Gluten may play a significant role in triggering or worsening autoimmune diseases in some people, especially those who are genetically predisposed. Here's how gluten affects some of these autoimmune diseases:
1. Celiac disease :
Celiac disease is the best-known example of a gluten-related autoimmune disease. In affected people, gluten consumption triggers an abnormal immune response, which attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing damage and varying symptoms such as malnutrition, abdominal pain and digestive problems. This response is triggered by the interaction of gluten with certain HLA genes (DQ2 and DQ8). According to The New England Journal of Medicine (2010), the only way to avoid the autoimmune response in celiac disease is to adopt a strictly gluten-free diet.
2. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity and other autoimmune diseases :
Some people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a condition where gluten causes an immune response, without the intestinal damage characteristic of celiac disease. Studies, such as the one published in BMC Medicine (2014), have shown that this condition can lead to autoimmune symptoms, such as joint pain, headaches, and skin disorders.
3. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus :
There is evidence that gluten may worsen symptoms of other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. A study in Autoimmunity Reviews (2018) suggested that some people with these conditions may benefit from a gluten-free diet, as gluten may cause an excessive inflammatory response. Particularly, in genetically predisposed individuals, gluten can activate inflammatory cytokines, increasing systemic inflammation that affects joints and organs.
4. Hashimoto's thyroiditis :
The link between gluten and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the thyroid gland, is also being studied. According to a study published in Thyroid Research (2015), a gluten-free diet may reduce inflammation and improve thyroid function in some people with this condition. Gluten could in fact exacerbate inflammation in the body, including in the thyroid gland.
5. Type 1 diabetes :
Gluten may also play a role in type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. A study in Diabetes Care (2014) suggested that a gluten-free diet could help reduce the incidence of type 1 diabetes in genetically predisposed children.
Conclusion :
For some people, especially those with autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, gluten may play a role in exacerbating symptoms. However, it is important to emphasize that the link between gluten and autoimmunity varies between individuals, and a gluten-free diet should only be undertaken on medical recommendation, after a clear diagnosis.
Thank you for this article which explores the link between gluten and autoimmune diseases. I would have liked to find the references to the article.
Hello, thank you for your comment. Regarding the article, I wrote it myself based on existing research (I am not a health professional). But, apart from the studies on celiac disease which are more numerous and more in-depth, other studies or research often remain at the hypothesis stage and must therefore be taken with a pinch of salt. Very happy new year to you.