Celiac disease, most commonly known as gluten-enteropathy, is an autoimmune disease which is a reaction to eating gluten. Eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye can trigger the small intestine for it recognizes the gluten as “foreign”. Gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity in some people occurs with the body’s inability to process or break down gluten. Gluten intolerance ranges from mild to severe, where severe cases result in the development of celiac disease.
When a person is allergic to gluten, the body reacts adversely to attack the small intestine. These attacks cause harm to the villi, small fingerlike projection that line the small intestine and promotes nutrients absorption. Understandably, any damage to the villi would lead to the lack of absorption of nutrients by the body. Celiac disease is hereditary and can develop at any age with the consumption of foods that contain gluten. The risk of developing the disease, also raises the risk of additional health problems.
Are you allergic to Gluten?
Most of the symptoms of gluten intolerance ensue shortly after eating gluten in any form. Celiac disease symptoms aren’t the same as symptoms of food allergy. Symptoms to take into consideration if you think you could be gluten sensitive include:
- Constipation or diarrhea: consistent need to use the bathroom after consuming gluten is one of the most common signs of a gluten sensitivity. Experiencing constipation and diarrhea also leads to the inflammation of the gut. Over half of gluten sensitive people routinely suffer diarrhea, while around 25% experience constipation.
- Bloating: this one can make you feel miserable. If you happen to be gluten allergic, bloating is part of the package. Bloating refers to the feeling as though your stomach is filled with gas. People with gluten intolerance face the problem more often.
- Abdominal Pain: while stomach aches are common and could have other explanations, they are also often associated with gluten intolerance. Up to 83% those with gluten intolerance experience stomach aches and discomfort.
- Skin Problems: gluten allergies disturb the skin as well. Dermatitis Herpetiforms, a blistering skin condition is the skin manifestation of celiac disease. A gluten free diet has shown improvement on skin problems like Psoriasis, Alopecia areata and Chronic urticaria.
Foods that contain gluten
The most common food and beverages that contain gluten include:
- Bread and pasta
- Pasta
- Baked goods
- Biscuits
- Beers
- Cereals
Eating a gluten-free diet is not just a fad or a lifestyle choice; for people with celiac disease, it’s a must. Having said that, many people who have the disease don’t even realize it. This is due to the lack of proper diagnosis and the slow generation of the condition. The body, more specifically the small intestine recognizes the damage slowly, that it takes years to diagnosis it.
Anyone with celiac disease is prone to malnourishment, loss of bone density, lactose intolerance, infertility and several cancers like intestinal lymphoma and small bowel cancer.
Treatment
To investigate whether you’ve celiac disease, the doctor will run bloods tests like Serology and Genetic testing. With the right diagnosis, the most basic way to treat the development of celiac disease is to cut down gluten or maintain a gluten-free diet. With celiac disease taken more seriously, the development of countless gluten-free foods has also taken a leap.
A dietician can help with the process of eliminating gluten from your diet. Slightest traces of gluten in a gluten-sensitive body can be damaging. Getting rid of gluten gradually will also help tone down the intensity of inflammation of the small intestine.
