Celiac disease is a disorder where your body reacts to gluten, a protein found in many types of grains (e.g., wheat, barley, rye). If you have celiac disease, your body’s immune system mounts a response in your small intestine that causes inflammation of the cell lining. Your body’s ability to absorb nutrients is also affected. Over time, damage occurs.
Nearly 1% of the world’s population are affected by celiac disease. That’s 1 out of every 100 people. However, if you have a family member with the disease, your chances of developing it increase to 10%. [1]
Celiac disease symptoms
People who develop celiac disease can experience “diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia….” [1] Because your body fails to properly absorb nutrients, you may also see problems associated with poor nutrition, such as anemia, osteoporosis, nervous system disorders, and more.
Celiac disease treatment
One of the common methods for those living with celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet. [2] Depending on the severity of your disease, you may limit your gluten intake or halt it altogether. Talk with your doctor here at Horizon Family Medical Group to discuss your specific situation and work together to develop a comprehensive nutritional plan.
Resources
- Celiac.org: https://celiac.org/celiac-disease/understanding-celiac-disease-2/what-is-celiac-disease/
- Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/symptoms-causes/dxc-20214627
- Kidshealth.org: http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/celiac.html
- https://celiac.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Celiac-Disease-Fast-Facts-Infographic-1.pdf