Gluten intolerance, more commonly referred to as celiac disease, is characterized by intolerance to the protein gluten. Gluten is commonly found in wheat, rye and barley. Occasionally, oats may contain gluten, as well. Some people may be born with celiac disease, while others acquire the condition later in life.
Physiology
The small intestine is lined with small finger-like projections called villi. Villi help to absorb nutrients from the food you eat and increase the surface area of the small intestine. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, it damages the villi in the small intestine. Damaged villi cannot absorb nutrients and, instead, important nutrients are eliminated in the stool.
Celiac and Surgery
Some people develop celiac disease after they undergo a surgery, such as weight loss surgery. According to MayoClinic.com, the reason for the emergence of the disease is unclear. It is theorized that the trauma associated with a surgery may cause the body to begin to trigger an abnormal immune response to the consumption of gluten.
Symptoms
Symptoms of celiac disease occur after the ingestion of a food that contains gluten. Gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and gas. Because the disease involves a widespread immune system response, it also affects body systems other than the digestive tract. Widespread symptoms of celiac disease include irritability, depression, anemia, joint pain, muscle cramps, skin rash, mouth sores, dental disorders and tingling in the legs and feet, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
The intolerance to gluten associated with celiac disease cannot be cured. The only way to avoid symptoms is to avoid consuming foods that contain gluten. Most foods made from grains, such as breads, cereals, crackers and pasta, contain gluten. Gluten is also an ingredient in some medications and vitamin supplements, so it is important to pay close attention to ingredient lists. It may be beneficial to work with a dietitian to create a healthy meal plan that will provide all of the nutrients without gluten.
Complications
If you continue to consume gluten when you have celiac disease, it can cause permanent damage to the intestines that results in nutrient malabsorption. If nutrients cannot absorbed properly, it will lead to malnutrition, regardless of how much you eat. It is important to play close attention to what you are eating, especially after weight loss surgery. Uncontrolled celiac disease can also lead to loss of calcium, which may progress to osteoporosis. Celiac disease has also been associated with neurological disorders, such as seizures and nerve damage, according to MayoClinic.com.
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