Quote:
Originally Posted by Fuzz
That's not true at all. Italy has rates as high as 1.6%. They also are very good at recognizing it, testing children, and generally having the best GF food you can find. it's not a "foreign" concept at all in Europe, there is GF stuff everywhere. Have you traveled as or with a celiac? Now, if you want to argue the concept is more foreign in places like Cambodia then I'll accept that. But even Vietnam I found it was recognized. Just, uh, not really understood as well. No, you can't boil my rice noodles in wheat noodle water!
https://www.beyondceliac.org/researc...ng-prevalence/
If a country has lower rates, it's probably due to under-diagnosing.
This is an older graphic, but you get the point. I don't know why this myth exists, but it is just that, a myth.
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I really sympathize with people who have these type of conditions as it impacts quality of life and enjoyment like no other. The struggle is real.
That being said, I will stand by initial thoughts on the subject but will modify it somewhat. In a lot of countries in Europe and elsewhere where they are experiencing these issues, it's becoming a growing issue as a result of adapting a North American style diet and more modern, factory style farming and production of food sources.
It's not that these conditions don't exist in Italy, France, Greece etc, they do, they do to a lesser extent I would argue. The graph you posted I have no doubt is accurate from a global perspective but I have a feeling we are under diagnosing people here in North America! There are SOO many people that are suffering with gut and digestive issues across the board and continue to without getting diagnosed.
In a lot of countries where the traditional diet, farming, food production and other methods are followed, these issues, and a whole host of other health conditions just don't exist in the same prevalence as they do in North America.
I know that a lot of people who have these issues always swear by 00 Flour, the famous Italian flour that doesn't contain the GMO's and other items that people who suffer claim is in our food.
I see it first hands with my cousins in Greece when I visit. They can't wait to show me the latest burger, doughnut, American chain pizza etc. They are starting to eat a whole lot like us Canadian/American's and it's causing health issues. I stick to and love the traditional cuisine and a lot if the really healthy Greek vegetarian/ vegan dishes.
I am no expert in these conditions at all, but I do know food and I know how much our diet's have really changed and how traditional diet's have changed in a lot of countries. The older people talk about it daily and it's something we should pay attention to.