Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition that affects around 1 in 100 people worldwide. It is manifested by damaging the small intestine when gluten is ingested.
What Is Gluten and Where Is It Found?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat (القمح), rye (الجاودار), and barley (الشعير).
Practically speaking, it’s available in regular bread, toast, cookies, cake, pasta, pizza. There’s also a high chance of finding gluten in products like: Ketchup, sauces and dressings, chocolate bars, potato chips, rice cakes. Other hidden gluten sources can include: medications, supplements, cosmetics.
What Are the Symptoms?
Celiac disease can show up at any age.
Symptoms usually vary between individuals, and the disease might also be silent (asymptomatic). Commons symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating and flatulence
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Unexpected weight loss
How Is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?
A biopsy of the small intestine is usually the recommended way for the diagnosis. The procedure is not complicated. The doctor will insert a scope through the mouth and down to the esophagus, stomach and small intestine (while you are sedated for 15–20 min). A few duodenal samples will be extracted for lab examination.
It is also worth noting that blood tests can be performed (such as IgA-tTG) as a first step before proceeding to the biopsy. The patient should be eating a normal gluten-containing diet at the time of the test.
Is There a Treatment?
At the time being, the only recommended treatment is to follow a lifelong –strict– GF diet. Working with a dietitian to establish a gluten-free diet is encouraged, especially at the early stage of diagnosis.
Celiac disease is actually considered a disability in several countries.
What and Where Should I Eat?
Navigating the restaurant scene can be challenging. People suffering from a less serious gluten intolerance have more options to dine out as they won’t be as affected as those with celiac or gluten allergy in case cross contamination happens. Luckily nowadays, there is more awareness on dietary restrictions –whether at hotels, on planes, or at normal restaurants– and more options have become available. You may explore some restaurants we like here.
Should I Worry About My Family?
This disease is hereditary. If you develop it, there’s a 1 in 10 chance your first-degree relatives (parent, child, sibling) will develop it too1. Also, the risk for developing the disease is increased 20 times for those who have a first-degree relative carrying it2.
Celiac Disease and Lactose Intolerance
There might be a link. Read more here.
Top Conditions Associated With Celiac Disease
| Autoimmune Condition | Prevalence in CD Population |
|---|---|
| Anemia | 12-69% |
| Lymphocytic Colitis | 15-27% |
| Autoimmune Thyroid Disease | 26% |
| Dermatitis Herpetiformis | 25% |
| Gluten ataxia | 10-12% |
| Peripheral Neuropathy | 10-12% |
| Unexplained infertility | 12% |
| Down syndrome | 12% |
| Liver Disease | 10% |
| Type 1 Diabetes | 8-10% |
Recommended Readings
If you would like to learn more about this topic, I strongly recommend checking out the below websites:
NHS UK
Beyond Celiac
Coeliac UK
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