Celiac Disease
Also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy
What Causes Celiac Disease?
Normally, the body's immune system is designed to protect it from foreign invaders. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system forms antibodies to gluten which then attack the intestinal lining. This causes inflammation in the intestines and damages the villi, the hair-like structures on the lining of the small intestine. Nutrients from food are normally absorbed by the villi. If the villi are damaged, the person cannot absorb nutrients properly and ends up malnourished, no matter how much he or she eats.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
- Digestive Problems
- Severe skin rash
- Low blood count
- Muscle Cramps
- Tingling sensation
- Sores in the mouth
What Health Problems Accompany Celiac Disease
- Osteoporosis
- Miscarriage
- Birth defects
- Seizures
- Cancer (Very rare)
How Is Celiac Disease Treated
If you have celiac disease, you can't eat any foods that contain gluten such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats. Dropping gluten from your diet usually improves the condition within a few days and eventually ends the symptoms of the disease.