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    Home » Celiac Disease

    What is Celiac Disease?

    Jan 4, 2025 by Thriving Gluten Free · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten causes damage to the small intestine. When someone with Celiac ingests gluten, an immune reaction occurs that causes damage to the villi in the small intestine. The villi is what promotes nutrient absorption, so when the villi get damaged, nutrients can not be properly absorbed by the body.

    information about celiac disease

    If left untreated, Celiac Disease can lead to serious health conditions. These include other autoimmune conditions such as:

    • type 1 diabetes
    • multiple sclerosis
    • thyroid disease
    • arthritis
    • dermatitis herpatiformis(an itchy skin rash)
    • anemia
    • neurological conditions such as epilepsy and migraines
    • infertility & miscarriage
    • short stature
    • intestinal cancers

    When someone is diagnosed with Celiac Disease, the only treatment for is lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet.

    What is Gluten?

    Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley that helps foods maintain their shape and acts as a glue to hold it together. It is commonly found in:

    • breads
    • baked goods
    • pasta
    • soups
    • cereal
    • sauces and seasonings
    • and many other packaged & processed foods.

    There are many more foods that contain gluten, often in unexpected ways. Ingesting even the smallest amounts of gluten, like crumbs from a cutting board or toaster, can trigger small intestine damage.

    What are the symptoms of Celiac Disease

    Celiac is difficult to diagnose because it affects people in many different ways. Some people do not have any symptoms at all, however below are the most common signs and symptoms:

    • Anemia
    • Anxiety
    • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)
    • Bloating/gas
    • Constipation
    • Delayed Growth in Children
    • Depression
    • Diarrhea/vomiting
    • Fatigue
    • Headaches/migraines
    • Infertility or recurant miscarriage
    • Joint Pain
    • Poor weight gain/weightloss

    *Failure to thrive during childhood is a common indicator of celiac disease

    If you or someone you know think they might have Celiac Disease, request a blood panel from your doctor.

    Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity

    Some people experience symptoms of Celiac, yet do not test positive on a blood test. However, removing gluten from their diet resolves symptoms, and they are classified as having Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity.

    Are you newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease? You may find this article helpful when beginning your gluten free journey.

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    thriving gluten free recipes for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance

    Hi, I'm Debby! The recipe creator, mom and blogger behind Thriving Gluten Free. Our oldest daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2011, so we've been navigating gluten-free living ever since. Here, we share our favorite recipes, products and tips to help make your gluten-free life easy, healthy and delicious!

    Read more →

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