According to resent medical research (2009 Mayo Clinic), 1 in every 133 Americans suffers from Celiac disease (CD). Celiac disease, also known as Coeliac Disease, is an autoimmune disorder, essentially, gluten, the protein found in wheat and many other grains, registers with the body as a toxin.

Commonly reported symptoms of Celiac disease include:

1. Stomach pain

2. Gas

3. The extremes of constipation or diarrhea

4. Migraine headaches

5. Unexplained weight loss

6. Chronic fatigue

7. Joint pain

8. Edema

Furthermore, approximately 20% of celiac sufferers develop Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), a persistent itch, which tends to blister into a rash. This condition generally confines itself to elbows, knees, and buttocks.

Celiac disease arises in the small intestines of people who are genetically predisposed to this ailment. People of all ages suffer from CD and by current analysis; it is not pre-disposed towards any one racial, ethnic, or gender group.

Those who suffer from CD unknowingly, drastically increases their risk of mortality from Celiac. CD can indeed be fatal due to irreversible damage to the small intestines over time!

The inflammation that occurs in CD sufferers from the continual intake of gluten, leads to the flattening of the lining of the small intestine. Tiny finger-like protrusions called villi in the small intestine are destroyed. These villi absorb nutrients from the digestive track into the body.

Continued ingestion of food products with gluten can worsen the celiac condition and, over time, ruin the small intestines, a condition known as celiac spruce disease.

The damaged intestinal walls make it difficult, if not impossible, for the body to properly absorb the nutrients for growth and energy. The body will be deprived of nutrients no matter what or how much is eaten.

Any small trace of wheat or gluten will trigger a physical response in those who suffer from celiac disease.

Unfortunately, celiac disease is a lifelong disease with no known cure.

Since celiac disease in children is especially harmful. CD in children can stunt growth and impair physical development, it is advisable to be aware of one’s family history in order to tackle this condition forewarned.

Celiac disease in children should be treated properly as soon as it is diagnosed to avoid malnutrition or stunted growth. The damage is usually permanent and can affect the digestive processes as well as the physical stature of the child.

If you or your child suffers regularly from the above-mentioned symptoms, a simple blood test will be able to determine your condition. For the most accurate diagnosis, this test should be done prior to the elimination of gluten from your diet.

There is no cure for Celiac disease but a gluten-free diet will eradicate the symptoms. Upon proper celiac disease diagnosis, a gluten-free diet should be implemented to prevent continued complications from the disease. A gluten-free diet eliminates products made with wheat, rye, barely, and spelt.

If you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, you need to switch to a gluten-free diet. Once your system has been flushed of all the gluten, you will be able to eat foods that do not contain gluten without any issue and you can once again enjoy life!