Overview
September 13, 2021 is National Celiac Disease Awareness Day. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the small intestine becomes damaged when gluten is consumed. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, it prompts an immune response in the small intestine. The lining of the small intestine that is responsible for nutrient absorption becomes damaged and nutrients are not able to be absorbed properly. This can lead to serious complications in the body. There is no cure for celiac disease, however following a gluten free diet had been proven to ease symptoms and help intestinal healing.
Causes
There is no specific cause of celiac disease. However, celiac disease is commonly hereditary. If someone in your family has celiac disease and you begin to experience symptoms, ask your doctor to be tested. Additionally, celiac disease has been seen to become active in people after they experience surgery, pregnancy, viral infection, or sever emotional stress.
Symptoms
Digestive symptoms:
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Weight loss
Bloating and gas
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Constipation
Other symptoms:
Anemia
Itchy skin/rash
Loss of bone density
Joint pain
Headache
Mouth ulcers
Numbness in hands or feet
Long-term Health Effects
If celiac disease goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to many long-term health conditions including:
Anemia
Osteoporosis
Infertility and miscarriage
Gall bladder malfunction
Lactose intolerance
Intestinal lymphomas and other GI cancers
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Central and peripheral nervous system disorders
Pancreatic insufficiency
Malnutrition
Treatment
Treatment includes eating a strict gluten free diet. A gluten free diet includes not consuming foods with wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. As gluten is common in many well-loved foods such as, bread, pasta, and bear, there are many gluten free alternatives and brands to shop from. It is important to consult a doctor before trying a gluten free diet. See your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms above for more than two weeks.
References
1. “What Is Celiac Disease?” Celiac Disease Foundation, Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/.