The Truth About Celiac Disease
By the time people are finally diagnosed with this condition they usually are very familiar with it
. Nevertheless, for family members and friends who don't realize what it is, celiac disease affects the digestive tract. The condition is specifically triggered by eating meals that contain the protein gluten. The intake of gluten can cause deficits in absorption of vitamin, mineral and other necessary nutritious foods. People who are afflicted with the disease will be required to follow a lifelong rigid diet. Unfortunately, there is no treatment that will cure celiac disease and any claims of cures should be regarded with caution and skepticism. The illness also is known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy.
The disease can affect a person at any age. Children and adults alike have the chance to develop the disease. It is an autoimmune disorder, which targets the digestive system. As mentioned earlier, eating foods that are rich with gluten like cereal grains, bread, pasta, pizza crust, and even cookies triggers the disease. Any food made from wheat barley or rye most likely contains a good amount of gluten. After ingesting food with gluten, a reaction occurs in the small intestine, which causes damage to its inner lining.
Due to the effects of the disease, the small intestine can actually become incapable of absorbing nutrients. This can create many additional long term health problems for the celiac sufferer and needs to be avoided at all costs. Nutrition deficiency is an even greater danger in children who have the illness. Children who have developed celiac will display symptoms such as slow growth, vomiting, bloated abdomen and even behavioral changes. Adults with celiac often experience recurring bloating or gas, chronic diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight losses or gains, a Vitamin K deficiency, fatigue, missed menstrual periods, canker sores within the mouth, and tooth discolorations or loss of enamel.
The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown, but it passes down through families. If someone in your immediate family has it, chances are 5 percent to 15 percent that you may as well. It can occur at any age, although problems don't appear until gluten enters the diet. In some cases, celiac disease develops after trauma like stress, infection or childbirth. There is no telling when celiac disease may hit you. Therefore, consult a physician about any symptoms or abnormalities in your health. As with any illness, early detection through health and medical tests is the key to fighting celiac disease. Be aware that misdiagnosis and confusion of celiac disease with other sicknesses is common as are instances of the disease going undiagnosed.
Since the signs and symptoms aren't that apparent, a misdiagnosis confusing celiac illness with other allergic reactions is very possible. Individuals with celiac can find themselves experiencing intermittent diarrhea, bloating, gastric ulcers, mouth sores, skin rash, anemia, upset belly, joint discomfort and occasional abdominal discomfort. However, there are some individuals diagnosed with celiac who don't experience any digestive problems at all. Nevertheless, just about everyone with celiac disease suffers some symptoms like weight loss, diarrhea, foul smelling stools or osteoporosis.
Still unknown is exactly why gluten damages the intestinal lining. For a time it was thought that the disease only affected Europeans, but several recent studies have shown that celiac can affect anyone regardless of ethnic background. In the United States, one in 133 people have this disease. Although research suggests that the disease may have genetic origins, there are no commonalities that have been discovered between patients as yet.
Even though there is no cure for this disease, there are ways to fight it. First, and most importantly, is a change to a gluten free diet. Gluten absolutely must be avoided to have any hope of preventing small intestine inflammation. Some examples of foods to put on the do not eat list are breads, cereals, crackers, pasta, cookies, cakes and pies, gravies and sauces, unless they are gluten free. Also important in a gluten free diet is the consuming of the proper amounts of fresh meat, fish and poultry, dairy products, fruits and of course veggies. Once a person has made these changes, they will discover that the diet options are not as limited as first thought. Excellent replacements for wheat products can be found in rice and potato based foods. Nutritional supplements should also be taken regularly to compensate for the malnutrition caused by the illness.
Each day can be a difficult, particularly for those who are newly diagnosed. But, over time, however, the management of celiac will become second nature. In order to effectively cope with the disease, it is important to talk to others with the same condition who know what you are going through. Enlisting Families and friends as core support is also important and can serve as a lifeline during especially difficult periods. The fighting is a lifelong one and it should not be done alone.
by: Allen Webb
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