Celiac Disease is a condition in which the protein in wheat, barley, rye, triticale (wheat-rye cross) and oats called 'gluten' is not digested in the small intestines causing inability to absorb food, minerals and vitamins, which gradually leads to malignancies and serious illness if not treated by the time.
Generally it can be diagnosed in infancy and childhood but celiac disease can happen at any age from nine months to ninety years.
Bloating Reflux IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Mouth ulcers Itchy skin Blistery rashes Ataxia Weight loss Osteoporosis/Osteopenia Depression Anxiety Anemia Chronic fatigue and low energy Liver disorders Malnutrition Intestines Cancer (very rare).Its symptoms are generally similar to other diseases, regular follow ups with physician, nutritionist, blood tests and biopsies are recommended to confirm the disease.
If remain undiagnosed, it can lead to autoimmune diseases like thyroid, lupus, fibromyalgia, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, infertility, malignancies like adenocarcinoma, oesophageal cancer etc.
Celiac Disease is not treatable but is completely manageable with strict gluten free diet.
Whole Wheat Wheat Flour Wheat Starch Cracked Wheat Durum Fu (Asian foods) Gliadin Kamut Semolina Wheat Bran Wheat Germ Farina Emmer Faro Graham flour Barley Malt Brewer's yeast Wheat berries Bulgar Rye Seitan Spelt Triticale and Mir (wheat and rye cross) Pastas Noodles (made with wheat) Breads and Pastries Crackers Corn Flakes and Rice Puffs (often contain malt extracts) Tortillas or tortilla chips (are not entirely corn based, may contain wheat ingredients too) Beer French Fries Potato Chips (may contain malt vinegar or wheat starch) Candy and Bars Soups (uses flour as a thickening agent and may contain barley also) Salad Dressings (may contain flour, malt vinegar and soy sauce)It may seem difficult and daunting to go gluten free in starting but once you start a gluten free diet you become used to it.
Many grains other than the ones that contain gluten are:
On a gluten free diet, you can also have wine, whisky, brandy and ciders but read the ingredient label very carefully.
You need to be very careful while dining out; you may communicate to the chef and tell them what your requirements are, ask them to use fresh and washed utensils for your dish preparations. Some restaurants and hotels even cater the gluten free diet.
Consult your dietician and physician for any queries and medications.
