Category: Diseases

Understanding Celiac Disease: Causes and Community Impact

Staci Liebson GravatarBy Staci Leibson, M.S.W.

The public frequently misunderstands celiac disease as simply a “gluten allergy.” Still, in reality, it is a serious autoimmune disorder that can affect virtually every system in the body, not just the digestive tract.

What Celiac Disease Really

Unlike a typical food allergy or simple intolerance, celiac disease occurs when the immune system mistakes gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye- as a threat. This triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine, especially the villi, which are critical for nutrient absorption. Over time, this can lead to malnutrition, even when a person’s diet seems adequate.

Why It’s More Than a “Stomach Problem”

People with celiac disease may experience a wide range of symptoms, many of which aren’t even related to digestion. Common signs include:

    • Gastrointestinal issues: diarrhea, bloating, gas, constipation.

    • **Fatigue and concentration problems (“brain fog”).

    • **Skin conditions like dermatitis herpetiformis.

    • Nutrient deficiencies, such as iron-deficiency anemia due to malabsorption.

Many individuals go years without an accurate diagnosis because their symptoms can mimic other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or general fatigue.

Diagnosis and Lifelong Management

Testing for celiac disease generally involves a blood test for specific antibodies and is often followed by a small intestine biopsy to check for damage. Importantly, patients must continue consuming gluten until testing is complete, stopping gluten early can interfere with accurate results.

There is currently no cure for celiac disease, and the only effective treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This requires careful reading of labels, avoidance of even trace cross-contamination, and — in many areas, advocacy for better gluten-free food access and support resources.

Long-Term Risks and Complications

If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to serious health consequences beyond the gut:

These complications highlight why early detection and lifelong vigilance are not just health priorities — they can be life-saving.

Community Support and Awareness

Raising public awareness is critical. Many with celiac disease feel isolated or misunderstood, especially when dining, traveling, or shopping for food. Growing support networks, educational campaigns, and research funding can help reduce the burden on individuals and families.

How You Can Help

Your support can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by celiac disease. Donations to reputable organizations, like Community for Celiac, help fund research, education, and community programs,  bringing us closer to better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Celiac Disease: Not Just a Gluten Allergy

Staci Liebson GravatarBy Staci Leibson, M.S.W.

Overview

DonateCeliac disease is an illness in which the body’s immune system mistakenly perceives healthy tissues as foreign particles and subsequently attacks them. It is labeled as an autoimmune disorder. In 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 other people, those with celiac disease experience inflammation and subsequent damage in their small intestine whenever they eat gluten. Let’s dive deeper into celiac disease.

Woman stopping someone from giving her bread
A young woman on a gluten-free diet is saying no thanks.

Gluten: The Troublemaker

Even a tiny crumb of gluten can trigger a reaction in those with this illness. How can that be? Well, the immune system’s response to Celiac damages the villi, which are tiny finger-like structures in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from digested food; in other words, 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, barley, rye, and sometimes oats. Still, it can also be obtained from other sources, namely, cross-contamination, which is the transfer of harmful bacteria from one surface to another.

Here are some common gluten-containing foods:

Grains & Breads

      • White, whole wheat, multigrain, and sourdough bread
      • Bagels, croissants, and rolls
      • Pasta (unless labeled gluten-free)
      • Crackers and some chips
      • Cereals (unless labeled gluten-free)

Baked Goods

      • Cakes, cookies, muffins, and pastries
      • Pie crusts and brownies
      • Doughnuts and waffles

Processed and Packaged Foods

Processed foods are not the healthiest foods to eat, and for those who are not in the best of health, they can be worse. Here are some processed foods that are popular among many folks.

      • 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

      • 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 labels for hidden ingredients.

Symptoms: More Than Just a Stomach Ache

Man feeling sick after eating gluten food
iStock

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:

      • Fatigue and brain fog are 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 Disease 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 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 feel significantly better once they remove gluten from their diet. They can experience more energy, fewer digestive issues, and improved health.

Additionally, there are growing gluten-free communities, 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!

For a comprehensive overview of efforts that strengthen communities, visit Community4Celiac.com. To learn more about Howard’s philanthropic leadership, please visit our main page for additional details about Howard’s charitable support and community impact.