Technically speaking, gluten is the general name for "prolamins" (also
referred to as "prolamines"), a protein fraction found in a variety of
grains. The prolamins that cause damage to people with Celiac disease
include gliadin (found in wheat), secalin (found in rye), and hordein
(found in barley).
People often refer to gliadin as the offending part of gluten, and it is-for
wheat. But secalin and hordein also cause an immunological response in
Celiac. Other grains have prolamins, too (corn's prolamin is called zein,
and rice's prolamin is orzenin), but their prolamins are not toxic to
Celiac. So very few have problems with these grains.
To be even more specific, only a part of the gliadin, secalin, and hordein
proteins are harmful.
***Notes about Oats:
For years, there has been controversy over whether or not oats contain gluten, but we now know that
the peptide they contain (avenin) does not affect people who are gluten intolerant. There is, however,
some concern about contamination of oats, so most people on a gluten-free diet choose to play it safe
and avoid them altogether.
Studies have shown that certain foods may affect neurological processes in some
children, causing Autistic behavior. Recent research suggesting that foods containing
gluten (the protein in wheat, oats, rye & barley) and casein (the protein in milk
products) should be avoided by many Autistic children is gaining credibility.
Most people have the ability to break down gluten and casein proteins into peptides
and further into amino acids. When our bodies are unable to break down these foods,
the problem is often misdiagnosed as food allergies.
Medical professionals in England and Norway have performed several tests on
children with Autism and discovered that 50% of these children do not break down
gluten/casein proteins completely into amino acids. These undigested proteins
(peptides) are then eliminated harmlessly in the urine. However, a few peptides enter
into the bloodstream.
Unbroken peptides entering into the bloodstream may cause abnormal brain
development and create an opiate-like affect. Opiates depress the activity of the
nervous system including such reflexes as breathing rate and heart rate. They can cause
the individual to feel drowsy, warm and content due to the relaxation. They also block
pain sensations.
These opiates are highly addictive and can reach toxic levels. A chemical dependency
may develop that makes it difficult to “quit” eating foods containing these substances.
This may be a possible explanation as to why many children with Autism crave milk
and wheat products.
A simple urine sample taken to perform a Urinary Peptide Test can detect unbroken
peptides.
If high levels of these peptides do appear in the urine, many parents have chosen to
remove gluten and casein from their child’s diet. Recent studies have indicated that
many show positive results from this new diet. Others have not shown any changes.
However, the positive results may be evident within one week or it may take a full
year before parents notice any changes.
Of those parents reporting changes after removing gluten and casein proteins from
their child’s diet, the experience is varied. Some parents have stated that their child was
able to sleep through the night. Others have reported that their child was now able to
interact with other children and more importantly, with the family. The most positive
feedback voiced from parents is “My child, who never had speech, is now talking in
sentences.” Many families feel this much evidence warrants a gluten-free and casein-
free trial period for their child.
Celiac Information Page. ~~ Gluten Free Information.
More Celiac Info. ~~ Gluten.
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