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Coeliac Disease
The basics about coeliac disease
Coeliac disease (spelled “celiac” in some countries) is a lifelong
autoimmune disease, although it is often mistaken for an food intolerance.
In those with the disease, their immune system attacks their body’s own tissues
through the production of antibodies. This reaction is triggered by gluten, which is a protein composite found in wheat and other
cereals, such as barley and rye. Some coeliacs also report sensitivity to oats. If eaten, gluten inflames and damages the lining of the small
intestine. In fact, according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, as little as 1/30th of a slice of bread can cause
intestinal damage to those with this disease.
The effects of untreated coeliac disease on the digestive system
The small intestine breaks down and absorbs the nutrients in the food that we eat. If coeliac disease goes untreated and if appropriate
changes are not made to lifestyle and eating habits, the cells that line the small intestine become flat and inflamed and their surface area is
significantly reduced. This is significant because, not only will this result in a decrease in nutrient absorption, but it can also lead
malnutrition and deficiencies in vitamins, iron, folic acid and calcium. Sugars, proteins and fats are often poorly absorbed too.
Neglected coeliac disease can also lead to a predisposition to gastrointestional malignancy, particularly carcinoma of the oropharynx
and oesophagus, and small bowel lymphoma.
Do we know what causes coeliac disease?
Unfortunately, the precise cause (or causes) of coeliac disease are unknown, but it is generally accepted that there are 3 key factors that are
linked to its development. These include:
•
an environmental trigger (gluten)
•
a genetic susceptibility
•
an unusually permeable gut (e.g. Leaky Gut Syndrome).
Occasionally, high stress situations can also trigger the condition. For example, the stress of an operation, accident, intestinal infection or
pregnancy.
How can I be sure I have coeliac disease?
Research shows that coeliac disease affects as many as 1 in 100 people in the UK, making it far more prevalent than previously thought.
In addition, it is acknowledged that under-diagnosis is a major problem, with around 500,000 people yet to be diagnosed.
The disease can be diagnosed at any age. For example, after weaning, when cereals containing gluten are first introduced into their diet,
babies can be screened. The most common age of diagnosis is currently between 40 and 60 years old.
What are the main symptoms of coeliac disease?
The symptoms of coeliac disease vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. In other words, it affects everyone
differently. Symptoms may centre around the digestive system, or may be spread amongst other parts of the body. For instance, some
person will have diarrhoea and stomach pain, whilst others will simply show signs of irritability or depression. Irritability is one of the
most common symptoms in children.
Having said that, there are some symptoms that present in the vast majority of people with coeliac disease. These are: tiredness, anaemia,
diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, vomiting and mouth ulcers.
Strangely, some people with the disease have no symptoms at all. This can be problematic, because the longer a person goes
undiagnosed and untreated, the greater the chance of developing malnutrition. Anaemia, delayed growth and weight loss are all signs of
malnutrition, because the body is just not getting enough nutrients.
Despite the lack of symptoms, these individuals are no less at risk of the various complications of coeliac disease, should it go untreated.
Increased incidence of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid disease, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, pulmonary
fibrosis, osteoporosis, infertility and cancer of the gut have all been reported in coeliac patients.
How is coeliac disease treated?
As there is no known cure at this time, the primary treatment (which has a high success rate) is to simply remove all sources of gluten
from the diet (although contamination of gluten-free products with gluten remains a potential problem).
A gluten-free diet is a lifelong commitment and sticking to it can be difficult. However, once a routine is established, it often becomes much
easier. There are plenty of blogs, forums and support groups around, with recipes, hints and tips on how to cope with the disease on a day-
to-day basis. Patience is important; improvement of symptoms can take several months - so don’t give up!
Many coeliacs find that health supplements can be helpful to support a strict gluten-free diet, because they can help to ensure that
(notwithstanding the limited food choice) they are still receiving a broad spectrum of nutrients. In particular, nutrients-fortified gluten-
free meal replacement powders can be an easy and effective way to achieve this.
Need some help? 0845 094 3627
This is an information site only!
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Coeliac Disease
The basics about coeliac disease
Coeliac disease (spelled “celiac” in some countries) is a lifelong
autoimmune disease, although it is often mistaken for an food intolerance.
In those with the disease, their immune system attacks their body’s own tissues
through the production of antibodies. This reaction is triggered by gluten, which is a protein composite found in wheat and other
cereals, such as barley and rye. Some coeliacs also report sensitivity to oats. If eaten, gluten inflames and damages the lining of the small
intestine. In fact, according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, as little as 1/30th of a slice of bread can cause
intestinal damage to those with this disease.
