Why Is Celiac Disease on the Rise?
Theories as to why Celiac Disease is on the rise:
1) Cesarean Birth – Generally a baby is colonized with healthy bacteria as it passes through the birth canal.
2) Antibiotic use – Antibiotics kill off both good and bad bacteria that colonizes the digestive tract. The good bacteria are required to keep the delicate balance between virus, fungi, and bacteria so the digestive lining remains healthy.
3) Uber-cleanliness – The attempt to be overly clean leaves much to be desired when it comes to digestive function. Our immune system develops by producing antibodies to fight off foreign invaders. An overly clean environment may result in autoimmune type processes and an inability for the digestive system to be properly colonized with good bacteria.
4) Age of first introduction to gluten. Ideally babies should be breast fed for the first six months and then begin fruit and vegetable introduction for a few months, which gives their digestive system time to properly develop. Introducing gluten or other grains too soon may compromise the digestive lining.
5) Compromised Food Supply – pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, heavy metals, artificial dyes, flavors, and preservatives. Genetically modified food items, GMO. All of these wreck havoc on the digestive system and can compromise the lining over time leading to leaky gut, food sensitivities, and possibly an auto-immune condition. (Note: there is currently no GMO wheat in the United States. The food items that are GMO are: corn, soy, zucchini & yellow summer squash, canola oil, papaya, sugar beets, and alfalfa.
6) Medications – Most medications have side effects. Most medications list constipation as one of those side effects. Others are known to compromise the stomach lining and repeated ingestions overtime weakens digestive function.
