If you experience adverse reactions after you consume gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, you may have a chronic digestive condition called celiac disease. Celiac disease is characterized by the body's inability to tolerate gluten. As a result, the small intestine becomes damaged and cannot absorb nutrients correctly.
Causes
The exact cause of celiac disease remains unknown. Researchers have determined that there is some genetic component, but the exact physiology has not been determined, according to MayoClinic.com. People with other chronic diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, Down syndrome and colitis, are also at an increased risk of developing celiac disease.
Symptoms
The adverse reactions and symptoms associated with celiac disease differ greatly among individuals. Some possible gastrointestinal symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, foul-smelling stool, fatty stool and weight loss. Because celiac disease causes a widespread reaction in the body, the gastrointestinal system is not the only body system that is affected. Widespread symptoms of celiac disease include fatigue, bone pain, joint pain, depression, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, anxiety, seizures, missed periods, canker sores and skin rash. Celiac disease can also lead to infertility and increased risk of miscarriage.
Treatment
There is no way to increase your body's tolerance to gluten. The only way to avoid the symptoms of celiac disease is to eliminate gluten from the diet. Foods that contain gluten include wheat bran, wheat germ, spelt, kamut, barley and rye. Many processed foods and commercially produced foods use gluten in their manufacturing so it is important to check labels for any gluten-containing ingredients.
MayoClinic.com notes that when you remove gluten from your diet, the inflammation in your small intestine will begin to subside. Although symptoms may disappear rather quickly, it generally takes several months to several years for your small intestine to return to normal.
Complications
If you do not eliminate gluten from your diet, it can permanently damage your small intestine. As a result, you will not be able to absorb nutrients correctly, regardless of the amount of food you eat, according to MedlinePlus. This can lead to anemia, vitamin deficiencies and severe malnutrition. Unmanaged celiac disease can also cause weak, brittle bones and lead to the development of osteoporosis. The damage to the small intestine may also lead to an inability to produce lactase and the development of lactose intolerance.
