“Ugh, celiac disease is caused by GMO modern wheat.” “My cousin with celiac disease went to Europe. He ate European bread without a reaction.” “Ancient grains don’t cause celiac disease. You should eat more of those.” We’ve all heard these things. I might even roll my eyes and walk away. Now, science proves that old wheat and new wheat can both cause celiac disease.
Modern Wheat
A study published in March 2021 studied popular wheat varieties grown between 1891 and 2010. Scientists studied the proteins related to celiac disease over this 119-year span. They found that environmental factors affected the celiac disease proteins more than the variety of wheat grown. Even though environmental factors affected the proteins, the disease-causing potential of the wheat was comparable. So, old wheat is not any less disease-causing than modern wheat.
Europe and Celiac Disease
If someone with celiac disease could eat wheat in Europe, every celiac sufferer I know would move to Europe. They would purchase European wheat products and pay whatever price needed. Some smart person would open a grocery store stocked with European, gluten-filled, celiac-safe products!
Italy and Finland have very high rates of celiac disease. Italy screens young children for celiac disease and has a robust gluten-free food movement. “Senze glutine” means gluten-free in Italian. Lots of studies about celiac disease that take place in Finland.
More coming
I did a bunch of research a few days ago and am sorting through all the articles I found. I also have gotten into a rhythm with my new job, managing kids, and finding writing time. Look forward to more articles coming out from me as we move forward.