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Gluten Not Primary Cause in Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten-free diets may not be the answer for many. New research points to other factors and the gut-brain connection.

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1 min read
In this image I can see the cream colored surface and on it I can see the white colored bowel and...
In this image I can see the cream colored surface and on it I can see the white colored bowel and in the bowl I can see brown and black colored food item.

Gluten Not Primary Cause in Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity

A significant number of adults worldwide, around 13%, believe they have non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), leading them to avoid gluten. However, recent studies suggest that gluten may not be the primary cause of symptoms in many cases.

Researchers propose a combination of dietary changes and psychological support to manage NCGS, rather than defaulting to a gluten-free diet. This approach acknowledges that fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), other wheat components, or the brain's interpretation of gut signals may play a more significant role in triggering symptoms.

In controlled tests, only about 16-30% of self-identified gluten-sensitive individuals exhibit gluten-specific symptoms. The nocebo effect, where the expectation of harm causes real physiological responses, can also contribute to symptoms. A study in The Lancet found that individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who believe they're gluten-sensitive react similarly to gluten, wheat, and placebo, suggesting that NCGS is part of the gut-brain interaction spectrum, closer to IBS than a distinct gluten disorder.

Celiac disease, a real autoimmune condition affecting around 1% of the population, is triggered by gluten. Unlike NCGS, celiac disease causes specific immune responses and damage to the gut lining.

While millions worldwide avoid gluten due to perceived intolerance, recent research challenges the role of gluten in non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. A more nuanced approach, combining dietary changes and psychological support, may be more effective in managing symptoms. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between diet, gut, and brain in NCGS.

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