What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a digestive condition which manifests itself in sufferers when they consume gluten, a protein found in cookies, bread, pasta, and other foods that contain rye, wheat, and barley. When celiac disease sufferers consume foods that contain gluten, their immune system releases cells in their small intestine that actually attack the cells of the intestinal walls. This reaction damages the surface of the small intestine and prevents the sufferer from absorbing certain nutrients, unlike gluten intolerance which simply causes discomfort and disgestive problems.

If a person with celiac disease continues to eat foods containing gluten, over time the malabsorption of nutrients can cause vitamin deficiencies that can hinder the body's ability to function properly.

Celiac disease doesn't have a set list of symptoms and can affect people of all ages, even children. Sufferers can experience a variety of reactions - abdominal pain, bloating, skin rashes, mouth sores, joint pain, and depression - after consuming gluten. Still, family medical background could indicate that symptoms are related to celiac disease. Studies have shown that individuals have a 5 percent to 15 percent chance of developing the disease if somebody in their immediate family has the ailment. Celiac disease has also appeared in people after they've undergone a physical injury, had an infection, or suffered from severe stress. People who are most affected by celiac disease are those with type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, autoimmune thyroid disease, and microscopic colitis.

The following are a few indicators that your body may not be absorbing enough nutrients:

If you are experiencing any symptoms after you eat foods containing gluten, consult your physician. There is a celiac disease blood test your doctor can perform to detect high levels of certain antibodies in your body. Antibodies work to eliminate foreign substances in your body, so when there are higher levels of certain antibodies after you consume gluten, it could indicate you have celiac and lead to a diagnosis of celiac disease.

Although there isn't a cure for celiac disease, you can prevent damage to your small intestine by avoiding foods that contain gluten and sticking to a celiac disease diet. Once gluten is eliminated from your diet, any inflammation in your small intestine could decrease within a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of your illness. It will take several months to a few years for your small intestine to heal completely.