Celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the
protein gluten, which is primarily found in bread, pasta, cookies, pizza
crust and many other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. People with
celiac disease who eat foods containing gluten experience an immune
reaction in their small intestines, causing damage to the inner surface
of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients. The
exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. The lining of the intestines
contains areas called villi, which help absorb nutrients. When people
with celiac disease eat foods or use products that contain gluten, their
immune system reacts by damaging these villi.
People who have a family member with celiac disease are at greater risk
for developing the disease. The disorder is most common in Caucasians
and persons of European ancestry. Women are affected more often than men.
People with celiac disease are more likely to have:- Addison’s disease - Down syndrome - Intestinal cancer - Intestinal lymphoma - Lactose intolerance - Thyroid disease - Type 1 diabetes Symptoms of Celiac DiseaseThere are no typical signs and symptoms of celiac disease. Most people with the disease have general complaints, such as:- Abdominal pain - Bloating - Nausea and vomiting - Unexplained weight loss - Fatigue - Missed menstrual periods - Itchy skin Children with celiac disease may have:- Poor weight gain - Albumin (may be low) - Clotting factor abnormalities Treatment and Medication
Celiac disease
has no cure, but you can effectively manage the disease through changing
your diet. To manage the disease and prevent complications, it’s
crucial that you avoid all foods that contain gluten. Once you’ve
removed gluten from your diet.
If your nutritional
deficiencies are severe, you may need to take vitamin and mineral
supplements recommended by your doctor or dietitian to help correct
these deficiencies. Your doctor may recommend supplements to increase
your levels of Calcium, Folate, Iron, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin D, Vitamin K
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