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Celiac Disease can make one’s life decidedly uncomfortable. This disturbance of the digestive system is brought on by the body’s inability to tolerate a common element of many foods – gluten, or more specifically the gliadin fraction of gluten. This is present in such everyday foods as wheat, barley, rye and oats. Gluten is completely harmless for the majority of people. For those who suffer from celiac disease, however, it can destroy the lining of the small intestine. This reduces the ability of the lining to absorb nutrients.
The symptoms of celiac disease are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome. In fact, the two conditions often get confused with each other. Those symptoms are stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea and weight loss. These symptoms are often seen with other conditions, so a diagnosis of celiac disease is quite difficult. The condition, however, usually manifests itself in childhood. It may remain latent until middle age. If not treated, the condition can have serious consequences. Children who suffer from celiac disease will tend to be small and emaciated. They will exhibit a swollen abdomen and underdeveloped muscles. Celiac disease tends to inhibit the absorption of nutrients. A child with the condition will be susceptible to such diseases as rickets, scurvy and anemia. In the most serious cases, there can be bone deformation and osteoporosis. In the worst of cases, one’s life could be threatened.
Modern treatment methods have, however, greatly reduced the risks associated with celiac disease as well as making life for the sufferer bearable. The best and most obvious treatment for the condition is to follow a gluten free diet. All wheat, rye, barley and oats should be eliminated from one’s diet. But that is not all. It is quite surprising how many common foods contain these items – especially wheat. It is imperative that those who suffer from celiac disease carefully read the labels on their food items. However, celiac patients can eat buckwheat, corn, rice, millet, soybean and potato products. It is also possible to purchase gluten free flour products. By concentrating on the foods that you can eat, rather than on all of the forbidden foods, you should be able to readjust quite quickly to a celiac diet.
It is imperative that the sufferer let his friends know about the condition, lest the disease have an adverse effect on one's social life. Let them know how they can help you maintain a gluten free diet. If some people make insensitive remarks, try not to become upset. By responding in a friendly manner, you encourage them to show more empathy. In general, most people will be more than willing to help once they know what your requirements are.
For some sufferers of celiac disease, they are eventually able to reintroduce gluten into their diet. If this doesn’t happen in your case, don’t despair. At least the condition is not contagious and adequate treatment is relatively simple – following a gluten free diet.
If, on the other hand, you are a friend of a person who suffers from celiac disease, try to show some empathy. Don’t conclude that he is trying to be a pain just because he won’t eat a particular type of food. Don’t try to persuade the sufferer to eat a food product that contains gluten. Keep in mind that, to the small intestine of the person who suffers from celiac disease, gluten is like poison. It can have a devastating effect. If you are the main household shopper, you may find that you can buy and prepare gluten free foods for the entire family without too much adjustment. Household members may not even notice the difference.
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