What is Celiac Disease?
If you have been diagnosed with celiac
disease, or know someone with celiac disease, you know doubt
have many questions. In this article, we will answer some of
those questions, as well as provide resources for those seeking
more information.
So what is celiac
disease? Celiac
disease is a disorder in some individuals (primarily women)
in which damage is done to the intestines from the ingestion of
gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and oats.
Celiac
disease is most common in women of northwestern European
descent, but it can affect those of any race and nationality.
The damage gluten does to the intestines is what prevents the
body from absorbing the necessary nutrients from the food we
eat. These symptoms can and usually do include, vitamins,
minerals, protein, and just about any other vital nutrient you
can think of. Many celiacs often suffer malnutrition, even
though they consume large amounts of food. They are typically
very thin.
Osteoporosis is one of the more serious problems for those with
celiac
disease (due to the inability of the body to absorb
calcium). Celiacs are also often anemic for the same reason. And
many are lactose intolerant, but that commonly disappears after
following a gluten free diet for some time.
For most sufferers of celiac
disease, the damage can be reversed through strict adherence
to a gluten free diet. But the celiac diet is unforgiving. If
you cheat on your "diet" you can expect the damage to return.
Celiac
disease is a serious condition, but with proper precautions,
you should have no problem living a normal lifestyle. You do
need to take the time to inform yourself and your friends and
family and learn how to avoid all forms of gluten in your diet.
You need to plan ahead when going out, and when traveling, so
you won't find yourself compromising your diet.
There is an abundance of information out there for those looking
for gluten free foods, and recipes, as well as advice on
successfully living one day at a time with celiac
disease.