Celiac Disease: Hereditary or something else?

This blog was started as a way to offer advice and opinions on food products and restaurants, and I am trained as a journalist to differentiate between my personal feelings and facts. I don't spout theories without evidence to support them or make assumptions about people.

With that in mind, I feel it would irresponsible not to bring some awareness to a POSSIBLE cause of so many cases of celiac disease. As many readers are aware, statistics show that celiac disease cases are increasing in numbers. Most people seem to believe better diagnosing and awareness are the reason, and I don't doubt there's truth behind that notion. I admit, when I was first diagnosed 16 years ago, I had never heard of Celiac Disease nor had anyone in my family. But I don't believe awareness and better diagnosing to be the only reason.