Living with celiac disease does provide challenges in daily life. However, many Americans with celiac disease, with the right support, can manage the condition well. An estimated 3 million Americans have celiac disease.
Approximately 60 to 70 percent of Americans with celiac disease are undiagnosed. What this means is that many are suffering unnecessarily from this condition. Understanding celiac disease and the importance of making dietary and lifestyle changes helps you put it all together.
For those diagnosed with celiac disease, this article talks about the gluten-free diet and why doctors recommend it.
What Is Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation triggered by gluten. Wheat, rye, and barley are some of the products that contain gluten. Individuals with celiac disease need to avoid gluten, as it can cause serious consequences.
Whenever an individual with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system launches an attack against the small intestine. This immune response damages the villi, tiny finger-like projections that absorb nutrients.
Without certain nutrients, the individual can develop a variety of health issues, such as kidney problems and weaker bones. Individuals with celiac disease are also at greater risk of complications such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and cancer.
The symptoms of celiac disease vary among individuals. Common signs include the following:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Fatigue
Even small amounts of gluten can provoke symptoms. A diagnosis is an important first step toward effective management.
Celiac Disease Diet and Treatment
The primary celiac disease treatment is a strict gluten-free diet. While there is no cure, eliminating gluten from your diet can help manage symptoms and promote healing of the intestinal lining. Your stomach doctor near you will likely recommend this approach after diagnosis, and it is essential for keeping the disease in check.
A typical treatment plan for celiac disease revolves around dietary changes. Your healthcare provider might suggest working with a dietitian to develop a balanced, gluten-free meal plan. This plan will focus on foods that provide necessary nutrients without the inclusion of gluten.
Adhering to a gluten-free diet helps prevent further damage and allows the intestine to heal. Over time, many individuals experience relief from symptoms and a reduction in associated health risks. Long-term benefits of this diet include improved nutrient absorption, increased energy levels, and a reduced risk of complications related to celiac disease.
Incorporating a gluten-free diet can seem daunting at first, but it is a critical component of managing celiac disease. A gluten-free diet is a way of life and a tool for improving digestive health.
Tips for Staying on a Gluten-Free, Celiac Disease Diet
If you have been eating gluten all your life, there is an adjustment period that can be expected. However, once you experience positive effects on your digestive health, you will be more committed to a diet for celiac disease.
Here are some useful tips for anyone going on a celiac disease diet:
1. Identify Gluten
Familiarize yourself with safe and unsafe foods. Common gluten-containing foods include bread, pasta, and baked goods, while fruits, vegetables, and meat are typically safe. Learn to recognize terms that indicate hidden gluten, such as emulsifiers, wheat bran, and hydrolyzed wheat protein.
2. Choose Safe Grains
While corn and rice are gluten-free, they may be contaminated during processing. Always check for warnings on labels. Opt for gluten-free oats after consulting with your healthcare provider.
3. Explore Alternative Flours
Other flour alternatives include rice, potato, and quinoa as substitutes for wheat flour. Options like chickpea and tapioca starch can also be useful for baking and cooking.
4. Create a Gluten-Free Kitchen
Assign separate utensils and cooking areas for gluten-free food preparation to avoid cross-contamination.
5. Dining Out
When eating at restaurants, ask them about their gluten-free options and ingredient preparation. Review menus online beforehand.
6. Check Medications
Check with your pharmacist to ensure that your medications are gluten-free. Surprisingly, gluten can be found in some vitamins, supplements, and personal care products.
7. Monitor Symptoms
If you continue to experience symptoms, there may be hidden gluten in other things you consume, such as sauces and additives. Discuss any concerns about your celiac disease diet with your doctor.
8. Leverage Resources
Many resources are available to assist individuals with celiac disease. For example, the Celiac Disease Foundation has a website containing tips and recipes for celiac patients.
9. Consult Gastroenterology (GI) Doctors
Regular check-ins with your stomach doctor and your dietitian can provide valuable guidance. A gastroenterologist provides not just a diagnosis but also treatment. They can help you optimize your diet and address any challenges you encounter.
While challenging, adhering to a celiac disease diet offers numerous benefits that improve your quality of life and protect your digestive health. If you are seeking personalized advice, consult with a stomach doctor as a step toward better health. Search for “celiac disease treatment near me” to find out your options nearby.
Celiac Disease Treatment in Austin
At Austin Gastroenterology, our board-certified GI doctors can help you manage celiac disease and maintain digestive health. Our gastroenterologists take this condition and your symptoms very seriously. We are compassionate because we know how the disease can affect your quality of life and cause serious complications. For this reason, we always make sure to guide our patients in adopting a celiac disease diet. We also give personal recommendations and make sure you have all the information you need to stay gluten-free.
To schedule a consultation with one of our GI doctors, call our location nearest you or use our convenient appointment request form. We have 16 GI clinics throughout the greater Austin area and look forward to seeing you in any one of them.
