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I originally wrote about a holistic MD, Dr. Dorman, I used to work for that became a "gluten ghuru" as a result of seeing 80% his chronically ill patients (1) test positive for gluten sensitivity from EnteroLab tests and (2) have dramatic improvements in their well being after starting the GF diet.  I also commented on my favorable impression of Dr. Mercola's website & newsletter.  I received some great comments.  Some of what is below is diaglogue between me & the respondants.  ~Valerie in Tacoma
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Michael:  There is the possibility that Dr. Fine finds some many people positive because it is not an accurate test. The problem is both the traditional medical providers who aren’t interested and can’t seem to diagnose CD as well as those who may be taking advantage of the ill to profit with false information. Time will tell.

 
Valerie: Of course.  There's no where in the universe where Murphy's law is more applicable than medicine. 
 
Michael:  As a nurse I can only agree!!!
 
Valerie:  In a perfect world, tests would be 100% accurate.  But since we KNOW there will be errs, I'd rather see those errors on the side of caution.
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I want to share with you information I received at one of our local health food stores. I am having an issue with sugar and asked one of their employees walking by if she could help me understand what is what. She did. As we talked she shared this with me: her high school son is doing a research paper on foods that have been genetically altered. He found that 80% of our foods are now altered. She mentioned that in the last several months 60% of their new customers are coming into the store with food allergies - most of them have been diagnosed with celiac disease...I kept wondering why this store suddenly started showing interest in our support groups-what would you like the store to carry etc. This month they decided they wanted to do an article on Celiac Disease--before they acted like we didn't belong on this planet--money talks. I am glad they are improving the items they carry for us but---. It always seems to be the dessert fixings. I just don't feel we need to keep pushing desserts when we all have such a problem with our digestive tracks. A store has to purchase items people will buy. Sally----------
I'm a big fan of Dr. Fine's test, since it led the way for our family. But since the test seems to have so many detractors (ie. "'everyone' tests positive, ergo it is an invalid test") I'm curious about the numbers of people who tested negative. Did 20% of the chronically ill patients test negative?  And of his patients that weren't chronically ill, did he routinely have them tested as well? [Dunno.] If so, what was the breakdown for that group? I always pay closer attention when someone says that they tested negative, since it confirms my suspicion not *everyone* tests positive and that the reason so many people test positive is a) it's a bigger problem than the medical community is willing to acknowledge and b) since most people are paying for the test OOP, this group is self-selected and highly motivated by symptoms and therefore will be more likely to test positive than someone who was asymptomatic and randomly selected for the test. I'd be curious to hear more about his numbers, if they are available. :) --s
 
Valerie:  For these answers, you may be able to find answers in some of his publications.   www.dormanpub.com/about 
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...I am glad to have your feedback on Dr. Mercola.  I have been getting his newsletter for a couple years (since Dogtor J recommended him).  I was a bit sceptical because he is always selling something.  I do agree with his theory that doing all the right things, ie sunlight, diet, exercise, is the answer to most health problems.  I just wish I was disciplined enough to do the right things.  Sugar is my drug of choice.  lol  Sue in MD
Valerie:  I totally understand the way you feel.  I've feel that just because someone is selling something is no reason to distrust them.  There are honest mechandizers selling good products that benefit the public.  And, of course, there are snake oil salesmen, too.  We have to be smart, do our homework, & trust our gut instincts.  I was working as an RN in conventional medicine when I was diagnosed.  Even after going GF, my health continued to deteriorate.  In desparation I went from doctor to doctor for help.  No one in conventional medicine was able to help me.  I was so ill I had to stop working.  My GI specialist referred me to a naturopath who taught me what I needed to know to start on the road to recovery.  Dr. Dorman, a holistic ACAM physician, made further contributions that helped me immensely.  (He made it possible for me to return to work. That's why I went to work for him!)  Since then, I have been a staunch proponent of alternative medicine.  
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Isn't the testing via Fine hundreds of dollars? That seems excessive on a mass scale. It also wouldn't be covered by insurance. -Michael Thorn, RN
 
Valerie:  Dr. Fine's fees are comparable to other labs doing similar tests. 
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