Celiac disease is a chronic, autoimmune disorder that affects your body’s ability to absorb key nutrients. Approximately 2 million Americans have celiac disease, which is genetic and tends to run in families.
Most individuals with celiac disease have an abnormal response to gluten-containing foods that cause the body to harm the small intestine. Specifically, it targets and damages the delicate protrusions called villi that line the small intestine.
With a damaged villi, no matter how much you eat, your body will struggle to get the necessary nutrients it needs. All this only stresses the importance of avoiding gluten-containing products.
Gluten containing foods are wheat, rye, and barley, all of which contain nutrients that are essential to overall health. Dietary changes need to be made, and healthcare professionals can ensure patients get key nutrients from other foods.
Why Does Celiac Disease Cause Gluten Sensitivity?
It is not understood why gluten triggers an autoimmune response in individuals with celiac disease, but they are highly sensitive to this protein. Celiac disease is found to be more common in individuals with diabetes and thyroid and liver disorders.
Other factors that can make symptoms of celiac disease appear are pregnancy, childbirth, stress, and certain infections. The symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain, gas, pale-colored stools, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, irritability, and fatigue. Skin rashes, weight loss, loss of tooth enamel, and muscle cramps and joint pain have also been reported.
How Is Celiac Disease Treated?
Individuals with celiac disease should avoid gluten-containing foods for the rest of their life. It may be difficult at first, as gluten is found not just in many wheat products, but also in dressings, sauces, and other food preparations.
A highly restrictive gluten-free diet can be very effective in managing the symptoms associated with the disease, decreasing inflammation levels in the body, and allowing the small intestine to heal. If the patient has developed anemia, medication may be prescribed to build up their iron levels.
If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to the development of many serious health issues, such as anemia, chronic fatigue, osteoporosis, impaired spleen function, infertility, neurologic disorders, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Anyone with celiac disease should seek the guidance of a medical professional. A gluten-free lifestyle can be achieved with a doctor’s help.
5 Tips on a Healthy, Gluten-Free Lifestyle with Celiac Disease
Here are some tips on living a gluten-free lifestyle:
1. Focus on nutrient-dense foods
A gluten-free diet can be lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. Consume nutrient-dense foods, such as meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, rice, and potatoes, which are naturally gluten-free and can provide you with essential nutrients.
2. Read food labels
It is important to carefully read food labels, as gluten can be hidden in many products, such as sauces, condiments, and processed foods. Look for FDA-approved gluten-free labels on packaged foods.
3. Try gluten-free grains
There are numerous gluten-free grains available beyond the traditional wheat, rye, and barley. These are amaranth, flax, arrowroot, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and rice, which can be part of a healthy diet.
4. Take supplements
Consider taking vitamin and mineral supplements, on the advice of your doctor, for any deficiencies in your diet and nutrition.
5. Plan your meals ahead
Meal planning can be a helpful tool in maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle. It is much easier to stay on track by thinking ahead and decreasing the likelihood of indulging in gluten-containing foods.
You can be highly sensitive to gluten without having celiac disease. For this reason, you should consult a gastroenterology specialist or a GI doctor, who is most knowledgeable in digestive disorders.
Furthermore, celiac disease shares many symptoms with other GI disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. A definitive diagnosis is critical for getting the appropriate treatment.
Best Gastroenterologist in Austin, TX
The GI specialists at Austin Gastroenterology (AG) are committed to your health. We regularly help patients with various GI disorders, such as celiac disease, manage their symptoms and live healthily – and we have a reputation for going the extra mile!
For high-quality celiac disease diagnosis and treatment, call our office near you for an appointment or use our online request form.
