For individuals managing crohn’s disease, some find that reducing or eliminating gluten from their diet can alleviate symptoms. Though, according to George, this enhancement might stem from an undiagnosed gluten sensitivity.A important positive change could indicate celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, necessitating a lifelong strict gluten-free diet.Consulting a doctor for a proper diagnosis is crucial if either condition is suspected.

“If you’re finding that you feel better on a gluten-free diet, it’s very critically important to rule out sensitivity or especially celiac disease, as that can definitely help you manage your Crohn’s more effectively,” she says.

“If you’re finding that you feel better on a gluten-free diet, it’s very important to rule out sensitivity or especially celiac disease…”

While a definitive figure on the co-occurrence of Crohn’s and celiac disease is lacking, research indicates a higher prevalence among Crohn’s patients compared to the general population. One study suggests that up to 14 percent of individuals with Crohn’s may also have celiac disease, while other research points to perhaps higher numbers.

“Testing for celiac disease may become challenging if you’ve already stopped consuming gluten, so it’s recommended to continue eating gluten products until after you’ve had those tests,” George says.

If testing reveals no gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, yet gluten consumption triggers symptoms, it indicates that thes foods are personally problematic, rather than an underlying secondary condition.