In's-N-Out's on Celiac Disease

Learn the In's-N-Out's on Celiac Disease:

What is Celiac Disease?

Common Symptoms

Testing for Proper Diagnostic

The Cure

Gluten Containing Foods

Gluten Free Foods

Popular Gluten Free Restaurants

Resources to Learn More

As I walked through the Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo, I was amazed at how many companies are passionate, devoted and eager to spread awareness on Celiac Disease (I mean look at the picture above, I had to take a picture, post it to social media and Glutino Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease that is estimated to occur in 1 of every 133 people in the United States, where your body rejects the consumption of gluten (gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley to help bind ingredients together resulting in a deliciously-moist cake, crunchy pretzel, or REALLY big slice of pizza). When an individual with celiac disease digests gluten, the body immediately starts an attack on the small intestines. These attacks lead to damage on the villi (small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine) where nutrient absorption occurs. When the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body. Overtime your body can become malnourished and result in any one of these symptoms listed below.

Common Symptoms:

General Symptoms Stated on Celiac Disease Foundation Website:

Anemia

Eczema

Fatigue and/or Brain Fog

Failure to Thrive

Malnutrition or Vitamin Deficiency

Delayed Puberty

Miscarriage

Missed Periods (In Women)

Behavioral or Central Nervous Symptoms:

ADHD (common misdiagnosis for Celiac Disease in younger children)

Developmental Delay (not reaching developmental milestones as a child)

Headaches or Migraines

Irritability (uncontrollable anger)

Seizures

Muscle Cramps

Digestive Symptoms:

Abdominal Pain

Acid Reflux (Heartburn)

Bloating

Constipation

Diarrhea

Gas

Lactose Intolerance

Vomiting

Weight Loss or Weight Gain

Testing for Proper Diagnostic

Most people with Celiac Disease are undiagnosed. If you’re experiencing any of these above symptoms (most popular=anemic, developmental delay in adolescents, diarrhea and chronic abdominal pain) seek help by contacting your primary physician or gastroenterologist (branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the stomach and intestines). They will ask you about your symptoms--more in-depth, and prescribe celiac disease panel blood test. If blood test results are positive, endoscopic biopsy of your small intestines will be your next step. You MUST be eating gluten in order for the celiac disease panel test to be accurate as it measures your body’s reaction to gluten (1). If left untreated, it may result in nutrition deficiencies, osteoporosis, cancer and development of other autoimmune disorders including type 1 diabetes, MS, autoimmune thyroid and Hepatitis disease. Again if you or your child are experiencing multiply symptoms listed above, please contact your doctor immediately to get tested.

The cure?

There is no cure. You must follow a strict gluten-free diet that can help treat symptoms and promote intestinal healing.

Sounds easy right?

Eliminate gluten in your diet and you’re good to go—right??

Yeah no!

Gluten is a very tricky and sneaky ingredient found in breads, pastas, cereal, granola (certain kinds), dressings, marinades, broth, vinegar, beer, muffins, cookies, brownies, pancakes, flour, mixed drinks (certain kinds), soy sauce, seasonings, imitation crab meat, lunch meat (certain kinds), and bacon (certain kinds).

Yes, that is an expensive list of food items you cannot have. BUT as of August 5th 2014, all manufacturers of FDA-regulated packaged food making a gluten-free claim must comply with the guidelines outlined by the FDA.

**If you want to learn more about FDA’s ruling on gluten free food labeling visit http://www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/food-labeling-laws/ **

As a fellow celiac survivor, fitness nutritionist, and advocate for celiac awareness I am here to tell you're not in this fight alone and options are available; you can still eat your cake and enjoy it too:)

All the food groups I stated above that commonly contain gluten can be made and/or bought gluten free! Pictures below are some of my favorite gluten free brands I devour on the daily that were all in one awesome place—Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo.