Have you been recently diagnosed with celiac disease or suspect that you might have it? Then this blog is for you! In this article, we will explain celiac disease, common symptoms to be aware of, consequences and health concerns, and how to treat it with a gluten-free diet (which isn’t as simple as it sounds).
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition that causes your body to react when you consume the protein gluten. Consuming gluten regularly over time in people with the condition damages the villi of the small intestines, causing them to become shortened and unable to absorb nutrients properly. One of the main concern is that it can lead to deficiencies in various nutrients which we’ll go over later in this blog. Celiac disease is different from a wheat allergy or a non-celiac gluten intolerance, which do not damage the small intestines.
Common Symptoms of Celiac Disease
There are many symptoms that can accompany CD. However, some of the most common symptoms include ongoing diarrhea or constipation, gas, bloating, abdominal pain or cramps, headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, lactose intolerance, unintentional weight loss, or anemia.
Diagnosing Celiac Disease
One of the most common methods of testing for CD is serological testing, which involves blood work. Tests may include a tissue transglutaminase test (TTG), an IGA antibody test, or an endoscopy to examine the intestines. It’s crucial to note that for these tests to be accurate, you must be consuming gluten regularly (the equivalent of approximately two pieces of bread per day for at least 6-8 weeks). If you are not eating it consistently, the test may come back negative. It is also possible that an endoscopy could miss CD if certain areas of the intestines are not biopsied.
You can also get a genetic test, which typically looks at HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. If you do not have these genes, it is unlikely that you have CD (though it’s not impossible).
Consequences and Health Concerns of Celiac Disease
Poor nutrient absorption associated with CD can lead to deficiencies in calories and nutrients, often causing weight loss. Specific vitamins and minerals that are absorbed in the small intestine such as vitamin B12, niacin, folate, calcium vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and zinc may also be deficient. You might experience general lactose intolerance because lactase – the enzyme for lactose – is made on the surfaces of the villi. If they are damaged and not producing lactase, you’ll have difficulty digesting things like milk, yogurt, and some cheeses.
Treatment of Celiac Disease
Currently, the only treatment for CD is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Abstaining from gluten allows the intestines to heal, but it’s essential to continue the diet to prevent further damage. Even after they’ve healed, you must remain gluten-free. Otherwise, when you start eating gluten again, the same damage can occur and then you’re right back to where you started.
Following a Gluten-Free Diet
Following a gluten-free diet can be challenging because gluten is hidden in unexpected places, both in food and skin care products. It’s important to learn to read labels and identify gluten-containing ingredients. Look for gluten-free certified labels on packaged foods and be cautious of cross-contamination in the kitchen as well as gluten-free foods that may be cross-contaminated with gluten.
Where is Gluten Found?
Gluten is found in wheat, rye barley and malt and it sneaks into a lot of different ingredients and sauces, like soy sauce, salad dressings, and meat marinades. It can be “hidden” under a variety of names such as modified food starch, brewer’s yeast, spelt, seitan, and natural flavorings (please note these are just some examples, not a complete list). During manufacturing, some foods that are naturally gluten-free can become contaminated with gluten, such as oats. It is safest to look for gluten-free certified labels on food packages to ensure it has been tested for safety.
Gluten Cross-Contamination
You can also get cross-contamination within a kitchen at home and at restaurants. For instance, if all foods share the same fryer or cooking surface, your gluten-free food could become contaminated. Luckily, many more restaurants are implementing cross-contamination procedures, but not all are careful and you may need to ask the chef about their practices to know if your food is truly safe.
At home, you should also be careful to reduce cross-contamination. For instance, if some people in your home eat regular bread, then it’s safest to have two separate toasters. When cooking pasta, cook gluten-free pasta first or in a separate pot. When preparing and cooking food, make sure to use separate surfaces and always wash dishes, pots, and pans thoroughly to remove gluten.
When eating foods like peanut butter, butter, jam, etc, do not use the same knife that spread these items onto gluten-containing foods on your gluten-free food. Or, simply use separate containers for those who are gluten-free.
Get Help to Manage Celiac Disease
If you are newly diagnosed or still trying to figure out if you have CD, it can be a very complicated process, difficult to navigate and emotionally challenging. If you need more education and support going through this, reach out to me for a free 20-minute consult for nutrition coaching.
I’ve been there, I follow a gluten-free diet and understand the difficulties of CD, and as a registered dietitian I am qualified to help you through this journey to healing your gut. I have an empathetic and compassionate approach to working 1:1 with clients because I know that such a huge lifestyle change can be a stressful, emotional struggle.
Gluten-and-Dairy-Free Meal Plan
If you need some meal ideas to start with, I have a 4-week gluten and dairy-free meal plan with grocery lists, recipes, and meal planning tips to help you find healthy foods that are gluten and dairy-free.
Conclusion
Living with celiac disease requires a strict and lifelong commitment to a gluten-free diet. Understanding the symptoms, consequences, and treatment options is crucial for maintaining overall health. I hope this blog helps you better understand celiac disease and provides valuable insights into managing this condition. If you have any concerns or suspect that you may have celiac disease, consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and guidance.
