About this topic
Celiac disease is a lifelong inherited autoimmune condition that affects humans of all ages. It is a digestive problem that hurts the small bowel. It gets in the way of your body taking in nutrients from food. Some of its signs are: ‚
- Belly pain
- Feeling bloated
- Throwing up
- Loose, oily, hard, bad-smelling, or pale stools
- Weight loss, loss of appetite
- Itchy skin rash
- Slow growth in children
- Numbness in arms and legs
When you have this health problem, you cannot handle a certain type of protein called gluten. You can find gluten in foods like wheat, rye, and barley. It is also used in some drugs, supplements, and lip balms. ‚
This illness is also known as gluten intolerance. If this is not under control, it may cause you very bad problems. ‚
What will the results be?
The only way to take care of this health problem is to follow a gluten-free diet. If you follow this diet, you may have these results: ‚
- Signs of the disease will improve. You may have less loose stools, weight loss, tiredness, or bloating.
- Your bowels may heal and have less damage to them.
Talk with your doctor before you make any changes to your diet. ‚
Celiac disease affects each person differently. There are people who do not get well with the diet. Sometimes, there are small amounts of gluten in the food we eat. It may be hidden in preservatives, modified food starch, or some food stabilizers. A dietitian can help you find hidden sources of gluten. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
This diet needs a different plan for eating. Your family and support groups may be helpful, especially if you are newly found to have this health problem. ‚
- When you are on this diet, you should stay away from foods with gluten in them. These would be foods that have wheat, rye, barley, and foods or products made from these grains. Examples of these are pasta, cereals, and other processed foods.
- You can still have a well-balanced diet in spite of the limits. A dietitian will be able to help you find gluten-free products.
- You should always be careful with what you are eating. This is very important if you are in a restaurant or at a party.
- Always ask if your drugs are gluten free.
- When you start, keep a food diary that tells how you feel after certain meals. Share this with your doctor and dietitian.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order vitamin and mineral supplements. You may also be given drugs to help with swelling in your bowels. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activity will not be limited. ‚
What foods are good to eat?
You can eat the foods listed below according to the American Dietetic Association. While some of these grains and plant foods may not be well known to you, you will see them in ingredient lists of gluten-free products. ‚
- Amaranth
- Arrowroot
- Buckwheat
- Cassava
- Corn
- Flax
- Indian rice grass
- Jobs Tears
- Legumes (dry beans, peas, lentils)
- Millet
- Nuts
- Potatoes
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sago
- Tapioca
- Wild rice
What foods should be limited or avoided?
- Wheat, including einkorn, emmer, spelt, kamut, wheat starch, wheat bran, wheat germ, cracked wheat, hydrolyzed wheat protein
- Barley
- Rye
- Triticale
- Malt
- Oats (unless gluten free)
When do I need to call the doctor?
- You have any signs that worry you
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
Celiac Disease Foundation ‚
http://www.celiac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=9 ‚
Dietitians of Canada ‚
http://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-A-Z/Gluten-Free-Diet.aspx?categoryID=27 ‚
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