The effects of untreated coeliac disease on the digestive system
The small intestine breaks down and absorbs the nutrients in the food that we eat. If coeliac disease goes untreated and if appropriate
changes are not made to lifestyle and eating habits, the cells that line the small intestine become flat and inflamed and their surface area is
significantly reduced. This is significant because, not only will this result in a decrease in nutrient absorption, but it can also lead
malnutrition and deficiencies in vitamins, iron, folic acid and calcium. Sugars, proteins and fats are often poorly absorbed too.
Neglected coeliac disease can also lead to a predisposition to gastrointestional malignancy, particularly carcinoma of the oropharynx
and oesophagus, and small bowel lymphoma.
Do we know what causes coeliac disease?
Unfortunately, the precise cause (or causes) of coeliac disease are unknown, but it is generally accepted that there are 3 key factors that are
linked to its development. These include:
•
an environmental trigger (gluten)
•
a genetic susceptibility
•
an unusually permeable gut (e.g. Leaky Gut Syndrome).
Occasionally, high stress situations can also trigger the condition. For example, the stress of an operation, accident, intestinal infection or
pregnancy.
How can I be sure I have coeliac disease?
Research shows that coeliac disease affects as many as 1 in 100 people in the UK, making it far more prevalent than previously thought.
In addition, it is acknowledged that under-diagnosis is a major problem, with around 500,000 people yet to be diagnosed.
The disease can be diagnosed at any age. For example, after weaning, when cereals containing gluten are first introduced into their diet,
babies can be screened. The most common age of diagnosis is currently between 40 and 60 years old.
What are the main symptoms of coeliac disease?
The symptoms of coeliac disease vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. In other words, it affects everyone
differently. Symptoms may centre around the digestive system, or may be spread amongst other parts of the body. For instance, some
person will have diarrhoea and stomach pain, whilst others will simply show signs of irritability or depression. Irritability is one of the
most common symptoms in children.
Having said that, there are some symptoms that present in the vast majority of people with coeliac disease. These are: tiredness, anaemia,
diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, vomiting and mouth ulcers.
Strangely, some people with the disease have no symptoms at all. This can be problematic, because the longer a person goes
undiagnosed and untreated, the greater the chance of developing malnutrition. Anaemia, delayed growth and weight loss are all signs of
malnutrition, because the body is just not getting enough nutrients.
Despite the lack of symptoms, these individuals are no less at risk of the various complications of coeliac disease, should it go untreated.
Increased incidence of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid disease, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, pulmonary
fibrosis, osteoporosis, infertility and cancer of the gut have all been reported in coeliac patients.
How is coeliac disease treated?
As there is no known cure at this time, the primary treatment (which has a high success rate) is to simply remove all sources of gluten
from the diet (although contamination of gluten-free products with gluten remains a potential problem).
A gluten-free diet is a lifelong commitment and sticking to it can be difficult. However, once a routine is established, it often becomes much
easier. There are plenty of blogs, forums and support groups around, with recipes, hints and tips on how to cope with the disease on a day-
to-day basis. Patience is important; improvement of symptoms can take several months - so don’t give up!
Many coeliacs find that health supplements can be helpful to support a strict gluten-free diet, because they can help to ensure that
(notwithstanding the limited food choice) they are still receiving a broad spectrum of nutrients. In particular, nutrients-fortified gluten-
free meal replacement powders can be an easy and effective way to achieve this.
Need some help? 0845 094 3627
This is an information site only!
[Irritable Bowel Syndrome] [Crohn’s Disease] [Ulcerative Colitis] [Coeliac Disease] [Organic Food] [Organic Supplements] [Superfood Powder Blends] [Alternatives to Juicing]
[Digestion System Health] [Diet Foods] [Colon Cleanse Products] [Diarrhea Free] [Specialist Supplements] [Future Nutrition] [Organic Food Supplements] [Organic Food Supplier] [Dietary Products]
[Own Label Products] [Web Design] [Drop-ship Service] [Healthy Weight Loss] [Health Care] [Health Blog] [Probiotics Supplier] [Slimming Products] [Products Catalogue] [Turnkey Websites]
[Cleanse and Detox] [Superfood Supplements] [Women’s Health] [Weight Management] [Protein Shakes] [Meal Replacements Slimming] [Health Supplements UK] [New and Coming Soon]
[Home] [Products] [Services] [Digestive Health] [Go Organic] [Juicing] [Living and Raw Foods] [Health Information Pages] [Blog] [Contact] [Sitemap]