Celiac Disease is an auto-immune digestive disorder that affects people of all ages. When people with Celiac Disease ingest gluten, a toxic immune reaction occurs in the small intestine, causing permanent damage to the villi in the intestine and leaving it unable to absorb nutrients. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Eating gluten can cause a number of other related conditions, like anemia and vitamin deficiencies. The cause of Celiac Disease is unknown. The only treatment is to eat a diet free of gluten.
Celiac Disease may present at any age. Children with Celiac Disease often have stunted growth, vomiting and bloating. Other symptoms of Celiac Disease include gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss or gain, anemia, infertility, vitamin deficiency, canker sores, weakness and fatigue. People with Celiac Disease often develop a blistering rash called Dermatitis Herpetiformis.
Antibody blood tests are used to help diagnose Celiac Disease. Antibody tests will only show if there is a risk of Celiac Disease. If the antibody tests are positive, a biopsy of the bowel is used to confirm the diagnosis of Celiac Disease. Once Celiac Disease has been diagnosed, removing gluten from the diet will cause the small intestine to begin to heal. It is important to wait until you have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease to start a gluten-free diet.
Grains to Avoid
- Barley
- Bran
- Bulghur
- Couscous
- Gluten
- Glutenin
- Kamut
- Matzo
- Rye
- Seitan
- Semolina
Alternative Grains and Flours
- Almond
- Arrowroot
- Basmati or Jasmine Rice
- Beans
- Brown Rice
- Buckwheat
- Cassava
- Chickpea
- Corn
- Cornmeal
- Cornstarch
- Garbanzo
- Legumes
- Lentils
- Millet
- Nuts
- Potato Flour
- Quinoa
- Sesame
- Soy
Other Foods to Avoid
- Soups
- Beer
- Sauces
- Candy
- Gravy
- Salad dressing
- Imitation seafood
- Meat substitutes
These foods should be avoided unless labeled gluten-free. Some food additives may also contain gluten. It is important to read labels to completely avoid gluten. Gluten can also be found in play dough, lipstick, some medications, and stamps.
It may seem that there aren't many foods to eat on a gluten-free diet, but there are still plenty of foods allowed. Wine, distilled liquors, fruits and vegetables, rice, most dairy products, potatoes, fresh meat, fish and poultry are all allowed foods on a gluten-free diet.
Those with Celiac Disease must follow the gluten-free diet for life. It can take weeks or even months to see results from a gluten-free diet, but most patients will notice a difference within a couple of weeks. The good news is that eventually the small intestine will begin to heal itself and symptoms will subside. Patients who follow a gluten-free diet may also see a decrease in allergy symptoms.
Celiac Disease that is left untreated may lead to osteoporosis, gastrointestinal cancer, malnutrition, lactose intolerance, depression and anxiety. It is important to treat Celiac Disease to avoid other conditions that may become life-threatening.
Sources:
Celiac.com
Celiac.org
CSACeliacs.org, Celiac Sprue Association
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