Research to Reverse Celiac Disease
Gluten Free. This has become a household term. Everyone has heard of gluten free diets, but not everyone comprehends why this distinction is necessary. For people with celiac disease, gluten can be devastating, and it is essential for food labeling to be correct. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. (1) Even ingesting minuscule quantities of gluten, such as crumbs from a toaster, can trigger intestinal damage. This damage can prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrients. Celiac disease is hereditary and is estimated to affect 1% of people worldwide.
There are more than 200 known symptoms of celiac disease, which can make it a nightmare to diagnose. It is estimated that there are 2.5 million undiagnosed Americans. When you mention celiac, most people think of digestive symptoms however, only around one-third of adults with the disorder experience digestive symptoms like diarrhea. Common symptoms include: fatigue, joint pain, arthritis, fatty liver, depression or anxiety, peripheral neuropathy, migraines, canker sores, and skin rash. If left untreated, Celiac disease can lead to many long-term health complications. Unfortunately, the only way to accurately diagnose celiac disease is to have an endoscopic biopsy. Once a diagnosis is made, the challenge of managing the condition begins.
Currently, the only effective treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. However, the future is not bleak. Researchers from around the world are working to find effective pharmaceutical treatments. COUR Pharmaceuticals is researching a drug which aims to reprogram the body’s immune system to tolerate gluten subsequently reversing the signs and symptoms of Celiac disease.(2) Additionally, the Journal of Biological Chemistry notes that scientists have discovered a protein associated with celiac disease can be inactivated, paving the way for new treatment possibilities.(3)
References:
- https://celiac.org/celiac-disease/understanding-celiac-disease-2/what-is-celiac-disease/
- https://www.courpharma.com/pipeline-and-programs/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180223122343.htm
