Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease that is triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
When a person with Celiac Disease eats gluten, the immune system sees gluten as a threat and mounts an attack. It ends up damaging the villi of the intestines, which help to digest food. Damaged villi make it nearly impossible for the body to absorb nutrients, leading to malnourishment and a host of other issues.
Currently, the only Celiac Disease treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten free diet. A gluten free diet means avoiding all foods that contain wheat, rye and barley in all forms. This helps to manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a storage protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Gluten can also be found in derivatives of wheat, barley and rye grains such as malt and brewer's yeast. Gluten gives dough it's elasticity, acting like a glue.
What is a gluten free diet?
A gluten free diet excludes all products containing wheat, barley, rye and their derivatives. Those who are gluten free can still enjoy a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, legumes, seeds and other non-gluten grains and most dairy products, which are naturally gluten free.
Celiac diagnosis
Celiac is diagnosed with two blood tests. Genetic and serology testing needs to be completed before trying a gluten free diet. Eliminating gluten from your diet may make the results of these blood tests appear normal. If the results of these tests indicate Celiac Disease, your Doctor will order an endoscopy. This enables your Doctor to view your small intestine and take a small tissue sample to analyze for damage to the villi.
Going through this process can be overwhelming, however, it is always best to understand what you are dealing with in order to ensure that you can live your best life. When I was diagnosed with Celiac, my life changed. I had to make lifestyle changes, learn how to read food labels and make informed decisions when grocery shopping. I had to research hidden forms of gluten, healthy lifestyle adjustments, and learn to adjust to new norms when it came to the social aspect of food. Having the support of family, friends and a good Doctor makes all the difference. Surround yourself with a support network.
If you can remember one thing, let it be this:
NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS HEALTHY FEELS!
When you are tempted to cheat on your gluten free diet, please remember this. The intestinal damage is not worth it. Do not be afraid to look after your health. Even if this means disappointing or offending well meaning people who do not understand.
What is cross contamination?
Cross contamination, or cross contact, is a process by which a gluten free product comes into contact with something that is not gluten free. Gluten cross contamination can be avoided by using separate utensils to stir gluten free and gluten containing foods that you are making at the same time. Where possible, avoid wooden utensils, cutting boards, and rolling pins that have been used for gluten. Ongoing ingestion of even very small amounts of gluten can cause ongoing damage and/or symptoms for someone with Celiac Disease. To maintain a gluten free diet once diagnosed with Celiac, it is important to reduce the risk of cross contamination wherever possible.
