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What Is Celiac Disease?

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Coeliac disease (British English) or celiac disease (American English) is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide, but only about 30% are properly diagnosed.

When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. These attacks lead to damage on the villi, small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine, that promote nutrient absorption. When the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body.

Celiac disease is hereditary, meaning that it runs in families. People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a 1 in 10 risk of developing celiac disease.

Celiac disease can develop at any age after people start consuming gluten. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional serious health problems.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Does Your Child Have Celiac Disease?

Digestive symptoms are more common in infants and children. Here are the most common symptoms found in children:

Abdominal bloating and pain

Anxiety and depression

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities

Chronic diarrhea

Constipation

Damage to tooth enamel

Delayed puberty

Failure to thrive

Fatigue

Gas

Headaches

Iron-deficiency anemia

Irritability

Nausea and vomiting

Pale, foul-smelling stools

Seizures and lack of muscle coordination

Short stature

Weight loss

 

Do You Have Celiac Disease?

The most common symptoms in adults include:

Abdominal pain

Bloating and gas

Cognitive impairment

Constipation

Diarrhea

Depression and anxiety

Fatigue

Headaches or migraines

Iron-deficiency anemia

Itchy, blistery skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)

Joint pain

Missed periods

Mouth ulcers and canker sores

Nausea and vomiting

Osteoporosis and osteomalacia

Peripheral neuropathy

Reduced functioning of the spleen (hyposplenism)

Weight loss

The types of Celiac Disease

According to the World Gastroenterology Organization, celiac disease may be divided into two types: classical and non-classical.

Classic symptoms include gastrointestinal problems such as chronic diarrhoea, abdominal distention, malabsorption, loss of appetite, and among children failure to grow normally.

Non-classic symptoms are more common, especially in people older than two years.There may be mild or absent gastrointestinal symptoms, a wide number of symptoms involving any part of the body, or no obvious symptoms.

The only known effective treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, which leads to recovery of the intestinal lining (mucous membrane), improves symptoms, and reduces the risk of developing complications in most people.

What is Gluten Free Diet?

A glute free diet is an eating plan that excludes foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye).

Gluten Free Food

Cutting out gluten from your diet may seem like a difficult and limiting task. Fortunately, there are many healthy and delicious foods that are naturally gluten-free, which includes

 1. Konjac Noodles

Konjac noodles, also known as shirataki noodles or miracle noodles, are typically made from konjac flour. Konjac is a low calorie, low carbohydrate, high fibre food, making it suitable for those who need to control carbohydrate intake or seek more fiber.

Here are the reasons why konjac noodles are suitable for a gluten-free diet:

  • Gluten-Free: Konjac noodles do not contain gluten because they are made from konjac flour, and konjac itself is gluten-free.
  • Low Carbohydrate:For individuals who need to control carbohydrate intake, konjac noodles are an ideal choice as they are almost devoid of carbohydrates and do not significantly impact blood sugar levels.
  • High Fiber: Konjac is a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health, slows down the digestion and absorption of food, increases satiety, and helps control weight and blood sugar.
  • Suitable for Special Dietary Needs: Konjac noodles are also suitable for individuals with specific dietary requirements, such as those seeking a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet.
2. Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free. However, keep in mind that certain products, such as battered vegetables and candy-coated fruit, may contain gluten. The following are some options:

  • apples
  • avocados
  • berries
  • bananas
  • citrus fruits
  • plums
  • peaches
  • spinach
  • kale
  • onions
  • sweet potatoes
  • broccoli
  • cauliflower
  • carrots
  • peppers
  • butternut squash
  • zucchini
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Mushrooms
 3. Legumes

Beans and lentils are gluten-free, which is why they’re commonly used to make pasta alternatives and other gluten-free products. They include:

  • red lentils
  • black beans
  • chickpeas
  • kidney beans
  • cannellini beans
  • pinto beans
  • peas
  • adzuki beans
4.Gluten-free grains and grain products

Although many grains are off-limits for people with a gluten intolerance, some grains are gluten-free. They include:

  • quinoa
  • buckwheat
  • millet
  • sorghum
  • oats
  • millet
  • amaranth
  • wild rice
  • corn
  • teff
  • brown rice

gluten-free breads, crackers, and other baked goods made from these grains.

To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, be sure to only buy products that have been certified gluten-free.

 5. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are gluten-free and provide a nutrient-rich source of fat. What’s more, they can be made into gluten-free flours. Good choices of nuts, seeds, and their butters include:

  • pumpkin seeds
  • sunflower seeds
  • cashews
  • almonds
  • peanut butter
  • macadamia nuts
  • walnuts
  • almond butter
  • pecans
  • hazelnuts
  • Brazil nuts
  • Pistachios

Do you know any other Gluten Free food? Feel free to comment below!

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