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Does Celiac Disease Mimic RA?

A recent study finds a strong correlation between rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease. The findings of the research state that patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis may be misdiagnosed and may actually have a form of polyarthritis caused by gluten. The authors of the research paper state:
CONCLUSIONS:

It is possible that CD may be the correct diagnosis in a patient with polyarthritis, even if the patient meets the ACR criteria for RA. In other words, CD should be considered among the differential diagnoses in a patient with poly-arthritis.
Research Source:

Reumatol Clin. 2011 Jan-Feb;7(1):27-9. Epub 2010 Jun 23.
[Anti-transglutaminase, antigladin and ultra purified anti-gladin antibodies in patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis].

Gluten Free Warrior's Comment:

It is no mystery that gluten can cause autoimmune arthritis. A number of published studies have linked the two. Unfortunately, most rheumatologists (the doctors responsible for treating RA), dismiss diet and claim that it has nothing to do with the disease. They would rather pump patients full of immune suppressing drugs that have the potential to cause cancer than ask a patient to change their diet. They would rather prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to suppress pain than look for the origin of the disease.

These "Experts" are letting down thousands of patients. If you have been diagnosed with a form of autoimmune arthritis, insist that your doctor rule out the possibility of gluten sensitivity with genetic testing. Common forms of autoimmune arthritis and soft tissue diseases are listed below: In my clinic near Houston, TX, I commonly see patients with these conditions. Most of them come to me after being told how unimportant nutrition is. The story is always very similar, their doctors have prescribed a number of medications and they have not responded to the treatments. In my experience, diet always has a huge impact on these conditions. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with any of the diseases listed above, make sure to investigate food intolerance and allergies. The findings may just change your life.