subject: Some Ideas Of Celiac Disease [print this page] Both adults and children can be affected by Celiac Disease and the disease is caused by an allergy to the protein gluten. This protein is found everyday foods such as cereals and some pasta types, biscuits, pizza crust and bread.
If sufferers eat foods containing gluten, it causes a reaction to the intestine which creates various symptoms and further damage to the inner lining. There is no medical treatment for Celiac Disease, however by following a gluten free diet will keep the disease under control.
Also known as Gluten Sensitive Entereopathy or Celiac Sprue, the disease, if left untreated will cause malnutrition as the disease attacks the intestine causing such damage that the intestine is unable to absorb essential vitamins and minerals. This is generally high in teenagers who suffer from Celiac.
Foul smelling stools are normally a tell tale sign you may be a sufferer and other symptoms can include fatigue, severe abdominal pains, diarrhoea, anaemia and weight loss. Due to all these everyday side effects the disease, quite often, is misdiagnosed.
The cause of Celiac Disease is still unknown, and it can be triggered at any time of your life and certain factors such as a physical injury, pregnancy or trauma can cause the disease. Often inherited, if a family member has the disease then you have five to fifteen percent chance of also sufferering from it.
A good replacement for gluten rich foods are fish and poultry, fresh meat, fresh fruit and vegetables and dairy products and replace wheat products with potatoes and rice. Your dietician or doctor will be able to help you with a fulfilling, yet tasty menu cutting out all gluten.
Gluten free products can now be found in high street shops, however, high street supermarkets do not stock a vast range. Visit your local health shop where they can offer good advice and stock a large variety of gluten free products.
If you are diagnosed with Celiac Disease then it is essential to stick to a gluten free diet. Your intestine will eventually heal itself but any lapse in the diet will cause further damage and side effects.
If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms then contact your doctor as soon as possible. Celiac Disease must be treated from the start to avoid lasting damage to the intestine, and whether you are young or old, male or female, Celiac Disease can cause sufferers a lot of pain and distress.
