Celiac Disease

May: The month of Celiac Disease Awareness

In the world of nutrition, the month of May is considered to be the month of Celiac Disease Awareness. In honor of recognizing the impact of this disease on those who have it, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics released an article discussing the diagnosis, risk, symptoms, and background of celiac disease. 

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, Celiac Disease affects 1 in every 100 people worldwide, including an estimated three million Americans. Celiac is a lifelong condition caused by a reaction from eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats. Human intestines have areas in which they are lined with tiny hair-like projections called villi. