Is Celiac Disease Caused by a Virus?

That's what some experts are saying. Affecting between 1 and 2% of the United States adult population, celiac disease is an all-too-common condition that's characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract after the consumption of a grain-based protein called "gluten." Individuals suffering from celiac disease experience a wide range of adverse symptoms, including naseau, upset stomach, bloating and fatigue, which is why it's important to avoid gluten and products containing gluten if you suffer from this disease.

According to a recent study, however, celiac disease may actually be caused by a virus. Researchers from the University of Chicago conducted a study in which they infected mice with a harmless virus known as the reovirus. Next, they monitored the mice to see how it affected their immune system. Researchers found that mice infected with the reovirus experienced a greater level of inflammation associated with celiac disease. In comparison, mice that had not been infected with the virus had a much lower level of inflammation, leading researchers to believe that the reovirus could be responsible for celiac disease.

So, are the same results found in humans as well? Researchers say the answer is yes. When looking at human patients, researchers found that people with more antibodies to protect against the reovirus were more likely to have celiac disease.

"A virus that is not clinically symptomatic can still do bad things to the immune system and set the stage for an autoimmune disorder," explaied study co-author Dr. Bana Jabri, director of research at the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center.

Other studies have linked celiac disease to hepatitis and the rotavirus. This is the first study, however, linking it to the roavirus.

What does this study mean exactly? It's still too early to make any definitive statements regarding celiac disease and the roavirus. Nonetheless, the findings are certainly eye-opening. Given the fact that millions of men and women suffer from celiac disease, there's a growing need to learn more about this disease and what causes it. Assuming these findings are correct, the root cause of celiac disease could be attributed to the reovirus. Perhaps this could pave the way for new preventative and treatment options.

In the meantime, here are some tips to protect against adverse symptoms if you suffer from celiac disease:

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid all sources of gluten
• Ask for a "gluten-free" menu when dining out
• Keep a journal of what you eat, when you eat it, and when inflammation/symptoms occur