Can a Gluten Free Diet Improve Balance and Coordination due to Gluten Ataxia?

Gluten Ataxia - Gluten-Free Diet for Improved Balance & Coordination

People who experience a loss of muscular coordination and balance may have a difficult time finding the cause for the symptoms. Unfortunately, ataxia may progress over time, resulting in significant affects on one's quality of life. Some people with ataxia are advised to eat a gluten-free diet. Why?

Those who have gluten sensitivity may experience a wide range of symptoms, one of which may include ataxia. Ataxia is a lack of muscular coordination, with varying symptoms depending on its severity. Ataxia might affect one's ability to pick up objects, walk, speak, move one's eyes normally, or even swallow. Gluten ataxia may occur in people who are sensitive to gluten who have developed antigliadin antibodies.

Trying to find the cause for a loss of muscle coordination can be a rather daunting task as many conditions can cause ataxia. Obvious causes might include a stroke, head injury, or radiation poisoning. Blood tests might reveal causes such as a vitamin B12 deficiency or hypothyroidism. Yet some people go through multiple tests only to be told that there is no clear cause for his or her ataxia and are eventually diagnosed with idiopathic sporadic ataxia.

Gluten ataxia may easily be overlooked as a cause of ataxia in people who are not diagnosed with celiac disease, celiac sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, or similar conditions. Estimates indicate that approximately 1% of the population has celiac disease, a condition often called the great imitator because its symptoms can vary so widely. Many people suffer for years before being diagnosed with celiac disease. People with celiac disease or even a sensitivity to gluten may experience ataxia as purkinje cells in the cerebellum of the brain begin to decrease. In these people, the body may develop antibodies, such as transglutaminase TG6, that may target and destroy purkinje cells.

Malabsorption of nutrients in the intestinal tract is often associated with ataxia, and many people who have celiac disease experience intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea; however, a significant percentage of people with positive markers for celiac disease do not have intestinal symptoms or intestinal enteropathy. According to several sources, ataxia is the most common neurological symptom of celiac disease. Approximately 40% of cases of idiopathic sporadic ataxia may be due to gluten sensitivity.

Will coordination and balance improve if one with gluten ataxia eats a gluten-free diet? The answer to that question depends on many factors. Some studies indicate that some people with gluten ataxia experienced complete resolution of ataxia symptoms after adopting a completely gluten-free diet. A study that looked at people with gluten ataxia demonstrated that all those who adopted a strict gluten-free diet experienced improvement of ataxia symptoms over the control group who did not change the diet. Some people in gluten ataxia studies, particularly those with longer lasting and more severe symptoms, seemed to have permanent damage to the cerebellum in the brain despite a change in diet. Those diagnosed with gluten ataxia more quickly may be more likely to experience significant improvement of symptoms after adopting a strict gluten-free diet.

This article is not medical advice and is only meant to be informative. If you are experiencing symptoms of ataxia or are considering changing your diet, consult a qualified healthcare provider who can provide information that is relevant to one's own health.

Related articles:

• Can a Gluten-Free Diet Cure Iron-Deficiency Anemia?
• Aerobic Exercise Linked to Increased Brain Cells and Better Memory
• How to Save Money on a Gluten-Free Diet

References:

• Boyd, Christine, Gluten Attack: Ataxia, a Controversial Call, Living Without, Feb/March 2011.
• Hadjivassiliou, M. et. al., National Institutes of Health, Dietary treatment of gluten ataxia, J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. Sep 2003.
• Hadjivassiliou, M. et. al., Clinical, radiological, neurophysiological, and neuropathological characteristics of gluten ataxia, Lancet, 11/14/1998.
• Widodo Judarwanto, MD, Celiac Disease: The Great Mimic Presentation

Can a Gluten-Free Diet Cure Iron-deficiency Anemia?

Iron-deficiency Anemia - Can a Gluten-free Diet Help? Photo by Dr. Graham Beards

Some people who have low iron levels and experience anemia find the condition very difficult to treat. Even with medications, some people's levels remain low. After a healthcare provider rules out issues like obvious bleeding or dietary deficiencies, he or she might consider additional causes such as celiac sprue, also known as celiac disease or gluten-sensitive enteropathy.

Estimates indicate that approximately 0.5% to 1% of the Caucasian population tests positive for celiac sprue. When someone with this condition ingests even tiny amounts of gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, or barley) microscopic changes occur in the intestines. These changes make it difficult for the body to absorb various nutrients such as iron, folate, and protein.

