What is Celiac Disease?

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.

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.