<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I thank everyone who responded so quickly to my question: if someone has no
allergy to wheat, can that person still have celiac disease.  Here is a summary:

1) Celiac disease is an intolerance, not an allergy.  It is an auto-immune
disease triggered by the glianden in wheat and other grains, whereby the
small bowel shuts down when it comes in contact with the substance.  The
body mistakes this for invading bacteria.  People with celiac appear to be
missing the enzyme need to process gluten in the small bowel.

2) Dr. Peter Green of Columbia U. is the NY local expert in the disease.

3) Celiac disease is an IgA mediated response, and allergies are usually IgE
or IgM.

4) With celiac disease, there are specific blood antibodies unrelated to
allergies.

5) Not maintaining the gluten free diet can result in continuous damage to
the small bowel and anemia due to non-absorption, and possibly to small
bowel cancers or lymphoma.

6) celiac must be inherited from on or both sides of family.

7) Some celiacs are also allergic to wheat, many others are not.

8) Allergic reactions to food are usually short term.  Food allergies are an
immune response that creates a histomine reaction ranging from hives to
anaphylactic shock.

9) NAET helps only allergies.  It cannot help intolerances.

10) Drs. are continually confused by the difference between allergies and
intolerances.

11) Gluten intolerance is a metabolic dysfunction.

12) It's possible to have CD and have no GI symptoms.  Allergies do not
damage the intestines.

Thank you all.

Annette
Annette Meyers
[log in to unmask]
New York City