Is There A Connection Between Celiac Disease and Crohn's Disease?

People have asked the question: Is there a connection between Celiac Disease and Crohn's Disease? Researchers have suggested that there is a connection. There are four genetic variations between Celiac Disease, and Crohn's. Those of us with Celiac Disease are at a higher risk for Crohn's Disease than the general population.

The four genes connecting the two diseases are as follows:

IL18RAP
PTPN2
TAGAP (this specific gene has been identified as a risk factor for Celiac Disease, but is now associated with Crohn's Disease as well.
PUS10 (this gene has previously been tied to Celiac Disease, Crohn's Disease, and also, Ulcerative Colitis.

Each one of these genes influence the responses of the Immune System when it comes to perceived threats entering the system.
Research shows that if you have one of these diseases, you are likely to have the other. Researchers have only begun to scratch the surface in terms of researching the correlation between the two.

One year after I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I had a biopsy. Even after being gluten free for a year, I still showed damage on my intestine. Another thing that my biopsy found, was, Ulcerative Colitis. After the biopsy, I was tested for Crohn's Disease. My Gastroenterologist theorized that the Colitis might be a precursor to Crohn's Disease. My test results came back inconclusive. I plan on being tested again.

Fellow Celiacs, it is important to be tested for both Colitis, and Crohn's. Just like Celiac Disease, both Colitis, and Crohn's are serious illnesses. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Source: www.celiac.com/articles/22440/1/Study-Shows-Celiac-Crohns-Disease-Share-Genetic-Links/Page1.html

(photo courtesy of: http://blog.glutenfreeclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/stomach_pains_woman.jpg)

Celebrities who have Celiac Disease

Getting diagnosed with Celiac Disease can be pretty tough (believe me, I remember how hard it was for me). You may be the first among your family and/or friends that has been diagnosed as Celiac. It can be lonely (even though my grandmother had it, and I was partially raised by her, she had been gone for a few years when I was diagnosed. I had no one). What gave me some comfort was that I was not alone. Some of the celebrities I look up to were also Celiac Disease sufferers. People like Elizabeth Hasselbeck and Emmy Rossum had been living with the disease for years before I was diagnosed. I researched both and learned a lot from them. Also, learning that my first celeb crush has 2 Celiacs in his family really helped me feel less alone. Here is a list of celebs who have diagnosed Celiac Disease: Elizabeth Hasselbeck (public figure) Emmy Rossum (actress) Wil Wheaton's mom and sister Meg Cabot (author) Sarah Joy Brown (actress) Joe C (rapper who frequently performed with

To Eat Gluten Free Oats, or Not To Eat Gluten Free Oats?

When you're diagnosed with Celiac Disease, you are given a list of what food you cannot eat. Wheat, Barley, Rye, and Oats. However, you find that there is such a thing as gluten free oats. You wonder if it is safe for you to chance eating it. You think to yourself: "It's gluten free, so it cannot be too bad, right?" Depending on how sensitive your Celiac is, it may be bad. While a majority of Celiacs may be able to stomach gluten free oats, and granola, there are a small percentage of us that cannot handle GF oats and granola. I fall into the sensitive category. I loved eating oatmeal, before I was diagnosed with Celiac. After I was diagnosed, I was lost. It was not until a month or two after my diagnosis, where I discovered gluten free oats. I picked some up, and started eating it every morning for breakfast. It was not until day 3 of eating GF oats, where I began to feel sick. My stomach was cramping, I was fatigued, I was nauseated. I thought I had been "

South Park's Gluten-Free Ebola Episode

photo credit: southparkdigital Greetings Celiac Warriors! Recently, South Park did a gluten free episode that got a lot of attention in the gluten free and Celiac communities. For the most part, the reaction has been positive. Many folks, including myself, found it hilarious. You may be wondering what the episode was about. I'm going to give you the cliff notes version: The episode starts off with the kids returning to school after their start up company fails. Then the show cuts to the teachers lounge where the teachers are discussing Mr. Mackey who has gone gluten free. Mr. Mackey comes back and starts blaming all the world's problems on gluten. A co-worker becomes annoyed by all the gluten free talk and starts screaming at Mr. Mackey to shut up. Mackey states that behavior problems are due to gluten consumption. A female teacher expresses interest in going gluten free. Later on, the boys are on the radio promoting an "epic" party. Callers ask the boys i

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