People with undiagnosed celiac disease may suffer many years from symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain after ingesting gluten, which is found in numerous foods and some brands of products such as toothpaste, spices, medications, alcohol, etc. People with celiac sprue may be misdiagnosed with a variety of gastrointestinal conditions and may experience a wide variety of additional health issues, including iron-deficiency anemia, related to the condition. Some people may test positive for celiac disease and yet do not experience classic intestinal symptoms, which can make this a difficult condition to identify. Unfortunately, most hematologists do not routinely screen patients with iron-deficiency anemia for celiac disease.

If gluten-sensitive enteropathy is causing iron-deficiency anemia, eliminating all gluten from the diet may have very favorable results. At this time, a completely gluten-free diet is the only safe and effective treatment for celiac disease. The change in diet can lead to healing of the intestines, and the body may begin to absorb more nutrients, including iron. This is not a quick fix – the healing process may take months or even years; however, the anemia symptoms may begin to fade or completely disappear as levels return to normal.

Those who have iron-deficiency anemia or have symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia should seek the advice of one's primary healthcare professional. Changing to a gluten-free diet or taking over-the-counter iron supplements could lead to other health problems if not carefully supervised by a qualified professional.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

Related articles:

• How to Save Money on a Gluten-free Diet
• How to Talk With Your Doctor – Tips for Effective Communication
• Low Vitamin B12 Levels May Mimic MS or Alzheimer's Dementia
• Heartburn and Ulcers May be Due to Bacteria – the Dangers of H. Pylori

Find more health-related articles at Fit Tips 4 Life.

References:

• Admou B. et. al. Atypical Celiac Disease: From Recognizing to Managing, Gastroenterology Research & Practice, 2012.
• Phillip R. et. al. Endocrine Manifestations of Celiac Disease, Indian Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism, December 2012.
• Singh, Prashant et. al. Celiac Disease in Older Adults, Journal of Gastrointestinal & Liver Diseases, September 2013.
• Smukalla, B. et. al. How Often Do Hematologists Consider Celiac Disease in Iron-Deficiency Anemia? Results of a National Survey, Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology, February 2014.
• Waldo, Rick T. Iron-deficiency anemia due to silent celiac sprue, National Institutes of Health online article accessed 3/23/2014.

Tick Bite Associated with Mammalian Meat Allergy (MMA) – Alpha-Gal and Anaphylaxis

Meat Allergy May be Caused by Tick - Photo by James Lindsey at Ecology of Commanster

Those who suffer from food allergies are often well versed on the symptoms they usually experience. Some people with food allergies have immediate symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as swelling of the face, lips, and/or throat, shortness of breath, an itchy rash or hives, and/or a dangerous drop in blood pressure. In severe cases, death can result due to an anaphylactic allergic reaction to a food. Other people with food allergies tend to experience more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.

Allergic reactions, particularly anaphylactic reactions that can quickly become an emergency situation, typically occur rapidly, within minutes of exposure to an allergen. However, an allergy to meats such as beef, lamb, pork, or other mammals tends to occur approximately four hours after the person ingests the food, making it quite difficult to pinpoint the offending allergen. Many people with a mammalian meat allergy may experience these delayed allergic reactions and suffer for quite a while treating these mysterious allergic symptoms without a clear cause.

People identified as having a mammalian meat allergy (MMA) develop antibodies to alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose), a carbohydrate found in the meat of mammals. Some people have the antibodies but have not experienced allergic reactions. Persons with MMA may also experience allergic reactions to milk products, gelatin, whey-containing protein powder, and certain medications.

Recent studies indicate that some ticks have alpha-gal in their gastrointestinal tracts. People with mammalian meat allergy often report having had at least one tick bite, leading to the theory that this allergy is vector-borne. The larvae and nymph stages of the ticks may be difficult to identify, perhaps being confused with seed ticks or chiggers. Those who live in or travel to areas with higher numbers of these ticks, such as the southeastern United States, may be at increased risk for developing MMA. Those with MMA often report a memorable tick bite that may have taken longer than normal to heal.

More studies are needed to determine additional information regarding this unusual food allergy that may be increasing. The only treatment for MMA at this point is to avoid all mammalian meats and other products that cause symptoms, such as milk. Other non-mammalian meats, such as turkey, chicken, and fish, may be safe for people with MMA to consume without resulting symptoms unless they have additional allergies. Some people with MMA may have other allergies or sensitivities to additional foods, such as those who have celiac disease.

Immediately seek emergency care if you are experiencing life-threatening allergic symptoms. Check with your healthcare provider if you suspect that you may have a meat allergy to determine any necessary testing and a safe care plan that meets your individual needs. This article is for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.

