What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine and leads to malabsorption of nutrients. Gluten is a protein that is found in rye, barley, and wheat. It triggers this reaction of the immune system.
Is there a cure for celiac disease?
A 100% gluten-free diet is the only existing treatment for celiac disease.
There is no cure for Celiac Disease.
I was just diagnosed with celiac disease, when will I start to feel better?
Patients usually respond very quickly to a gluten-free diet. The severity, duration, and nature of your specific symptoms will determine how quickly you feel better. It may take a little while, and as with anything, you may go through some ups and downs before you get the hang of life as a Celiac Mom. Don’t worry, though! There are others who understand who can help you through the hard times, and celebrate with you during the great ones!
I have started a gluten free diet, but I am starving! Why do I feel hungry all the time?
There was probably a while where your body was not absorbing all of your foods because of the effects of the celiac disease. After a few months, you should stop being so hungry.
My doctor recommends that my sister and kids get screened for Celiac Disease… why?
There is research that has found that about 10% of family members of celiac patients also have the disease. Many people have it but don’t know, because they have no symptoms. For this reason, doctors often recommend that first and second degree relatives should have blood tests.
How common is celiac disease?
Celiac disease used to be considered a rare disease of childhood. However, it is now recognized as a common condition that any age person can have.
It is estimated that 1 in 133 people in the US have Celiac Disease… but it is still very under diagnosed.
What are the symptoms of celiac disease?
We have a whole article about symptoms of celiac disease. However in short, here are some of the symptoms a patient may experience (please keep in mind that everyone is different): chronic fatigue, skin problems, weight loss, diarrhea, seizures, constipation, and bone density issues.
I can tolerate a little gluten once in a while, is that okay?
No! Even though you may be able to tolerate some gluten, that does not mean it is good for you. Damage could still be done to the intestinal lining when gluten is consumed. Patients have found that the most effective treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life.
Can my children outgrow celiac disease?
Unfortunately, no, children do not outgrow CD. Doctors once thought you could, which is why you may have heard this myth.
Do only thin people have celiac disease?
It was once thought that patients with celiac disease were very thin, but now doctors are realizing that even overweight people have celiac disease.
