Are you suffering from Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance? Find out more...

Celiac is an autoimmune disorder, means that body develop antibodies against its own tissues.  It is also called “gluten allergy”. People suffering from celiac disease have inflammation in small intestinal, gluten triggers the white blood cells to attack the lining of small intestine. It can lead to serious health complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility and cancer.

The lining of small intestine contain small finger like projection called villi. These villi help in food digestion. The gluten can eroding theses small villi and cause inflammation.     

What is gluten?

Gluten is basically a protein found in wheat, rye and barley that causes intestinal damage (weight and nutrient loss).

Symptoms of celiac disease

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Forgetfulness
• Skin rash

How do I know what food contain gluten?

• To find out the gluten present in the product it is very important to read all the food labels. Contact the manufacturer for more information about the ingredients.
• Design everyday meal plan
• Make healthy choices about the types of food you eat

How is celiac disease diagnosed?

• It is hard to be diagnosed. Its symptoms are similar to digestive disorder.
• Blood tests are helpful to diagnosed this disease.
• An intestinal biopsy is often done. This take small piece of tissue from your small intestine using thin tube. Positive biopsy will confirm that you have celiac disease.
• Diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis with a positive blood test will also confirm it.

Food that is safe to consume

• Cereals like rice, millets, corn and sorghum are safe to consume
• Non cereal like amaranthus, quinoa or buckwheat, potatoes, tapioca and garbanzo beans are safe. They do not contain gluten and do not trigger symptoms
• Fruits and vegetables
• Flax and chia seeds
• Dairy products such as milk, cheese, curd etc
• A Person with celiac disease may need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to reduce the deficiency caused by this disorder.

Resources

Celiac disease foundation

US food drug administration, gluten free labelling of food

Gluten intolerance group