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Summary of responses about Echinacea and Celiac

I asked the listmembers' advice about giving my 3-year-old celiac
daughter echinacea for this cold/flu season.

Most responders said no, because echinacea boosts the immune system -
something which is bad for celiacs.

However, this was a standard response with no real scientific
explanation.

I am still unsure of the mechanisms involved.

If celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, ie. it stimulates the body
to fight itself - in this case the intestines - Surely, when a celiac is
following a GF diet, his or her immune system is relatively normal - ie.
not fighting the intestines, and therefore echinacea should be OK?

I was hoping for info about a scientific study which recommends against
this.

Aren't there any scientists/doctors on this list?

Anyway, I'm not convinced echinacea is bad for celiacs, but I've been
convinced to hold off on it for my daughter - although I'm still taking
it myself.

Kate Johnson
Montreal, Canada