Could our sensitivity to gluten be an echo from the Black Plague?

It turns out our genes carry stories — and some of them are downright epic. Recent studies suggest that people who live with autoimmune conditions like Celiac disease may be descendants of survivors of the Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.

During the 1300s, the plague wiped out nearly half of Europe’s population. But the people who survived? Their immune systems were fierce. Researchers now believe that certain genetic traits — ones that supercharged the immune response — gave them a fighting chance.

Here’s the twist:

Those same genes that helped your ancestors survive the plague might be the ones causing your body to wage war on gluten today.

It’s a bittersweet tradeoff.

🛡️ In the 14th century: strong immunity = survival.

⚔️ In the 21st century: strong immunity = “gluten is the enemy” our alarms go off after every bite of bread.

Specifically, studies show that genes like ERAP2, which help recognize dangerous pathogens, also fuel autoimmune diseases when they become hyper-vigilant. Celiac disease, which involves a misfiring immune attack on gluten, is one example.

🌿 My Take:

As someone navigating life with Celiac, I find a certain comfort in this story. My body isn’t broken — it’s just on high alert. Maybe a little too high. But it comes from a place of deep ancestral strength.

Our bodies carry wisdom, even when they struggle. And healing, to me, isn’t just about avoiding gluten — it’s about honoring what my body has survived, and gently guiding it toward balance.

.

• Surviving the Holidays With Celiac (When You Have to Go to Other People’s Houses)
• ⭐ The Calm December Method: How I Protect My Gut During the Busiest Month of the Year
• 💤 When Rest Isn’t Lazy: How Intentional Rest Fuels Real Productivity
• 🌿 Preparing for My 3-Day Fast
• 🍂 Four States, One Beautiful Fall Story