Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disorder that affects the small intestine. Patients of celiac disease are unable to tolerate gluten. Therefore, celiac disease is also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Gluten is a protein found in certain basic grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. Other than food, gluten may be present in certain medicines and cosmetic products like lipsticks and balms.
In this autoimmune disorder, the immune system responds to foods containing gluten. The immune system damages the villi in the small intestine through which the body absorbs nutrients. This is because a patient’s immune system makes the body intolerant to gluten.
Eating gluten can inflame and flatten the villi in such patients. Damage of the intestine due to gluten-containing food can make it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. Gluten does not cause any problems in people who do not suffer from this autoimmune disease.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Symptoms vary from mild to severe. In some cases, there may be no symptoms. Moreover, the symptoms of this autoimmune disease may resemble the symptoms associated with other diseases like Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Celiac-affected children show symptoms like inability to gain weight, irritability, and delayed growth. Some symptoms by celiac patients are:
- Vomiting
- Sudden loss of weight
- Diarrhea
- Excessive wind
- Constipation
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Bloated abdominal
- Feeling sick
Other symptoms associated with celiac disease may include:
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Headaches
- Loss of hair
- Skin rashes
- Tiredness
Treatments of Celiac Disease
There is no known cure for celiac disease except following a lifelong gluten-free diet. However, treatments can reduce and deal with the associated symptoms. These natural treatments are not expensive. These treatments are also safe and effective. Main treatments are as follows:
Gluten-Free Diet: Taking a gluten-free diet is among lifelong treatments that patients of celiac disease should follow. This diet can help celiac treatments and may reduce the symptoms within a few weeks.
Avoid Milk: Milk and other dairy products contain lactose. Celiac patients can usually be lactose intolerant. Thus, avoiding milk and dairy products can support treatments. These products can gradually be increased in the diet once symptoms ease.
Fruits and Vegetables: Increasing fruits and vegetables in the diet can be among effective treatments. Consumption of these foods prevents constipation.
Avoid Oats: Avoiding the intake of oats can be among helpful treatments. Oats are usually contaminated with wheat and should be avoided.
Supplements: Patients of celiac disease may suffer from symptoms of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Hence, intake of supplements of vitamins and minerals can be effective treatments. Taking a daily multivitamin is recommended.
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