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Celiac Disease and Yeast

Research has found that Celiac disease and yeast may be more closely related than we have ever suspected. Some recent studies have successfully identified a specific protein sequence in gluten that is the cause of celiac disease. Another team of researchers have found a similar protein sequence in 'Candida Albicans', a kind of yeast that is found in the lower intestine and this leads them to conclude that celiac disease and yeast may have a effect-cause relationship.  

Celiac Disease and Yeast

The hitherto unsuspected relationship between celiac disease and yeast came to the fore when researchers isolated a particular amino-acid sequence in gliadin (the specific protein in gluten that causes the immune system to attack the intestinal walls) and confirmed it as the cause of celiac disease. The researchers, then, compared specific amino-acid sequences in the cell walls of Candida and found that these sequences are "identical or highly homologous" and deduced that Candida could also induce celiac disease like yeast.

The celiac disease-yeast interface also coincides at other places. 'Candida Albicans' refers to the overgrowth of yeast in the body. In normal conditions, that is , without celiac disease, candida exists in the lower intestine and is controlled by the immune system. Its main job is to identify and destroy harmful organisms. In cases where the patient has a high intake of sugar or the pH of the digestive tract is not at its proper levels, candida will transform from a yeast to a mycelial fungus. This form is characterized by its invasive nature and production of long,thin, root-like structures called rhizoids. The rhizoids penetrate the intestinal walls and leave microscopic holes through which, bacteria, yeast cells, toxins and, even, undigested food particles enter the bloodstream, giving rise to the 'leaky gut' syndrome, which may lead to celiac disease.

Hence, it is pertinent and essential that in any investigation for celiac disease, yeast should also be suspected until proven innocent.