Celiac disease is a disease in which immune system cells attack the intestines if a person eats gluten-containing foods.
Gluten is a plant protein and is found in wheat and some other grains (rye, barley).
Perceiving gluten as a danger, the immune system damages the villi of the small intestine, thereby disrupting the absorption of nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition, skin damage and neurological problems.
Causes of celiac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune process: immune cells attack their own tissues and organs rather than an external “enemy”.
The disease develops due to genetic predisposition and can be inherited. However, predisposition to this disease does not mean that a person has the disease.
In people with a genetic predisposition, stressful situations may become a trigger factor for the development of celiac disease: emotional shock, pregnancy or surgery.
A person is at risk if:
- A close relative has the same disease;
- There are other autoimmune pathologies (type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease);
- There are other genetic disorders (e.g. Down syndrome).
Age is not an obstacle for this disease: even an elderly person can develop the disease.
Symptoms of celiac disease
The digestive and nervous systems are mostly affected by celiac disease. Symptoms:
- increased gas,
- abdominal pain,
- chronic diarrhea,
- constipation,
- damage to tooth enamel,
- short stature and weight,
- fatigue,
- irritability,
- inability to concentrate,
- learning difficulties,
- hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder.
Celiac disease can be accompanied by digestive disorders: bloating and abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation. In some cases, the symptoms of the disease are very similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome. At the same time, among people with irritable bowel syndrome celiac disease is detected significantly more often than in people who have not been diagnosed.
The disease can lead to weight loss due to impaired absorption in the intestines.
Treatment
A gluten-free diet is recommended for the treatment of celiac disease, it helps to stop damage to the intestines and avoid complications.
In addition, the doctor may prescribe symptomatic treatment, for example to soothe inflamed skin. In case of decreased bone density and strength (osteoporosis), vitamin D and calcium are prescribed. In case of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, vitamin supplements may be indicated. As a rule, these are iron, calcium, vitamin D, zinc, copper, folic acid and other B vitamins. These can only be taken when prescribed by a doctor.
There is no cure for celiac disease, but scientists are working on drugs that will allow you to eat gluten without harming your intestines. These may include enzymes that break down gluten or drugs that control the immune system’s response.
Diet for celiac disease
A strict diet with the exclusion of gluten in celiac disease helps to get rid of the symptoms of the disease fairly quickly and restore intestinal function.
The main recommendations:
- Fish, meat, legumes, potatoes, corn, soy, flax, buckwheat, rice, fruits and vegetables are allowed;
- It is important that gluten-containing ingredients, such as flour or certain sauces, are not used in cooking;
- Prepared food, including in restaurants, should be labeled “gluten-free.”
- No bread (including rye bread), pastries, pasta or breaded meat dishes;
- Must check for hidden gluten in ground meat, potato chips, French fries, soups and sauces;
- Wine and spirits are allowed: they are generally gluten-free;
- Most beers are prohibited because they contain gluten;
- It is important to make sure that lipstick, medications and vitamin supplements are gluten-free.
Manufacturers have learned how to make most of the familiar products without using gluten.
You can find entire departments of gluten-free products on store shelves, including breads, pasta, baked goods, sauces, and snacks. Restaurants are also increasingly offering gluten-free menus. This allows people with celiac disease to eat their favorite foods and live a normal life.
Prognosis and prevention
When following a gluten-free diet, the signs of celiac disease can recede quite quickly: the first improvements are noticeable after a week. However, it is important to strictly follow the recommendations: exclude foods that contain hidden gluten, do not allow relaxation in the diet occasionally, for example on holidays. Damage to the small intestine in celiac disease is promoted by ingestion of even a very small amount of gluten.
During the recovery process, it is recommended to monitor antibody levels every 3-6 months. The effectiveness of treatment is evaluated after a year.
Complete remission, that is, the restoration of villi and intestinal function, as well as normal values in the tests, can occur in a year and a half after a person has started to follow a gluten-free diet.
If the diet is not followed, the symptoms of the disease and the intestinal damage that characterizes it will reappear.
In rare cases, a gluten-free diet for celiac disease does not help, in which case further tests are ordered.
In some cases, celiac disease can cause life-threatening conditions such as cancer of the small intestine and cancer of the lymphatic system. Strict adherence to the diet plays an important role in the prevention of these diseases.
Conclusion
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that requires strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. Eliminating gluten from the diet helps prevent intestinal damage, manage symptoms of the disease, and avoid serious complications including osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies, and even cancer.
Following a gluten-free diet requires care and discipline, as even small amounts of gluten can cause intestinal inflammation. Regular monitoring of antibodies and health status helps to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.
Thanks to modern gluten-free foods and special menus in restaurants, people with celiac disease can lead a full life without serious restrictions. Strict adherence to the diet can achieve remission, restore intestinal function and significantly improve quality of life.
