Question 1

why does a gluten free diet help reduce narcolepsy and cataplexy symptoms for some narcoleptics even if tests show they have no gluten sensitivities?

Accepted Answer

It probably doesn't.: I don't believe that a gluten-free diet would treat narcolepsy.
A thorough search on pubmed did not reveal any publications demonstrating a connection between narcolepsy or cataplexy and gluten consumption.
It is possible that by adopting a gluten-free diet, one might also consume fewer simple carbohydrates, and that could reduce reactive hypoglycemia (which can make you feel tired).

Question 2

if i am already on a gluten-free diet, is it possible to be tested for gluten sensitivity?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Even if a person is on a gluten-free diet, he should still have celiac disease antibodies in his blood if he has gluten allergy. The blood test can still be done.

Question 3

is celiac disease and gluten sensitivity the same thing? my friend has been following a gluten-free diet because she says she is sensitive to gluten. does that mean she has celiac disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes, : Yes, celiac disease is also called gluten sensitivity (or more accurately gluten sensitive enteropathy). It has also been called non-tropical sprue or celiac sprue. These terms all mean the same thing, that a person has a condition in which the immune system responds abnormally to a protein called gluten, which can cause damage to the lining of the small intestine (in medical terms called an enteropathy).
The diagnosis is based on blood tests (including measurement of antibodies called tissue transglutaminase, anti-endomysial antibodies and anti-gliadin antibodies). The most accurate of these is the tissue transglutaminase antibodies. A biopsy of the small intestine taken during an upper endoscopy is also often done to confirm the diagnosis.
The treatment of celiac disease is avoidance of foods that contain gluten, or a gluten-free diet. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley, and many prepared foods.

Question 4

good day,i seem to have most symptoms of celiac disease. how can i test for this & what medication can i take-difficult to follow a gluten free diet?

Accepted Answer

Blood/GI tests/none: The screening test for celiac is done with blood &amp; finds antibodies to your gut tissues. This must be done while you are on gluten to be accurate. If blood is positive a sample of intestinal tissue confirms it. There is no "med" for celiac disease. Any time CD patients eat gluten their body makes new destructive antibodies that attack the gut.

Question 5

are there psychological symptoms of celiac disease that also go away with a gluten-free diet?

Accepted Answer

Probably: No one has looked at this scientifically, as it's very difficult to measures states of mind.  However, it makes sense scientifically, as immune responses going on in the body slow down the mind and make one feel generally ill.  Anecdotally, i've seen folks with real celiac disease feel better overall soon after successful gluten elimination, but it won't help those without the real disease.

Question 6

a 3 years kid can has celiac desease? blood test first time was positive.. after 1 year  with a gluten free diet, the test was negative...

Accepted Answer

Stick with gluten: Free diet. A test may become negative after successful treatment but that does not mean cure. The child in all likelihood has gluten sensitivity. You may wish to try gluten challenge after discussion with your doctor.

Question 7

is it okay to be already on a gluten free diet when you go for blood work to test for celiac disease?

Accepted Answer

Celiac disease: A skin biopsy and direct immunofluorescence test of the skin are performed in most cases. Your doctor may also recommend a biopsy of the intestines.

Question 8

would it be acceptable to be on a gluten free diet when you go for blood work to test for celiac disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It will not change the lab results.

Question 9

how do people with celiac disease feel when they start a gluten free diet? what i mean is how quickly do symptoms improve?

Accepted Answer

Gluten: Generally sxs will subside very quickly and can reoccur quickly if you reintroduce gluten.

Question 10

am i allergic to gluten? is going on a gluten free diet a valid test?

Accepted Answer

Testing: Gluten sensitive enteropathy or celiac disease is best diagnosed by have a blood test and/or intestinal biopsy done.

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Doctor answers about:

Why does a gluten free diet help reduce narcolepsy and cataplexy symptoms for some narcoleptics even if tests show they have no gluten sensitivities

A member asked:

Why does a gluten free diet help reduce narcolepsy and cataplexy symptoms for some narcoleptics even if tests show they have no gluten sensitivities?

A member asked:

If i am already on a gluten-free diet, is it possible to be tested for gluten sensitivity?

A member asked:

Is celiac disease and gluten sensitivity the same thing? my friend has been following a gluten-free diet because she says she is sensitive to gluten. does that mean she has celiac disease?

A member asked:

Good day,i seem to have most symptoms of celiac disease. how can i test for this & what medication can i take-difficult to follow a gluten free diet?

A member asked:

Are there psychological symptoms of celiac disease that also go away with a gluten-free diet?

A member asked:

A 3 years kid can has celiac desease? blood test first time was positive.. after 1 year with a gluten free diet, the test was negative...

A member asked:

Is it okay to be already on a gluten free diet when you go for blood work to test for celiac disease?

A member asked:

Would it be acceptable to be on a gluten free diet when you go for blood work to test for celiac disease?

A member asked:

How do people with celiac disease feel when they start a gluten free diet? what i mean is how quickly do symptoms improve?

A member asked:

Am i allergic to gluten? is going on a gluten free diet a valid test?

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