Additional Articles:

• Fall Allergies – How to Fight Back When Autumn Wants to Take You Down
• How to Save Money on a Gluten-free Diet
• Low Vitamin B12 Symptoms May Mimic MS or Alzheimer's Dementia

References:

• "Alpha-Gal Basics" online article by Alpha-Gal Allergy Awareness web site accessed on 2/24/2014.
• "Anaphylactic Reactions to Oligosaccharides in Red Meat: a Syndrome in Evolution," Clinical & Molecular Allergy, 2012, Vol. 10, Issue 1, p. 5-15.
• Becker, Eve, "Ticked Off," Living Without August 2013 issue.
• Hamsten, C. et al, "Identification of galactose-α-1,3-galactose in the gastrointestinal tract of the tick Ixodes ricinus; possible relationship with red meat allergy," Allergy, April 2013, Issue 4, p. 549-552.
• "Ixodes ricinus" online fact sheet article last updated on 9/2009 accessed on 2/24/2014.
• "Meat Allergy" online article by Allergist web site accessed on 2/24/2014.
• "Rare Meat Allergy Caused by Tick Bites May be on the Rise" online article by NPR accessed on 2/24/2014.

6 Practical Tips to Stay Fit While Snowed In

How to Keep Fit When You are Snowed In - Photo by Snowbear

Many areas of the country blaze right through the snow. They might have multiple feet of the white stuff but manage to keep a regular routine of work, school, and exercise workouts at the gym. However, not all areas of the country have the equipment and money required to maintain that normal schedule. People living in the southern states in particular often find that snow and ice storms equals treacherous driving conditions, often leading to canceled activities.

Snow days might provide one with some much needed rest. We often work countless hours to pay for a house and provide for a family that we rarely see. Do not underestimate the value of relaxing and spending time together. Snow days have the potential to make great memories.

However, becoming completely sedentary during snow days might make it very difficult to get back into a regular exercise routine! Many folks turn to the kitchen and create delicious feasts while marooned at home...much to the dismay of one's waistline.

Inexpensive Exercise Equipment - Good Backup Plan for Snow Days - Photo by earl53

Here are a few tips to stay on track with a fitness routine while snowed in. Consult with your healthcare professional before starting or changing a fitness routine to ensure that exercises are safe for your current health condition. Listen to your body and adjust your routine accordingly.

1. Exercise outside if conditions are safe to do so – building a snowman, sledding, and having a snowball fight burn calories while having fun with others.
2. Uncover the exercise equipment – if you are one who has a treadmill or elliptical machine that has become a horizontal filing cabinet and vertical clothes hanger, this would be a good time to clean it off and get your money's worth!
3. Involve the family at home and/or friends on social media sites in generating ideas for a unique workout routine each day – you might discover that you love different types of exercises you would have never thought to try.
4. Add music – the beat may encourage you to avoid slowing down and might help you to enjoy a longer workout...it is hard to stop dancing when you love the song!
5. Incorporate resistance with equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, or a stability ball or try pushups, sit-ups, or a Pilates or yoga routine.
6. Try exercise videos – be careful because some routines may be safer than others.

Exercise Options at Home - Photo by pippalou

Daily exercise offers many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Maintaining a safe fitness routine at home may benefit your own health and might encourage family members and friends to get involved as well.

Related articles:

• 5 Fitness Plan Roadblocks and Practice Tips to Stay on Track
• Hypothermia Prevention Tips
• Glow Sticks Workout in the Dark
• Great Exercise Playlist – Old and New Songs for a Fun Workout

See Katrena's Fit Tips 4 Life blog for additional fitness-related articles.

5 Fitness Plan Roadblocks and Practical Tips to Stay on Track

How to Stay on Track with Fitness Goals - Photo by tpascal

Many people resolve to get into shape after November and December splurges. A new year might spark an interest in a new healthier lifestyle. Ideas become reality, and the workouts begin. Great!

But then come icy roads, cancelled group exercise classes, broken machines in the weight room, and the list goes on. Fitness routines are often the first to retreat to the back burner when schedules begin to crunch and original plans go awry. These are the times made for one's backup fitness plan, a plan B.

I Can't Exercise Outside...Now What?

If outdoor conditions are unsafe, what indoor exercises are acceptable to you? Even small indoor areas are often suitable for workouts. Take, for example, this Power Walk video. Just be careful if choosing videos – some are much safer than others. Treadmills, exercise bikes, and other machines enable people to get a great cardiovascular workout in a small indoor space. Walking in an indoor track or mall can be a great option when outdoor workouts are not possible.

Oh No...Not an Injury!

If you have an injury, how might you safely modify your exercise routine? Water walking, swimming, and other water exercises may provide support to the joints and enable you to maintain a similar exercise routine in the water. Many people do not consider classes designed for seniors, yet many of these classes welcome adults of all ages and provide several modifications for people who have injuries.

