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DAY 121 - AA...lactose intolerance..low iron...celiac?
Could Celiac be the underlying cause?
I went for a blood test to check Iron levels and although I am not anemic, my dermatologist did say my levels were on the very low end and that I should see my family doctor for supplements.
Some papers show a link between AA and Low Iron...but others show no connection. The conclusions are mixed!
But what if we are asking the wrong question? What if both AA and Low Iron are symptoms of something else?
CELIAC! Celiac disease is caused by a reaction to gliadin, a prolamin (gluten protein) found in wheat, and similar proteins found in the crops of the tribe Triticeae (which includes other common grains such as barley and rye).
Upon exposure to gliadin, and specifically to three peptides found in prolamins, the enzyme tissue transglutaminase modifies the protein, and the immune system cross-reacts with the small-bowel tissue, causing an inflammatory reaction. That leads to a truncating of the villi lining the small intestine (called villous atrophy). This interferes with the absorption of nutrients because the intestinal villi are responsible for absorption.
It is estimated that about 97% of people with this illness go undiagnosed!
Studies mention that because Celiac is an autoimmune illness, it may trigger other such illnesses too, such as AA. They also discussed Lactose Intolerance as a symptom of Celiac. The great part: All you have to do is remove Gluten, and slowly your symptoms will go away (6 months to 1 year).
I don't want to connect any dots here but in my case, the picture looks pretty clear! Of course I am actively looking for a solution but hear me out:
- Long before my AA started (or I even knew what it was), I have been Lactose intolerant
- Even when I cut out lactose, my tummy was still at times upset and I couldn't figure out why
- Recently, my blood tests showed low Iron
- If you have celiac, your body can't absorb nutrients and has lower levels of enzymes (such as lactase which breaks down lactose).
So there, this is why my dots seem connectable! It doesn't hurt to try out a Gluten-free regimen! I'll keep you updated on how I'm doing with this new diet. This may not be the underlying cause or trigger for everyone's AA, but hey why not try it? It's a healthier diet anyway!
PS. My hair has started to grow. Maybe it's time or maybe it's the Olux-E foam...or both!
-Alvina
Sources:
http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/symptomsofceliacdisease/a/Alopeci...
http://medind.nic.in/icb/t06/i8/icbt06i8p711.pdf
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease/DS00319/DSECTION=co...
http://www.livestrong.com/article/426524-wheat-intolerance-alopecia...
(There are more but I only put a couple here)
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Comment by Kim on September 6, 2013 at 1:36am
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I have been having the same thoughts! In May of this year my hair started falling out in massive amounts! I went to my primary Dr. they tested my thyroid and my iron. My test came back within the low range of normal. As a last ditch effort to save my hair I saw a dermatologist who ran more blood work. He told me my ferritin was low so started me on an iron supplement. My hair continued to fall out by the middle of June I had lost 90% of my hair. I went back to my dermatologist. He told me that unfortunately that was to be expected as ferritin levels do not raise overnight. He said to expect it to take about three months before I saw improvement. I did some research online and learned that a gluten intolerance could mess with the way your body absorbs iron. So I started a gluten free diet. Last month I went in to test my ferritin and iron levels they had raised 24 points, that was great! Esp since the Dr. did not think my ferritin would get to that level for at least three months on the iron supplements. Even better news my hair is growing back. I think it all has to be connected.
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Comment by User306 on September 6, 2013 at 7:37am
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Thanks Kim! Do you have suggestions for brand names of bread, cereal that are yummy but gluten free. Breakfast is the toughest meal to find without gluten!
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Chex has a couple of gluten free cereal they are pretty good. I found a GF bread made by Franz it called 7Grains Gluten free. It tasted better when it is toasted, I really like it. Also Bob's Red Mill makes a GF oatmeal that is good too. Good luck to you!
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Comment by Mindy on September 9, 2013 at 10:42am
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I just started a gluten free diet too!!!! I was feeling terrible so I had the blood test done. It came back "normal" but I am still waiting to hear from my dr. The normal results range from 0 to 20 and I was at a 6 so I think that means I am intolerant? I did however start a couple of weeks ago but when I went in to have the appt I ate some pancakes. It took me three days to feel better! I have found it easy to go gluten/processed food free. I don't know where you live but at walmart there is a good selection of gluten free products in the baking isle. Also in the chip isle I got some Wild RiceWork chips. They are made out of rice flour. I got the sea salt and black seseme seed kind and they are so good. There are gluten free noodles that I make chicken noodle soup out of. Also beans are really good for you. I made a black bean and rice soup and at a resturant I got the red bean and rice soup. Also I have gotten gluten free crackers and pretzels. The pretzels are really good!! Bobs Red Mill has gluten free four, brownie mix, bread mixes they have kind of a funny taste but if you add some good spices it taste better. I have also taken out high frutose syrup and only pure sugar cane or stevia for sugar. For breakfast I have been making me shakes. Fresh fruit, milk and shake mix. I use Visalus and Zeal. You have to order that but my friend has gotten some rice shake mix...I will let you know the brand and where she got it... I hope this helps some. It is really easier than what you think. I feel so much better since starting it!!!! Still loosing hair but mine only started 2 months ago...
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Thanks Mindy!! I will definitely check out those brands.
I'm in Canada, and one of the big grocery stores here is called Sobey's. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had an entire aisle dedicated to Gluten-Free Everything! It was heaven! I felt like this wasn't going to be so hard after all :-)
Alvina
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