From Ancient Greece to Modern Times: The Story of Coeliac Disease
We have learned in the course of many years experience in the treatment of celiac disease that it makes a great difference to the patient what kind of starch-containing foodstuffs are included in the diet, in particular whether or not wheat is used.
Imagine a world where your favorite foods make you sick. Coeliac disease has been a thorn in humanity's side since the days of Ancient Greece. This episode of 'This Pathological Life' dives into the twists and turns of this malabsorption disease that causes everything from abdominal pain to nutrient starvation. Host Steve Davis teams up with pathologist Dr. Travis Brown to unravel the story of gluten and its notorious role in coeliac disease. You'll hear about Dr.
Willem Dicke, a Dutch pediatrician who, in the 1940s, connected the dots between gluten and coeliac disease. His discovery was sparked by a mother's keen observations during the harsh Hunger Winter of World War II. It's a tale of scientific curiosity meeting real-world suffering, showcasing how small insights can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. But it's not just about history. Davis and Dr.
Brown also bring you up to speed on modern diagnosis and treatment options, emphasizing the importance of listening to patients and making informed dietary choices. They even touch on the bravery of Dutch workers during WWII and how their experiences shaped our understanding of this complex disease. Whether you're dealing with coeliac disease yourself, know someone who is, or are just curious about the history of diseases, this episode offers a rich tapestry of information and human stories.
It's a fascinating journey through time that shows how far we've come—and how far we still have to go—in understanding and treating coeliac disease.