1. So This is Celiac Disease
Bread, cereal, pasta, cookies: what do these items have in common? They all contain gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and even oats. For people with celiac disease, a disease of the immune system, their small intestine is unable to process gluten, resulting in damage to the vili (small protrusions lining the small intestine that allow nutrients to be absorbed). Since all of our nutrient absorption happens in the small intestine, this leads to serious malnutrition, which in turn can harm organs and lead to other illnesses.
2. When It's More Than Simple Bloating
Sometimes, we all eat something that doesn't agree with us. We might experience stomach cramps or a bloated feeling or have diarrhea or gas pains. But if you experience any of these symptoms regularly after eating a plate of pasta or a few cookies, you might consider the possibility that you have celiac disease. Other possible signs include fatigue, anemia, weight loss or gain, irritability (especially in children with celiac disease) or constipation. Everyone displays signs of celiac disease differently; in fact, some people may have the disease but show no signs at all.
3. How to Know For Sure
The only way to know for sure if you have celiac disease is to have a physician confirm it. Celiac disease is often hard to identify and can be misdiagnosed as it resembles other intestinal diseases. Celiac disease is genetic and your chances of getting it increase if someone in your family has it. Blood tests that show higher levels of some autoantibodies will be conducted to verify celiac disease. An endoscopy to obtain a biopsy of the small intestine is also vital. It's important not to stop eating food with gluten before testing to ensure a proper diagnosis.
4. Hold the Gluten Please
There is no available drug therapy or other medical treatment for celiac disease. The only way to fight the disease is to follow a gluten-free diet. As the disease is quite common (an estimated one in 3,000 people in North America suffer from it), many supermarkets and health-food stores carry gluten-free foods. Consult a dietitian or nutritionist who can help you put together a gluten-free diet that will work best for you.
5. Learn to Read Labels
Ultimately, managing celiac disease falls on you. You need to be food-conscious at all times, both at home and when you're eating out. Read labels. Ask servers at restaurants if the food you are ordering contains wheat, barley or rye. Be aware that utensils that have been used on foods containing gluten can contaminate your food if used without being washed first. Learn what foods contain gluten and what you can and can't eat. When it comes to celiac disease, knowledge is power, and being proactive will keep you disease-free.
