Celiac Disease - Signs and Symptoms

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is estimated that one in one hundred and forty-one Americans suffer from celiac disease; however, most sufferers do not know it. Celiac disease affects adults and children around the world; however, it is more commonly diagnosed in Caucasian women. If you have a family member that has been diagnosed with celiac disease or you have certain diseases, including type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome or Turner syndrome, your risk of developing celiac disease increases exponentially.

What are the symptoms of celiac disease?

WebMD reports that those suffering from celiac disease, can experience a host of symptoms, by accidentally consuming gluten. These include:

• Abdominal pain
• Acid reflux
• Anemia
• Balance issues
• Bloating
• Bone density loss
• Bone pain
• Cognitive impairment
• Constipation
• Damage to the dental enamel
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Foul smelling stools
• Headaches
• Heartbu
• Hyposplenism (reduced spleen function)
• Iron deficiency
• Itchy blistery rash
• Joint pain
• Mouth ulcers
• Nausea
• Neuropathy
• Pale stools
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

What causes celiac disease?

Celiac disease is caused when the immune system considers the gluten found in foods to be a foreign invader. When this occurs, the immune system reacts and begins attacking the villi which are the hair-like projections that line the intestinal tract. The villi are what helps the body absorb nutrients, including vitamins and minerals from the foods that you eat. When your body cannot properly absorb nutrients, nutritional deficiencies will occur no matter the quantity or quality of food you eat.

What complications does celiac disease cause?

If celiac disease is left untreated and the sufferer continues to consume products that contain gluten, the following complications can occur:

Cancer – Those who suffer from celiac disease and do not avoid gluten have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including small bowel cancer and intestinal lymphoma.

Lactose intolerance – When your intestines become damaged from gluten, it can lead to lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance causes abdominal cramping and diarrhea when dairy products are consumed. Most sufferers’ lactose intolerance will correct itself when your intestines heal.

Malnutrition – Malnutrition caused by celiac disease can lead to weight loss and anemia. It can also cause short stature and slow growth in children. Additionally, when the body cannot properly absorb vitamin D and calcium, bone softening, and a decrease in bone density can occur.

Neurological issues – Celiac disease, when left untreated, can lead to neurological issues, including seizure and peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves in the hands and feet become damaged.

Reproductive problems – Malnutrition caused by celiac disease can lead to reproductive issues, including infertility and miscarriages.

How to heal your digestive tract

Celiac disease damages the intestinal tract. When damage occurs, it can lead to a plethora of complications like those discussed above. Luckily, you can avoid many of these complications by avoiding gluten. Some of the common foods that contain gluten include:

• Barley
• Baked goods
• Beer
• Pasta
• Cereals
• Durum
• Graham flour
• Bulgur
• Farina
• Spelt
• Malt
• Triticale
• Semolina
• Rye
• Wheat

In addition to these foods, gluten can be found in medications, foods and non-food items, including:

• Lipstick
• Prescription medications
• Over the counter medications
• Vitamin, mineral, herbal and nutritional supplements
• Food stabilizers, preservatives, and modified food starch
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Play-Doh
• Stamp and envelope glue

A dietary supplement for gastrointestinal health can help heal your GI tract by providing probiotics needed to heal the epithelial barriers, balance the microbes in your intestines, heal leaky gut and improve the body’s ability to heal the gastrointestinal tract. Taking this powerful supplement will result in a healthy intestinal permeability. This formula does not contain any gluten, so it is the perfect choice for those suffering from celiac disease.

Digestive enzymes are also an important part of healing the digestive tract of someone suffering from celiac disease. Digestive enzymes help the body to digest the foods you eat and increase nutrient absorption. When the body cannot properly digest foods, the GI tract must work harder, which can further damage the intestinal tract. Digestive enzymes allow the intestinal tract to heal.

Celiac disease affects millions of Americans. Unfortunately, many people do not know they have celiac disease. If you have the symptoms of celiac disease, avoid gluten and take a dietary supplement for gastrointestinal health to help heal the intestines and prevent long-term damage.