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It is estimated that many more people have gluten intolerance that
previously thought. The symptoms are many, as are the long term
effects. Patients may be misdiagnosed with IBS, when most of their
problems stem from an intolerance and a reaction to wheat
products. For those who have the HLADQ2 gene and a few others
the risk is much greater. Long term untreated gluten allergy creates
an auto-immune response that can later lead to thyroid problems
such as Hashimoto's hypothyroiditis. Although going gluten free is
problematic, the awareness of the disease is becoming more
prevalent, and there is accurate testing, both blood, stool and
intestinal biopsy.

There are more gluten products out there everyday, and items on
many restaurant menus that can still make for tasty and balanced
meals.