“Oh, I’m gluten free.” Three decades ago, or even less, you would rarely hear this statement, and if you did, you’d generally have no understanding of the reason anyone would really want to stick to a gluten-free diet. More and more people, though, are choosing to adhere to a gluten-free diet, as it has risen in popularity due in part to the idea that eliminating gluten is healthy. However, for many, a gluten-free diet is not a choice. In fact, people suffering from celiac disease have no choice but to remove gluten from their diet as it is literally poisonous to their system.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that is caused from a reaction to eating gluten, which is a protein that is found in rye, barley, and wheat. The immune response is triggered in your small intestine, and over time, the continued reactions damage your small intestine’s lining and prevents it from functioning like it should. It is estimated that approximately 1% of the American population has the disease. However, over 80% of those are either undiagnosed or have been misdiagnosed with a different disorder. Unfortunately, this statistic tells us that many are not only suffering from the symptoms of celiac disease, but also that their small intestines are undergoing a dangerous assault coupled with long-term damage that could be potentially avoided.
It’s important for all of us, but especially those with symptoms of celiac disease, to listen to the signs that our bodies are giving us that something is wrong and then to seek information and treatment from a doctor. So, what are those signs? Well, let’s take a look.
What are the Symptoms of Celiac Disease?
If you do a simple search on the internet of celiac sufferers and their stories, you’d quickly realize that the signs and symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly and differ in children and adults. However, there are several different digestive signs and symptoms for adults that should cause one to seek further evaluation. These include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating and gas
- Exhaustion and Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Interestingly enough, more adults than not have signs and symptoms that aren’t related to the digestive system. Unfortunately, these signs contribute to the 80%+ that don’t seek treatment for celiac disease. These include:
- Headaches, often severe
- Joint pain
- Anemia
- Softening of bone
- Itchy, blistery skin rash
- Hyposplenism
- Mouth ulcers
- Nervous system injuries
If you are experiencing these symptoms, don’t just assume that any of these are due to aging or minor issues. Consult with your primary care provider or your gastrointestinal doctor to investigate and find the root issue of your problems. If your body is giving you a ‘red flag’ or warning notice, it’s wise to listen to it and seek help.
What Can I Eat On a Gluten-Free Diet?
Eating on a gluten free diet is not as bad as it may initially seem, as there are many delicious natural foods that can satisfy and provide immense enjoyment while eating. The gluten-free natural food groups include fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy, beans, legumes, and nuts. Thankfully, though, the culinary community has done tremendous work in creating dishes and recipes that strictly stick to a gluten free diet and are delicious as well. In fact, you can find a number of these delicious, easy to make recipes here, including Blueberry Dijon Chicken, Tarragon Tuna Salad, Cuban Picadillo, and more! In addition, grocery stores have really stepped up their gluten-free options, making an exclusive gluten-free diet a much simpler objective than it used to be.
Can Celiac Disease Go Away?
Unfortunately, celiac disease has no cure. It is a genetic disease that you can’t avoid, but it can be managed by avoiding all sources of gluten. The goal is to allow your small intestine to heal, which can happen once gluten is eliminated from your diet. The earlier the disease is found, the less time healing takes. In fact, many children who are diagnosed with celiac disease heal completely within six months when gluten is removed from their diets.
For adults, however, full healing can take quite a bit longer - even up to a year or two. For those that have had these symptoms for a long while, they may never completely recover. In addition, there are some advanced complications that may not be reversible. These include infertility and severe bone loss. The good news is, though, that for most people with celiac disease, symptoms ease significantly once they start to avoid gluten.
With over 2.5 million American suffering from a disease that they don’t even know they have, it is important for all of us to do our part to raise awareness. If you hear of a friend, family member, or even coworker talking about any of the symptoms listed above, encourage them to seek medical help. As always, you can direct them here to schedule an appointment with one of our gastrointestinal specialists. Our goal is to educate, identify, and treat gastrointestinal illnesses so that our patients can live their best life possible.
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