CELIAC DISEASE

Celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, which is primarily found in bread, pasta, cookies, pizza crust and many other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. People with celiac disease who eat foods containing gluten experience an immune reaction in their small intestines, causing damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients. Celiac disease can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Most people with the disease have general complaints, such as: y Intermittent diarrhea y Abdominal pain y Bloating Celiac disease symptoms can also mimic those of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, Crohn's disease, parasite infections and anemia.

Some indications of malabsorption of nutrients that may result from celiac disease include: y Weight loss y Diarrhea y Abdominal cramps, gas and bloating y General weakness and fatigue y Foul-smelling or grayish stools that may be fatty or oily y Stunted growth (in children) y Osteoporosis Although celiac disease can affect anyone, it tends to be more common in people who have: y Type 1 diabetes y Autoimmune thyroid disease y Down syndrome y Microscopic colitis If you've been diagnosed with celiac disease, you'll need to avoid all foods that contain gluten.