Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. You may have this condition if your body stops taking nutrients from the food because your body is sensitive to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. 

Your immune system’s response to gluten damages the villi, tiny hair-like projections that line the small intestine responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. Over time, this damage can lead to malnutrition, various health complications, and impaired growth and development.

Causes and Trigger Foods for Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a hereditary disorder. You may have celiac disease and be unaware of it because there are no symptoms. Factors that can cause symptoms to occur are:

o   Surgery

o   Excessive stress

o   Infection

o   Physical injury

o   Childbirth

The primary trigger foods for celiac disease are those that contain gluten. These include:

• Barley
• Wheat
• Rye
• Triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)
• Processed foods containing gluten like pasta, bread, baked goods, and soups.

Celiac Disease Symptoms

Celiac disease affects individuals in many ways. Some may have symptoms as children, while others may have symptoms just as adults. Common indications of celiac disease are:

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Anemia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Joint pain
• Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)

Celiac disease can develop at any age. However, it is most commonly diagnosed in children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. In children, this condition can also cause stunted growth and development.

Who can get Celiac disease?

Celiac disease can affect anyone, but it is more common in persons with specific genetic predispositions, such as those who have a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) who has the condition. 

It is also more common in people with type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune thyroid disease.

Complications of Celiac Disease

If left untreated, this condition can lead to several health complications, including:

• Malnutrition
• Osteoporosis
• Anemia
• Infertility
• Lactose intolerance
• Miscarriage
• Cancer (such as intestinal lymphoma)

Treatment Options for Celiac Disease

There is no cure for celiac disease, but it can be managed through dietary changes. The only way to manage this condition is to be free from any foods with gluten, including:

o   Barley

o   Graham flour

o   Semolina

o   Durum

o   Malt

o   Rye

o   Farina

Taking gluten out of your diet will relieve your symptoms. Also, any damage to your intestine will recover.

Prevention of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease cannot be prevented, but it can be managed through dietary changes. It is essential to follow a strict gluten-free diet to avoid symptoms and health complications.

It is also very important for those with a family history of this condition or autoimmune disorders to be aware of the symptoms. Seek medical evaluation if they suspect they may have the condition.

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. It is caused by an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. While there is no cure for celiac disease, it can be managed through dietary changes, such as following a strict gluten-free diet. By avoiding trigger foods and carefully managing their diet, individuals with celiac disease can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.