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Celiac disease is a serious auto-immune disorder that, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to the body. It affects an estimated 1 in 100 people globally and is primarily associated with digestion problems caused by eating gluten.
If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with Celiac disease, it's important to understand exactly what that diagnosis means for their health and lifestyle going forward. In this blog post, we will explore the basics of Celiac Disease—what it is, who is more likely to be affected by it, and what the symptoms are—and give advice on how to make positive lifestyle changes based on these facts.
What is celiac disease and what are the symptoms?
Celiac disease is an auto-immune disorder caused by a reaction to the gluten found in wheat and other grains. It results in damage to the small intestine. Symptoms of celiac disease can vary significantly depending on the individual but typically involve bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating foods containing gluten, fatigue, and weight loss or lack of growth among children.
In some cases, skin rashes may occur as well as a range of psychological symptoms. If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorption of vital nutrients impacting long-term health. A diagnosis is made via an initial evaluation by a doctor, followed by a blood test and sometimes a biopsy.
Treatment involves permanently avoiding foods containing gluten, such as breads and pasta, while consuming naturally gluten-free grains, such as quinoa, buckwheat, and rice instead. With proper adherence to a gluten-free diet, most individuals with celiac disease will experience improved digestive health symptoms and reduced risk for nutritional deficiencies.
How does celiac disease affect people's lives and how serious is it?
Celiac disease can be a debilitating disorder and is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. It is an auto-immune disorder caused by a reaction to gluten- that is found commonly in wheat, barley, and rye. When people with this condition consume these grains, their bodies react by damaging the small intestine and inhibiting the absorption of essential nutrients. The results of this can range from digestive and gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain all the way to more systemic conditions such as infertility or anemia if left untreated.
Furthermore, since it has similarities with other diagnoses, it can be difficult to detect, which makes it even more important to educate people so they can seek diagnosis and treatment early on in order to avoid serious complications from arising.
What causes celiac disease and how can it be treated effectively?
In individuals with celiac disease, the body's immune system mounts an attack on the gluten protein found in food items containing wheat, barley, or rye. This causes inflammation and damage to the small intestine, leading to digestive issues. The good news is that effective and long-term treatment for celiac disease is available.
The only requirement is that individuals must adopt a strict gluten-free diet and avoid eating food products or drinks containing wheat, barley, or rye. Some nutritional supplements may be beneficial and can also help replenish missing nutrients resulting from digestive problems associated with celiac disease. Additionally, frequent checks with a physician to monitor digestion health should be carried out regularly.
Are there any risks associated with celiac disease that people should be aware of?
Its effects can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, without prompt diagnosis and treatment, serious health complications like malnutrition, anemia, osteoporosis, and infertility can arise. Therefore, it is important for at-risk individuals to be aware of the warning signs associated with the disease so they can seek timely assistance from their healthcare provider. Symptoms may include chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and nutritional deficiencies, among others.
Additionally, people with celiac disease are also more likely to suffer from other immune disorders like certain types of cancer. Therefore, it's essential that those who have been diagnosed with the condition adhere to a strictly gluten-free diet and consult their doctor about available management options.
How can people living with celiac disease manage their condition successfully every day?
Living with celiac disease can be an uphill battle. However, it is possible to manage it successfully on a daily basis. It's important to start by understanding the condition and becoming informed on the right foods to avoid and how to protect yourself from cross-contamination.
Consulting with your doctor before making any dietary changes or trying new medications is also essential. Once that is taken care of, creating helpful habits such as meal prepping and sticking to a gluten-free shopping list are key steps to following a gluten-free lifestyle. Finally, staying positive and engaging in supportive online communities or support groups in your local area can keep you motivated and help you stick with your diet plan over the long run.
Celiac disease is a serious, life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for celiac disease, it can be effectively managed by following a strict gluten-free diet.
If you think you may have celiac disease, it is important to seek medical help right away, as the sooner you are diagnosed and begin following a gluten-free diet, the less damage your body will suffer. At GI Associates, our team of experts can help you get started on the road to recovery and lead a healthy, happy life despite your Celiac diagnosis.
GI Associates is the largest gastroenterology group in Mississippi and is one of the largest in the southeast. When you have your first GI appointment with one of our doctors, you will notice that the quality of care is coupled with a warm, friendly environment. Let us partner with you on the thing that matters most - your health. Make an appointment today.