Gluten and Celiac:

Celiac is a type of digestive diseases that damages the small intestine. It interferes with the digestive system of the sufferer and creates problems in absorbing nutrients from food. Celiac patients cannot tolerate gluten, which is a type of protein found in grass related grains like wheat, barley and rye.

When was celiac disease detected?

Galen, a Roman Physician discovered the first case of Celiac disease in the 2nd century AD. A Holland Pediatrician Dr. William Karel Dicke evolved to the current views of Celiac in 1950s. He observed nutritional health changes in children, when gluten was eliminated.

How Celiac disease is diagnosed?

It is difficult to recognize the Celiac disease, as it may show the symptoms of some other diseases. It is often confused with irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, intestinal infections and anemia. A blood test can help to diagnose the disease. A biopsy of the small intestine is required, if the blood tests confirm the disease. The physician removes the small pieces of tissues from the small intestine and check whether there is any damage in the Villi.

Tips to live with Celiac disease:

The best treatment to celiac disease is to follow gluten free diet. It can really be a challenge, as most of the food products contain gluten. However, there are alternatives available in the market to help celiac patients.

  • Gluten free diet made with rice, potatoes, soy, bean flour and buck wheat can help to improve the condition of celiac patients.
  • Nowadays, gluten free breads and pastas are available in the market. The sufferers can buy and consume them.
  • The patient should read the labels of any food item carefully. Gluten is used in large number in processed foods, including cheese spreads, meat substitutes and canned goods.
  • Some types of soups, pickles, syrups, ketchups and ice creams include gluten. The patient should buy only those products that come with label gluten free.
  • People with celiac can eat plain meat, fruits, vegetables and fish.
  • Patients were advised not to consume oats in the past. However, it is now proved that it is safe to eat oats in small amounts.
  • The patient can select a gluten free diet with the help of their physicians. Nuts, millets, seeds, corn, Indian rice, quinoa and flax can be included in their diet.