Gluten is a protein found in the grains of wheat, barley, rye, oats (that have been contaminated by other grains), however spelt, quinoa, and other more exotic grains have traces of gluten as well.

Celiacs have, quite simply, a malabsorption or digestive disorder caused by an intolerance or sensitivity to gluten.

If you are symptomatic, some simple tests can be suggested to determine if you may be a Celiac.

Maintenance of a strict gluten-free diet can be quite difficult
in the United States
due to the random distribution
of gluten...

...discover which foods and beverages to beware of that contain gluten, and which are safe to consume and do not contain gluten.

Diagnosis & Treatment
of
Celiac Disease

Diagnosing a Celiac can be difficult because some of the symptoms of Celiac Disease are similar to those of IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other intestinal or digestive diseases that often mimic Celiac Disease.

In some cases, it may be helpful to briefly eliminate gluten from the diet and then to observe the body's reaction. However, it is recommended that abstaining from gluten should not take place if diagnostic testing is scheduled. Doing so could interfere with accurate laboratory results.

The "What on Earth is a Celiac?" 50 page ebook is available as a download at this website and provides a complete Reference Guide listing gluten-free foods that are safe for those who are Celiacs or those who are wheat-sensitive.

Biopsies taken during an endoscopy
may indicate damage
to the
small intestine
and to the villi, the tiny, hair-like projections
that line the small intestine.

However, it is very important that your physician is up to date with the latest information regarding this illness and that the scope procedure is done correctly.

Special blood work
is standard protocol for testing
for Celiac Disease. . .

...however, this testing is not always accurate, so should not be relied upon solely for an accurate diagnosis. New lab stool tests have become available that are helpful in determining gluten sensitivity, however the upper bowel scope is the most reliable diagnostic tool in determining if a person truly has Celiac Disease.....

Treatment for Celiac Disease can include
eliminating all sources of gluten,
and
treating any associated conditions.

In addition, the treatment for Celiac Disease is a lifetime commitment and must be strictly followed!

Children may show signs of the impact of Celiac Sprue by the appearance of symptoms such as diarrhea and other indications of digestive disease within a few weeks or months of beginning cereals in their diet. Children will thrive and appear healthy until gluten is introduced. Chronic diarrhea can be extremely dangerous in a small child.

Children may show classic symptoms such as diarrhea
and intestinal bloating
or be irritable
and have difficulty concentrating.