Summary Chronic stress can cause an inflammatory response within the body and weaken the immune system. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by consuming gluten and related proteins. Celiac disease causes an immune reaction that damages the villi in the intestine resulting in increased intestinal permeability.

Stress

Chronic stress can lead to the production of cytokines producing a damaging inflammatory response. Chronic stress weakens the immune system's response to infection. The brain and intestine are mediated by many of the same hormones and the nervous system so prolonged stress can affect the digestive system causing: diarrhoea, constipation, cramping, bloating and excessive production of digestive acids.[1]

Coeliac disease (also referred to as Celiac Diease, Celiac Sprue, Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy (GSE) and Gluten Intolerance)

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by consuming gluten and related proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. The immune reaction causes inflammation and flattens the villi in the small intestine meaning that the body is unable to adequately absorb nutrients leading to malnutrition and diarrhoea along with a host of other symptoms. Celiac Disease is said to be in most cases either inherited or genetic although other environmental factors can be involved. The increased intestinal permeability caused by Celiac disease can result in other food allegies.[2]

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[1] http://www.adam.about.com/reports/000031_2.htm
[2] Garwin L, "Feeling Your Vitality Leaking Away? It Could Be Leaky Gut Syndrome." lgarwin@pacbell.net