Celiac disease causes damage to the small intestine and causes the absorption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients contained in food to be impaired.
According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients (malabsorption).
Intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, and anemia, and can lead to serious complications. In children, malabsorption can affect growth and development, as well as causing the symptoms seen in adults.
There is no cure for celiac disease, but for most people, following a strict gluten-free diet can help control symptoms and promote intestinal healing.
People who suffer from it usually have an inflammatory reaction in the mucosa of the intestine that causes it to be difficult to absorb micronutrients.
Celiac disease causes damage to the small intestine and causes the absorption of vitamins.
SOME POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS
Abdominal pain and bloating
Bad digestions
Diarrhea, vomiting
Skin rashes and mouth sores
Bone pain
Tingling in the legs, arms, and hands
Menstrual disorders that can lead to infertility
Anemia that does not reverse with supplements
Weightloss
More or less severe psychological disturbances, such as difficulty concentrating, tiredness, irritability, depression or sleep disturbances
In children: diarrhea, vomiting, swollen abdomen, growth retardation
HOW IS IT DETECTED?
Suspecting that it is celiac disease, the affected person should undergo a series of tests: assessment of the nutritional status of the person (weight, height, body mass index), complete blood test, small intestine biopsy or different screening tests to detect the most common antibodies.
THE CELIAC DIET
Today, being celiac is not a problem. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor teaches the patient how to follow a balanced diet, excluding cereals and industrial products that contain gluten.
This diet should also be known to all people who live with celiac disease, to prevent cross contamination. It is especially important to be very attentive whenever eating out: celiac sufferers should ask questions and make sure that all the ingredients they are going to take are gluten-free.