Do you have Celiac Disease?
"...experts estimate
that more than one million Americans
are (undiagnosed) sufferers."
...Readers Digest Magazine
Celiac Disease, also known as Celiac Sprue, is a genetically-linked autoimmune digestive disease in which the absorbing surface of the small intestine is damaged by gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes even contaminated oats. Once thought to be very rare, (approximately 1 in 4700 people in the USA are diagnosed Celiacs) recent medical research indicates that this figure is extraordinarily inaccurate.
It is now known that 1 in 133 folks
in this country are probably Celiacs...
going undiagnosed...
and suffering needlessly
for many years!
The initial onset of Celiac Disease can be seen in infants and very young children after nursing ceases, when cereals are first introduced to the diet. This digestive disease tends to be seen again in adults in their 30's or 40's and can be triggered in adulthood by several factors.
Celiac Disease is a digestive disorder
that is frequently misdiagnosed
as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, proctitis) pancreatitis and
even gall bladder disease,
to name but a few related or similar digestive diseases.
In Celiac Disease, nutrients pass through the damaged small intestine, unabsorbed, often creating a host of sometimes devastating health and digestive disease problems. Some medical conditions and diseases that have been associated with Celiac Disease are: iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, gum problems, skin problems, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy, and infertility.
What on Earth is a Celiac?
~50 page informational E-book Download~
Symptoms of Celiac Disease...Don't Be Misdiagnosed!
It is extremely important for health sufferers to become aware of the long list of intestinal diseases that can be attributed to Celiac Disease, but that mimic so many other diseases.
Celiac Disease is frequently misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, proctitis) pancreatitis, and even gall bladder disease, to name but a few.
There are numerous intestinal disorders that can be caused by or are related to Celiac Disease and many diseases that are associated with, or may be a by-product of Celiac Disease.
Do you know someone
with these symptoms?
They can range from no gluten sensitive symptoms at all to severe gas and diarrhea or non-intestinal disease symptoms such as muscle cramps, infertility, and even depression.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease can vary with each individual and cover a wide arena...
Gluten is a protein found in the grains of wheat, barley, rye, oats (that have been contaminated by other grains), however spelt, 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.
What on Earth is a Celiac?
~50 page informational E-book Download~
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 and Digestive Disease
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.
What on Earth is a Celiac?
~50 page
Celiac informational E-book Download~
