Overview
Celiac disease is an illness where the body’s immune system mistakes the healthy tissues to be foreign particles, and the immune system subsequently attacks them. It is labeled as an autoimmune disorder. In the case of celiac disease, the immune system reacts negatively to foods containing gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Instead of digesting gluten normally like everyone else, people with celiac disease experience inflammation and damage in their small intestine whenever they eat gluten.
Let’s dive deeper into celiac disease.
Gluten: The Troublemaker
For those with celiac disease, even a tiny crumb of gluten can trigger a reaction. The immune system’s response damages the villi – tiny finger-like structures in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from digested food. Over time, this damage can lead to malnutrition, digestive issues, and other serious health problems.
What Foods Contain Gluten?
Gluten is primarily found in wheat, such as barley, rye, and sometimes oats (due to cross-contamination), but there are more. Here are some common gluten-containing foods:
Grains & Breads
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- White, whole wheat, multigrain, and sourdough bread
- Bagels, croissants, and rolls
- Pasta (unless labeled gluten-free)
- Flour tortillas
- Crackers and some chips
- Cereals (unless labeled gluten-free)
Baked Goods
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- Cakes, cookies, muffins, and pastries
- Pie crusts and brownies
- Doughnuts and waffles
Processed & Packaged Foods
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- Many soups and sauces (thickened with wheat flour)
- Soy sauce (contains wheat, unless gluten-free)
- Salad dressings and gravies
- Some processed meats (sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats)
- Beer (made from barley)
Other Sources
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- Malt-based products (like malt vinegar and malted milk)
- Some candies and chocolate bars
- Breaded or battered foods (fried chicken, fish sticks, onion rings)
Always check the ingredient labels for hidden ingredients.
Symptoms: More Than Just a Stomach Ache
Celiac disease isn’t just about stomach pain or bloating, although those are common symptoms. The symptoms can show up in all sorts of ways, including:
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- Fatigue and brain fog, making it hard to concentrate
- Skin problems, including itchy rashes called dermatitis herpetiformis
- Joint pain and headaches
- Weight loss or difficulty gaining weight
- Digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, and gas
- Iron deficiency anemia, due to poor nutrient absorption
Some people don’t experience these noticeable symptoms, making diagnosis tricky. This is why celiac disease is often undiagnosed or mistaken for other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
How is Celiac Diagnosed?
The first step is usually a blood test. This particular test is used to search for antibodies linked to gluten consumption. If the results are positive, a doctor may recommend an intestinal biopsy to check for damage to the villi. During this testing period, it is recommended to keep eating gluten until testing is complete, as stopping gluten beforehand can lead to inaccurate results.
The Only Treatment: A Strict Gluten-Free Diet
Unfortunately, at this time, there’s no cure for celiac disease, but the good news is that it can be managed by totally eliminating gluten from the diet. This means avoiding foods like bread, pasta, cereals, and even some sauces or processed foods that may contain hidden gluten.
Thankfully, awareness of celiac disease has grown, and gluten-free options are now widely available. Grocery stores stock gluten-free bread, pasta, and snacks, and many restaurants offer gluten-free menus. However, cross-contamination is a big concern, so people with celiac disease must be vigilant regarding the dishes and utensils they use when eating out of the house.
Living With Celiac: Challenges and Silver Linings
Adjusting to a gluten-free lifestyle can be challenging at first. Learning how to read the ingredients on the food labels takes time, but it does get more manageable for most people. Many find that they feel significantly better once they remove gluten from their diet. They can experience more energy, fewer digestive issues, and improved health.
Additionally, there are gluten-free communities, and they are growing, offering plenty of support through online forums, local meetups, and advocacy groups. Raising awareness helps make life easier for celiac patients and encourages better options in restaurants and stores.
Final Thoughts
Celiac disease is much more than a simple gluten intolerance. It is a serious autoimmune condition that requires lifelong care. With proper diagnosis and a strict gluten-free diet, people with celiac disease can live healthy, fulfilling lives. So the next time someone tells you they have celiac disease, you’ll know why they’re avoiding gluten, how important it is for their health, and how you should accommodate them should they be in your home. And who knows? You might even discover some delicious gluten-free recipes along the way!
If you’d like to donate to help find a cure for Celiac Disease Foundation.