Celiac disease is a condition where the immune system responds abnormally to gluten. It can cause damage to the lining of the small intestine. The actual cause of celiac disease is unclear, but it seems to be a combination of genetics and environment. Celiac disease can be painful and difficult to handle. You don’t have to deal with it alone. If you feel like your current treatment options are not working, a study option might be available to you if you qualify. You can find more information about the study currently enrolling here.
What is gluten?
The treatment for celiac disease is a strict and complete avoidance of gluten. Gluten is a protein particle found in wheat, barley, rye, related grains and wheat additives. Wheat additives are the most common additive in American food products and can hide in a lot of food products that we consume as a society. This makes it very important for those with celiac disease to read all food labels closely.
Foods containing gluten include:
• Flour
• Breads
• Crackers
• Muffins
• Pasta
• Cereals
• Baking mixes
• Sauces, spices, condiments and salad dressings
• Some medications and vitamin supplements
Gluten-free foods include:
• Rice
• Corn
• Potatoes
• Quinoa, millet, buckwheat and soybeans
• Milk, cheese and other dairy products
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat and eggs
Common Symptoms of Celiac
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Weight loss (or failure to thrive in children)
Statistics
Based on the chart below, approximately 17 percent of people are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Celiac patients may also be asymptomatic, which means that they may have no obvious symptoms of celiac disease. This is why is it important to consult with your primary care provider first if you feel that you are experiencing the symptoms surrounding celiac disease.
Gluten-free diets have become a popular trend over recent years. Whether it’s in hopes to boost energy, lose weight, treat some health ailment, or just to improve general overall health. According to an article in JAMA Internal Medicine, while gluten-free diets are on the rise, celiac disease diagnoses continue to remain steady with little fluctuation year to year.
While that’s not to say those following gluten-free diets don’t have a gluten sensitivity, a gluten sensitivity is not the same as celiac disease, and would not be detectable in a blood test. Living with celiac disease is much more than just living a gluten-free lifestyle. Eating gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine and can lead to some pretty undesirable symptoms. Let’s explore a little further.
People with celiac disease can’t eat gluten. If you’re wondering what exactly gluten is, it’s a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. The immune response that happens in the small intestine when gluten is consumed can damage the lining of the intestine over time, and prevent absorption of nutrients.
This damage can also cause symptoms like: abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, weight loss, and even anemia. Although, many people with celiac disease don’t have any symptoms.
Currently, the only treatment for those with celiac disease is a strict, 100% gluten-free diet to help manage symptoms. ActivMed is currently enrolling in studies for potential new treatment options. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with celiac disease, you may be eligible to participate in a research study. Qualified candidates who and participate will receive study-related care at no cost and receive compensation for travel. To learn more and see how you or someone you love may qualify for a study, CLICK HERE.