<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> To try to clarify the relation of gluten to asthma and allergy, let me interpret the redoubtable Dr. Reichelt, whose work is available in the celiac archives. I would be glad to be corrected, or hear anyone's expanded commentary, on the following: Classical celiac disease is more a toxicological reaction (of genetic basis) than an allergic one. Another class of reaction occurs when elements of the immune system attack the gluten molecules or their peptide metabolites (gliadin, etc), probably mistaking them for invading viruses. There are similar reactions to casein (the main protein in milk) which has a similar molecular structure. This reaction may the main one involved in allergic/asthmatics. I am not sure if the body is creating specific antibodies to battle these substances. Lacking this antibody formation, these would not be strictly defined as allergies. A third type of reaction involves casein and gluten being converted by the body into opioids- casomorphine and gliadomorphine. This is associated with autism, as the opioids are able to cross the blood-brain barrier. I wonder if this opioid reaction may also be involved in allergy since there are any number of receptors throughout the nervous system that would be affected by opioids. How much of that feeling of well being (not for me!) after drinking a glass of warm milk might come from the effect of the calcium? the extra tryptophan, precursor of serotonin? or the body's conversion of casein into casomorphin? From my own experience, gluten and casein do not so much trigger my asthma and allergies but I believe they load my system so that I become more susceptible to the effects of the substances that I am allergic to. In any case, if I eat enough wheat and milk, I produce copious mucous and my airways begin to tighten. I am very interested in hearing more on this subject. Feel free to email me any comments, especially anything scientific. I am also ready to share the results of my studies on controlling asthma and allergy, minimizing drugs with anyone who asks. John Hepler [log in to unmask]