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What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease (aka coeliac disease) is a genetic autoimmune disorder where ingesting gluten (a protein in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine's lining. This damage leads to inflammation and atrophy of the villi, tiny finger-like projections in the intestine responsible for nutrient absorption. As a result, individuals with celiac disease may experience symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and malnutrition. Over time, untreated celiac disease can lead to more severe health problems, including anemia, osteoporosis, weight loss, and increased risk of certain cancers. A strict gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, not a wheat allergy. It's also different from non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten intolerance, or sensitivity to gluten.
My Long Journey to Celiac Disease Diagnosis
Like many people, I spent a lot of years, a lot of dollars, and endured many tests and misdiagnoses, before doctors finally discovered that I had celiac disease (also known as coeliac disease or celiac sprue), and needed to eliminate gluten and all gluten-containing ingredients from my diet. Gluten is a protein found in the three main gluten-containing grains: wheat, rye, and barley; and is often hidden in processed foods, and things like soy sauce and beer...[READ MORE about my long and winding road to a celiac disease diagnosis and recovery.]
Gluten-Free Diet
To treat my celiac disease I had to go on a gluten-free diet for life. That meant learning to read food labels to avoid gluten ingredients, and eating a diet of mostly naturally gluten-free foods like meats, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and packaged foods only if they are certified gluten-free or labeled gluten-free, for example gluten-free breads made using gluten-free grains.
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Recent Activity
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- Scott Adams replied to Captain173's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms9
Can't figure this out
I don't think there is any way to be sure, as symptoms of SIBO and celiac disease can overlap each other. I was also treated with antibiotics around the time of my diagnosis, which also made me feel better, but in the end only a gluten-free diet did this for the long-term. -
- Scott Adams replied to Patrick-Tyler's topic in Gluten-Free Restaurants7
Is McDonald's Safe for Gluten-Free Orders?
I've not tried that, and I only get their fries and a drink when I eat there. -
- Wheatwacked replied to StaciField's topic in Related Issues & Disorders5
My bone structure is disintegrating and I’m having to have my teeth removed
Vitamin D plays a key role in absorbing and retaining calcium and phosphorous for bone and tooth mineralization. When vitamin D levels are low and the body isn't able to properly absorb calcium and phosphorus, there is an increased risk of bone pain, bone fractures, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. In older adults, severe vitamin D deficiency (levels... -
- trents replied to ShRa's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms8
Son recently got diagnosed with Celiac disease
Adding gluten back into his diet a few days before the biopsy will have little or no impact on ensuring a valid biopsy result if he has been off of gluten for months. ShRa, I recommend you do some research of the "gluten challenge" to get a more informed picture with regard to this issue. Many PCPs are not well-informed when it comes to celiac diagnosis and... -
- Wheatwacked replied to Kristina12's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms7
Considering having a blood test
If your blood test is soon and you have not been gluten free for long, your doctor may be trying to save you the challenge. Seems like she may be pretty sure you have Celiac Disease already. After you stop eating foods with gluten, your symptoms will likely get better in a few days to weeks. Your small intestine should heal completely in 3 to 6 months...
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