Gluten can 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 most well-known example of an autoimmune disease linked to gluten. In affected individuals, consuming gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing damage and various 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 suffer from non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a condition where gluten triggers an immune response, but 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 can worsen the symptoms of other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. A study published in Autoimmunity Reviews (2018) suggested that some people with these diseases might benefit from a gluten-free diet, as gluten may trigger an excessive inflammatory response. In particular, 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 could reduce inflammation and improve thyroid function in some people with this disease. Gluten may indeed 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 in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. A study published 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, particularly those with autoimmune diseases such as 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 from person to person, and a gluten-free diet should only be undertaken on medical advice, 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 article's references.
Hello, thank you for your comment. Regarding the article, I wrote it myself based on existing research (I am not a healthcare professional). However, apart from studies on celiac disease, which are more numerous and in-depth, other studies or research often remain at the hypothesis stage and should therefore be taken with a grain of salt. Happy New Year to you.