Q & A

You have questions. I have answers. Many of you have asked me or inquired as to why I have put Mia on a gluten-free diet and what does gluten have to do with arthritis? A gluten-free diet is not just for those individuals who have been diagnosed with celiac disease. It is now being discovered that gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grass-related grains, such as rye and barley, is being linked to some autoimmune disorders (like JRA), Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and autism, to name a few. You would really be amazed to discover how much of what you eat effects your body.

Since my daughters diagnosis of JRA back in October, I have done a good amount of research on the disease and on autoimmune disorders and what we, as her parents and her "earthly protectors," can do to reduce the inflammation and fluid that the doctors have found on almost all of her joints (some are more affected than others). Here is an excellent article that describes the link between gluten and inflammation:

"When the body senses an invasion of any kind, it responds to eliminate the problem. The gluten protein molecules found in wheat are simply not digested well by humans. People who are gluten-sensitive develop an immunological reaction to these molecules that then start to inflame and destroy tissues in the body. Normal tissues become damaged, preventing growth and regeneration. In celiac disease, it is the intestinal villi that first become damaged and flattened. But there are many chronic health conditions that have an inflammatory component. Unfortunately, the inflammations caused by ingesting the gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley are rarely considered to be the cause. All too often, your doctor prescribes a medicine rather than a gluten-free diet.

Researchers now know that gluten can cause inflammation in any organ and any cell of your body. Inflammation of the heart can cause shortness of breath or fluid retention, and it is now recognized that inflammation is an important contributor to heart disease. Inflammation of the kidneys may cause kidney failure or high blood pressure. Inflammation of the large intestine may cause cramps and diarrhea. The term arthritis literally means inflammation (itis) of the joint (arthr). Cerebral inflammation is often the cause of unexplained headaches and ataxia. Inflammation of the nervous system contributes to such conditions as neuropathy, epilepsy, and dementia. All of these medical conditions (and others) can be directly related to ingesting gluten." - Food Philosopher.com

Mia's rheumatologist did not want us to change Mia's diet. However, Jay and I felt differently. We knew that was one of the first steps we would need to take in order to see results, aside from standing on God's Word and on what He says over Mia's body. We had peace about it, so we followed after peace. And now, three months later, we have seen huge results. Mia's physical therapists ask me every time I bring her in for a session if I am still continuing with "her diet" - they can't believe the results they are seeing! When Mia started physical therapy back in October, she was limping very noticeably when she walked and her left knee was swollen like a tennis ball. Now, her knee is almost straight (we are believing God for those last two degrees!) and her left arm is straight. All glory to God!

The Root of the Problem:
What many people don't know is that JRA is an autoimmune disease. The genes people inherit contribute to their susceptibility for developing an autoimmune disease. There are two general immune system issues in an autoimmune disease. Poor cellular communication because there is a lack of cell markers on the cell walls. And an over-activated, out of balance immune system that attacks those cells. Mia's situation is the latter. Basically, Mia's immune system is attacking itself, causing an exaggerated inflammatory response in her joints. For all of you visual learners out there, here is a picture of what a normal, healthy joint and a joint with JRA looks like:




I am thankful to God that we discovered everything early on with Mia. Even though the swelling has gone down, there is a build up of hardened cartilage on the inside of her left knee which looks like a bulge of fluid, but it is actually bone mass. Also, the MRI results, which I FINALLY received, showed that she does have fluid still on several joints in her right ankle and some hardening of the tendons and ligaments around the joints. All of her toes have fluid on joints, some greater than others.

So, now you have some answers! We are continuing to stand to see Mia's body restored to complete health. This is going to be a GREAT year in the Del Turco household...filled with amazing miracles!