my son always does better with the tic symptoms during summer months.

 

 

Faith

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Faith,

I believe she was talking about multilple sclerosis(MS) which is more common in northerly climates. My father-in-law had it and he was from Michigan. From what I understand celiac is an autoimmune disorder, but is TS?

 

I am also very interested in the probiotic question.

 

Mary

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  • 5 months later...

A new study has been released which is in agreement with Dr. Rodney Ford's philosophy--

 

That an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure--

 

Gluten intolerance is regressive and a gluten free diet is not only beneficial for the non-celiac gluten intolerant person but also preventative.

 

http://www.celiac.com/articles/21791/1/Non...Diet/Page1.html

 

 

"A team of Finnish researchers is calling for a change in the criteria for diagnosing celiac disease, based on their findings that gluten intolerant patients who do not have clinical celiac disease get similar benefits from a gluten-free diet, and respond to the diet about as well as patients who do have clinical celiac disease.

 

The research team recently set out to test their hypothesis that patients who showed only mild enteropathy, but positive endomysial anti-bodies, would benefit from a gluten-free diet in a manner similar to patients with more serious mucosal damage.

 

<snip>

Among their findings are that patients with endomysial antibodies benefit from a gluten-free diet REGARDLESS of the level of intestinal tissue damage. That means that folks who have no symptoms whatsoever, but who have blood antibodies that are reacting to offending gluten proteins, should consider the benefits of a gluten-free diet. Moreover, it's likely that damage will eventually occur over time without a gluten-free diet.

 

The current diagnostic criteria for celiac disease require the presence of small-bowel mucosal villous atrophy with crypt hyperplasia (Marsh III). So, no damage of this specific kind, no celiac disease, no gluten-free diet, no worries. Such has been the common medical practice up to the present.

 

However, in many cases, damage to the intestine develops slowly over time. Also, most patients show some kind of clinical symptoms long before histologic changes show up. Endomysial antibodies happen to be strong and specific predictors of pending damage in the form of villous atrophy.

 

To test their hypothesis, the research team performed small-bowel endoscopies, along with clinical evaluations, on 70 adults with positive endomysial antibodies. Of these, 23 showed only mild enteropathy (Marsh I–II). Researchers assigned members of this group to either gluten-free or gluten-inclusive diets at random.

 

After 1 year, the team repeated all clinical, serologic, and histologic tests. A total of 47 participants showed small-bowel mucosal lesions consistent with celiac disease (Marsh III), and this group served as a control for the study.

 

The results for the group that continued to consume gluten showed damage to the mucosal villous architecture in all cases, along with persistent symptoms and abnormal antibody levels.

 

In contrast, the gluten-free group showed less damage, generally Marsh I–II, a retreat of symptoms, reduced antibody levels along with reductions in mucosal inflammation similar to controls (Marsh III).

 

The team concluded that a gluten-free diet provides similar benefits for gluten intolerant patients without clinical celiac disease as for those with celiac disease, that the diagnostic criteria for celiac disease warrant re-evaluation, that the presence of endomysial antibodies without mucosal damage should be included in chain of genetic gluten intolerance, and and finally that such cases merit treatment with gluten-free diet.

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