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Introduction


Celiac disease is a disorder of the digestive system that occurs when the body is unable to break down and absorb gluten.

When people with celiac disease eat gluten, the gluten triggers an immune response in the body that damages the lining of the small intestine.

This damage prevents the small intestine from being able to absorb nutrients from food, which can lead to malnutrition.

Celiac disease is a serious condition that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including digestive problems, fatigue, weight loss, and anemia.

There is no cure for celiac disease, but the condition can be managed by following a gluten-free diet.

It’s estimated that about 3 million people in the US have been diagnosed with celiac disease.

However, many more people experience symptoms of celiac disease.

In this article we will talk about celiac disease and the affect it can have on the body.
Should you suspect that you might have celiac disease, it is advisable to get in contact with your doctor.

 

What is Celiac Disease?

 

Celiac disease is a condition where the body is unable to process gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, it triggers an immune response in the small intestine, which can lead to damage of the small intestine and other symptoms.

Symptoms of celiac disease can vary from person to person, but may include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

Some people with celiac disease may also experience anemia, osteoporosis, and headaches.

There is no cure for celiac disease, but the condition can be managed by following a gluten-free diet.

This means avoiding all foods that contain gluten, including bread, pasta, cereal, and many processed foods.

celiac disease gluten - Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet and Treatment

 

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

 

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the digestive system. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine.

This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and weight loss.

In some cases, celiac disease can also cause anemia, osteoporosis, and dermatitis herpetiformis.

 

Diagnosing Celiac Disease 

 

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that damages the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing nutrients from food. People with celiac disease have an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.

When people with celiac disease eat foods that contain gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging the small intestine.

This damage prevents the small intestine from absorbing nutrients from food, which can lead to malnutrition. Celiac disease is a serious, lifelong condition that can be treated by following a gluten-free diet.

There is no one definitive test for celiac disease. The best way to diagnose celiac disease is to start with a blood test to look for antibodies that are present in people with the disease.

If the blood test is positive, then a biopsy of the small intestine is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

celiac disease diagnosis bloodtest - Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet and Treatment

Celiac Disease Diet

 

There is no one-size-fits-all diet for celiac disease, as each person reacts differently to gluten. However, the general consensus is that a gluten-free diet is the best way to manage the condition. This means avoiding all foods that contain wheat, barley, and rye.

For some people, this may mean making significant changes to their diet.

Others may be able to simply avoid foods that contain gluten. In either case, it is important to work with a dietitian to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need.

A gluten-free diet can be challenging, but it is possible to find delicious and nutritious foods that fit within the diet.

With careful planning and a positive attitude, you can maintain a healthy and enjoyable diet despite having celiac disease.

Ingredients To Avoid:

There are a few ingredients that celiacs should avoid, as they can trigger an immune response. Some of these ingredients include:

  • Gluten
  • Barley
  • Rye
  • Oats

While oats are technically gluten-free, they are often contaminated with gluten during processing. Other ingredients to avoid include soy, corn, and rice.

Most processed foods contain one or more of these ingredients, so celiacs need to be vigilant about reading labels.

 

Avoid The Following Unless the Product Indicates They Are Gluten-Free:

There are a few things to avoid unless the product indicates they are gluten-free. First, watch out for hidden sources of gluten like:

  • Soy sauce
  • Malt vinegar
  • Some types of candy.

Also, be wary of processed foods, as they may contain gluten as well.

Finally, check the labels of any medications you take, as some contain gluten as well. By being aware of these potential sources of gluten, you can help avoid accidentally consuming it.

Gluten-Free Starches You Can Eat:
There are many gluten-free starches that you can eat. Some of these include:

  • Rice
  • Corn
  • Potatoes

These starches are all safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

They are also all healthy and nutritious options. So, if you’re looking for some gluten-free starch options, these are a great place to start.

celiac disease abdominal pain - Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet and Treatment


Treatment for Celiac Disease

 

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.  

When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging the lining of the small intestine. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

There is no cure for celiac disease, but the good news is that it can be effectively managed by following a strict gluten-free diet.

This means avoiding all foods that contain gluten, including bread, pasta, cereal, and baked goods. It can be difficult to adjust to a gluten-free diet, but there are many resources available to help people with celiac disease make the transition.

With careful planning and a commitment to following the diet, people with celiac disease can lead happy, healthy lives.

Who is at Risk for Celiac Disease?

 

Celiac disease is a condition that affects the digestive system and prevents the body from properly absorbing nutrients from food.

People with celiac disease are at risk for malabsorption, which can lead to malnutrition and other health problems. Celiac disease is most common in people of European descent, but it can occur in people of any ethnicity.

The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

People with celiac disease must avoid eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.

celiac disease symptoms - Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Diet and Treatment

 

Contact Dr. Schneider


Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine.

This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue. There is no cure for celiac disease but following a gluten-free diet is the only treatment currently available.

Dr. Schneider is a medical professional with many years of experience in the field.  His services include endoscopy procedures such as, gastroscopy, colonoscopy and video capsule endoscopy.

If you are concerned about celiac disease, talk to Dr. Schneider to book your appointment.

For further reading on the procedures we perform, please visit our website or contact Dr. Schneider on 011-482-3010.

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

The information on this website is to provide general guidance. In no way does any of the information provided reflect definitive medical advice and self-diagnoses should not be made based on information obtained online. It is important to consult a Gastroenterologist or medical doctor regarding ANY and ALL symptoms or signs including, but not limited to: abdominal pain, haemorrhoids or anal / rectal bleeding as it may a sign of a serious illness or condition. A thorough consultation and examination should ALWAYS be performed for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Be sure to call a physician or call our office today and schedule a consultation.