A digestive disease triggered by consumption of gluten is the definition of celiac disease. Most gluten is found in breads, pastas, pizza crusts, and cookies or foods that contain wheat or rye flour. Those who love barley grains and have celiac disease will have to stop eating anything containing barley or rye. This includes beer.
Immune reactions in the small intestines produce damage to the inner lining of the small intestines and this causes an inability to absorb certain nutrients which in turn leads to digestion problems. Celiac disease causes abdominal pain and diarrhea and eventually vitamin deficiencies occur in your body. Vitamin deficiencies can deprive your brain, nervous system, and your body of vital nutrients.
If you experience intermittent diarrhea and abdominal pain plus bloating these can be complaints of celiac disease. You may, however have no gastrointestinal symptoms but your body will mimic conditions that make you think you have irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, Chrohn’s disease and parasite infections. You may also find that you are depressed and very irritable due to constant stomach pains. Anemia plus joint pain and muscle cramps can be symptoms of celiac disease. Watch for skin rashes and mouth sores that just won’t go away. Osteoporosis can be a direct cause of celiac disease and tingling in the legs and feet can also be a distinct symptom.
If you have celiac disease you may experience unexplained weight loss and gas and bloating. General weakness and fatigue plus foul smelling stools that are oily looking are celiac symptoms. If your child has celiac disease they will have stunted growth and a high future incidence of osteoporosis.
You should see a doctor as soon as you find that these symptoms are causing lifestyle issues. Your doctor will do testing and inquire if you have celiac disease in your family. It has been found that celiac disease can be inherited and you are definitely at risk if anyone else in your family has this problem.
If you or your child are very pale and irritable, you lose weight or your child does not thrive and grow you may want to have celiac disease ruled out. Children, who have obvious potbellies, foul smelling and very bulky stools need to be examined and tested, Discuss al options with your doctor before putting your or you child on a gluten free diet.
