Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a condition where an individual’s immune system recognizes gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye – as a harmfulsubstance, and reacts with an immune response in the small intestine. This reaction affects the intestinal walls, preventing the absorption of gluten into the body. Over time, the damage to the intestine can hinder the uptake of other nutrients, which may lead to manyhealth complications. While this initially results in weight loss or bloating, as well as significant gastrointestinal upset, it can deprive your brain and other vital organs of important nutrients over a long period of time.There is no cure for celiac disease but with medications and lifestyle changes it can often be managed. 

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of celiac disease vary between adults and children. For adults, the most common symptoms of the condition are:

• Anemia, resulting from a deficiency of iron due to malabsorption
• Softening bones or a loss in bone density - these conditions are known as osteomalacia and osteoporosis, respectively
• Joint pain and tingling in the arms and legs
• Diarrhea, weight loss, and bloating
• Constipation and persistent pain in the belly, which intensifies after consuming gluten-based products

Sometimes the symptoms you experience may overlap with another condition, leading to a misdiagnosis. If you have been experiencing digestive trouble for over two weeks in addition to any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor to discuss the possibility of celiac disease.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no cure for celiac disease,yet. However, by completely cutting all gluten out of your diet, you can often reduce symptoms significantly. Working with a dietician to develop an alternative diet is a good idea to help you maintain your health. In addition to this, your doctor could prescribe medication whichwould help alleviate the symptoms and reduce intestinal inflammation. Taking vitamin supplements while the inflammation persists and afterthe inflammation has subsidedmay also help in maintaining your health.