My Exercise Partner Didn't Show Up

If you originally planned to work out with someone, what will you do if he or she cannot come? Do you have a backup plan that you can safely perform alone? Are other people available? Is a group exercise class a possibility? Do you have music to help pass the time?

But That Was My Favorite Exercise Class!

If a group exercise class is cancelled or a substitute is teaching, what are your plans? Many people take one look at a sub and run for the hills...or perhaps the car, ditching the workout completely. As an exercise instructor who has been teaching since 1999, I want to assure you that I would love to see people coming in and trying a new routine or a different instructor! And if the class is cancelled, move to plan B. Or plan C. Doing something new can challenge not only one's muscles but one's brain as well. If you truly enjoy an exercise class, plan to attend regularly – many great exercise classes are cancelled due to low numbers.

A Backup Plan for Success

Roadblocks are bound to appear from time to time that have the potential turn that healthy, active lifestyle back into a sedentary one. Being fully prepared with several backup plans can help ensure you stay on track and keep you moving toward your fitness goals.

Before starting or changing a fitness routine, check with one's healthcare provider regarding which exercises are safe for you.

Related Articles:

• How to Make a Healthy Lifestyle Plan – Tips for Success
• Words of Encouragement for People Who Struggle with Weight
• A Healthier Lifestyle One Day at a Time: A Positive Attitude

An Important Note to My Readers

THANKS TO MY READERS!

I want to thank you for reading the Fit Tips 4 Life blog! I seek to provide timely, practical, and helpful information for many different people and write this blog because I enjoy writing and want to share my resources with others.

It has come to my attention that some other web sites are copying all of my blogs onto other web sites. This practice helps people who plagiarize and hurts independent bloggers like me. I do not charge people to access information on my blogs - they are free of charge for anyone to browse on the Internet. Advertisers enable me to provide this free service.

I would love for any reader to continue to visit my blogs regularly. Feel free to share the URLs for any of my articles on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or other social media sites.

Here are the direct URLs for all of my sites:

Fit Tips 4 Life focuses on fitness at:
http://fittips4life.blogspot.com/

Wildflower Bouquets offers scavenger hunts, printables, & family-friendly articles at:
http://wildflowerbouquets.blogspot.com/

Travel NC With Kids gives tips for traveling in NC with children at:
http://travelncwithkids.blogspot.com/

Love 2 Travel With Kids offers tips for family travel in and out of North Carolina at:
http://love2travelwithkids.blogspot.com/

Student Survive 2 Thrive provides resources like practice tests, flash cards, & tips at:
http://studentsurvive2thrive.blogspot.com/

Thank you again for taking the time to read my articles and I hope that each of you finds my free online resources to be helpful and inspiring. Feel free to email me at katrenaallison@gmail.com any time if you have questions, ideas, or just wish to send me a message.

Katrena Allison

Aerobic Exercise Linked to Increased Brain Cells and Better Memory

Can Exercise Improve Memory? - Photo by Jusben

Those who wish to build more brain cells and boost memory may find the answer in the gym, on sidewalks or track, or perhaps even the local mall. Armed with comfortable clothing and a pair of athletic shoes, people may discover that aerobic exercise may not only improve or maintain one's physical health, but aerobic activity has the potential to improve brain function as well.

As people age, the brain's hippocampus area tends to shrink. This area is important in forming new memories. One body chemical, called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tends to increase with improvements in memory.

Studies indicate that moderate aerobic exercise on a regular basis is linked to chemical changes in the brain. BDNF increased in groups assigned to aerobic exercise and was linked to increases in the front part of the hippocampus. This translated to better performance on memory tests.

Can consistent aerobic exercise improve one's memory and perhaps combat Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia? Perhaps. A sedentary lifestyle has been credited with a large number of chronic health conditions that can decrease one's quality of life and drain one's pocketbook. Aerobic exercise might be an excellent investment of time for getting more enjoyment out of the future.

Before starting or changing any exercise routine, discuss options with one's healthcare provider.

Related articles:

• Exercise May Improve Cholesterol Ratio and Lower Triglycerides
• Fall Prevention and Exercises
• Urinary Tract Infection May Cause Sudden Confusion
• How to Enjoy Exercise Despite Stress Incontinence

Visit the Fit Tips 4 Life site map for a list of all articles on this blog.

References:

• National Institutes of Health October 24, 2011 online article Aerobic exercise improves hippocampal function and increases BDNF in the serum of young adult males.
• Trudeau, Michelle February 21, 2011 online article Aerobic Exercise May Improve Memory in Seniors NPR web site.