Celiac Disease
Posted on 20. Nov, 2009 by admin in Uncategorized
WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE?
Celiac disease is considered an autoimmune intestinal disorder. It is a condition caused by eating an ingredient known as gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, the immune system responds by attacking the villi (fine protrusions in the small intestine). The purpose of the villi is to capture food particles thereby slowing the passage of food. This allows the blood inside the villi to absorb the nutrients from the food and send those nutrients into the bloodstream. By attacking the villi, gluten hinders the body’s ability to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream. This can lead to malnourishment, a serious consequence of celiac disease.
Celiac disease may also be referred to as gluten intolerance or wheat sensitivity.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms for celiac disease can include: weight loss, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, gas and bloating, general weakness or fatigue, stunted growth (in children), and osteoporosis.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED
Celiac disease appears to be hereditary. People with the disease carryhigher than normal levels of certain antibodies. A blood test that detects high levels of these antibodies is used to identify people who may need further testing. Confirmation of the diagnosis is done through a biopsy of a small portion of intestinal tissue to check for damage to the villi.
TREATMENT
Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is a life-long gluten-free diet. A gluten-free diet means avoiding all foods that contain wheat, barley, rye and oats. We test all product for gluten free before shipping.
RESOURCES FOR CELIACS
- National Foundation for Celiac Awareness – www.celiaccentral.org
- Celiac Disease Foundation – www.celiac.org
- Raising Our Celiac Kids (R.O.C.K) – Find one in your area
- Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) – www.gluten.net
- Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.com
- National Institute of Health – www.celiac.nih.gov