Autoimmune Disease Rates Increasing (CDC unsure of why)

[Emily]

Autoimmune Disease Rates Increasing

Editor's Choice
Also Included In: Public Health; Lupus
Article Date: 22 Jun 2012 - 10:00 PDT
Written By Grace Rattue

According to a new study the prevalence and incidence of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes, is on the rise and researchers at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are unsure why.
[snip]
Virginia T. Ladd, President and Executive Director of the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), explained:

"With the rapid increase in autoimmune diseases, it clearly suggests that environmental factors are at play due to the significant increase in these diseases. Genes do not change in such a short period of time."
[snip]
Dr. Frederick Miller of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences also believes that the increase in autoimmune diseases derives from a persons' surroundings...

 

[Amish Country]

Re: Autoimmune Disease Rates Increasing (CDC unsure of why)

I concur that there is now a significant percentage of the population that is having a problem with wheat gluten and the number appears to be growing quickly. This opinion is not based on reported cases. It is based on simple observation. A few years ago "Gluten Free" was not a lable or slogan to be seen on food packaging at least where we live. Now many major chain grocery stores feature "Gluten Free Sections". The Wegman's grocery store is now increasing the size of its Gluten Free section by about two thirds. It is now much more common to find restaurants with gluten free entrees. Olive Garden a Italian/American restaurant chain now offers a gluten free menu. Local pizzerias are advertizing gluten free pizza. It appears some businesses are now finding it profitable or necessary to cater to people with problems with gluten.

 

[alert]

Re: Autoimmune Disease Rates Increasing (CDC unsure of why)

I concur that there is now a significant percentage of the population that is having a problem with wheat gluten and the number appears to be growing quickly. This opinion is not based on reported cases. It is based on simple observation. A few years ago "Gluten Free" was not a lable or slogan to be seen on food packaging at least where we live. Now many major chain grocery stores feature "Gluten Free Sections". The Wegman's grocery store is now increasing the size of its Gluten Free section by about two thirds. It is now much more common to find restaurants with gluten free entrees. Olive Garden a Italian/American restaurant chain now offers a gluten free menu. Local pizzerias are advertizing gluten free pizza. It appears some businesses are now finding it profitable or necessary to cater to people with problems with gluten.

I might argue that the large increase in "gluten free" labelling may have very little to do with those who are actually gluten sensitive or suffering from celiac disease. Rather, the intent of a "gluten free" label may be a marketing device to make consumers believe their product is healthier. I have seen a "gluten free" label on bottled water. Gluten comes from certain wheat products. Is anyone actually drinking water with gluten in it? Products that never had gluten in them are now being marketed as gluten-free to increase sales. It is no coincidence that "gluten free" foods are usually marketed near the organic/natural food section, and not in medical/pharmaceutical sections. If I want sugar-free cookies, they are on the shelf next to the regular ones. But if I want gluten-free cookies, they are in a separate aisle. There seems to be an intentional attempt to portray gluten-free products as healthier, where for the majority of the population (who is not suffering from these diseases) they are not.