Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. It is triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system attacks their small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients, as well as a wide range of other potential health issues.
Digestive Symptoms
The most common digestive symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and nausea. In some cases, these symptoms can be accompanied by weight loss, anemia, and fatigue.
Non-Digestive Symptoms
In addition to digestive symptoms, non-digestive symptoms of celiac disease can include a range of other issues, such as joint pain, fatigue, headaches, depression, anemia, skin problems, and infertility.
Complications
Celiac disease can lead to a variety of complications, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, osteoporosis, infertility, nerve damage, and an increased risk for certain types of cancer.
Treatment
The only way to treat celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods and beverages that contain wheat, barley, and rye. Eliminating gluten from your diet may help reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Additionally, a doctor may recommend taking vitamin and mineral supplements to help replace any nutrients that may be missing due to malabsorption.