Celiac Disease - A Basic Understanding
Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, is a genetic disorder
that affects 1 in 1331 Americans. The health
problems can range from having no symptoms to extreme symptoms
such as bloating, diarrhea and weight loss due to malasorption of
nutrients. All of these symptoms have to do with the digestive
system and with the consumption (eating and/or drinking) of
anything containing wheat or wheat gluten, the protein factor
found in wheat.
If you find that consumption of any kind of wheat based products
causes stomach, bowel or any digestive problems, it could be a
sign of Celiac disease. If this is the case, it may be time to
consult with a qualified medical professional to determine the
exact cause of your problems.
It's interesting that the symptoms of Celiac disease can be quite
broad. Different people with Celiac disease have reported a
variety of symptoms and problems. Also interesting is the fact
that symptoms of Celiac disease can be almost immediate, or may
be delayed for up to several months. Once diagnosed, it is
especially important for Celiac sufferers to be concerned with
lifestyle and their daily eating habits so that wheat gluten
consumption can be controlled or prevented.
Celiac disease can affect people of all ages, including children.
Research to better understand the damage Celiac disease can have
on children has been completed and provides parents with
information on the symptoms to look for in their children's
behavior patterns and health.
If left untreated by not maintaining a gluten-free diet, Celiac
disease can increase the risk of other diseases like certain
types of cancer (intestinal lymphoma). Celiac disease is
obviously a very serious health risk.
Celiac sufferers may also have sensitivity to certain foods and
food additives such as soy, MSG and other products. The moral of
this story is that the foods we eat most definitely affect who we
are and how we feel. The importance of eating the right foods for
better health and to ward off the annoying effects of disease,
such as Celiac disease, cannot be over-emphasized.
People suffering from Celiac disease should strive to consume a
balanced diet while eliminating wheat based products and wheat
gluten. The saying "you are what you eat" applies to Celiac
sufferers as well. While it is all too easy to "throw the baby
out with the bath water" with over-reaction to dietary
restrictions, with proper food choices the right balance of
nutrients and good nutrition can be easily achieved.
Remember - growing children and adults alike need proper
nutrition for optimum health.
More information on Celiac Disease can be found at
Celiac.com and at
Celiac Disease Foundation.
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