NZ Doctor Identifies Fast Growing Health Problem

10 September 2007

Leading New Zealand Doctor Identifies One Of The World’s Fastest Growing Health Problems

A New Zealand paediatrician who is a world-renowned expert in food allergies, is releasing a new book, which flies in the face of many of the medical world’s commonly held beliefs.

Christchurch-based Doctor Rodney Ford’s new book The Gluten Syndrome disputes the assumption that a person has to suffer from Coeliac disease to be sensitive to gluten, which is found in wheat.

Dr Ford’s research also shows gluten does not just affect the small intestine but also the brain, skin and nervous system.

He says up to one third of all cases of chronic illness and fatigue could be caused through gluten sensitivity and up to 1 in 10 people maybe suffering from what he has identified as “The Gluten Syndrome.”

“Gluten causes tiredness, anxiety and stress. The medical world accepts it can damage the gut, but it can also damage the brain, skin and nerves. Until now, many of these illnesses have been blamed on everything from stress at home to other medical conditions including depression,” says Doctor Ford.

Doctor Ford has helped thousands of people in his 25-year-long career. He currently heads a busy children’s Gastroenterology and Allergy Clinic in Christchurch.

Doctor Ford says his new book will change lives for the better and hopefully cause a rethink in the medical world.

“I have already seen lives change when gluten-sensitive people change their diet – people are genuinely shocked at how much better and happier they feel.”

The Gluten Syndrome identifies a range of health complaints, tells people how to find out if they are gluten sensitive (a simple blood test) and offers them focused support, helpful information and direction regarding food choices to manage the problem. Doctor Ford expects some doctors will dispute his book’s findings.

“Most of my medical colleagues believe that gluten can only cause Coeliac disease. They are unwilling to consider that gluten causes a wide spectrum of illness that has been written up in the international medical literature.”

“The reality is I have spent more than 20 years researching this issue. Of the hundreds of sick children I have tested and found to be gluten sensitive, 84% have improved on a gluten free diet.”

“There are many more people who are suffering at the moment and don’t even know why. It’s time the medical world woke up to the problem.”

ENDS

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