Standard medical evaluation (limited blood test and biopsy) may reveal Celiac although there can be false negatives. Stool analysis (EnteroLabs) or comprehensive blood evaluation (Cyrex Labs Array 3) may more accurately assess for an autoimmune reaction to gluten or wheat. In addition, many people are simply intolerant to gluten. To check this, you should avoid gluten for 6 – 8 months (as one exposure to gluten reportedly can cause inflammation for up to 6 – 8 months!) and see how you feel. If you feel better on gluten-free diet, you should stay on a gluten-free diet.
A BIG CAUTION for those going gluten-free, however: the gluten-free baked goods that you see popping up all over grocery stores and markets should be used only as rare treats!! They are highly processed and are NOT health foods. They tend to use ingredients with much higher glycemic indices–meaning they can really cause trouble with blood sugar control. Stick to whole foods as tolerated: fish, poultry, meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Click here for a recent article from an MD standpoint.