A food intolerance is a condition in which a specific food or ingredient causes an adverse body reaction. Although commonly confused with a food allergy, a food intolerance is different in that it does not involve an immune system reaction, according to MayoClinic.com. Celiac disease is characterized by a food intolerance to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and occasionally oats.
Physiology
The small intestine is lined with small, hair-like projections called villi. These villi increase the surface area of the small intestine and prove vital for proper absorption of nutrients. When someone with the food intolerance celiac disease eats a food that contains gluten, it triggers an autoimmune response that damages or completely destroys the villi. When the villi become damaged, they cannot absorb nutrients. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that when the villi are damaged, a person will become malnourished regardless of the quantity of food consumed.
Causes
The exact cause of celiac disease remains unknown, but MayoClinic.com notes that most cases appear to be inherited. Others may develop celiac disease after some kind of physical trauma, intestinal surgery, an infection, severe stress or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Symptoms of celiac disease occur after the ingestion of gluten. Because the ingestion of gluten triggers an autoimmune response, various body systems become involved. Digestive symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and gas. Systemic symptoms may also include anemia, joint pain, muscle cramps, fatigue, irritability, skin rash, mouth sores and tingling in the legs and feet.
Treatment
The only way to treat celiac disease is to follow a completely gluten-free diet. This involves eliminating any foods that contains wheat, barley or rye. Foods with the highest concentrations of gluten include breads, pasta, cereal and processed foods. It also becomes important to read ingredient labels very carefully because often vitamins and medications may contain gluten. Gluten is also commonly used as an additive for many beauty products, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Complications
If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to various complications. One of the most common complications is malnourishment. When the villi become damaged, important nutrients are eliminated in the stool instead of absorbed into the bloodstream. Celiac disease may also lead to loss of bone density. If significant calcium is lost in the stool, the bones lose density and become weak and brittle. Celiac disease may also lead to another food intolerance called lactose intolerance, which is characterized by intolerance to the milk sugar, lactose.
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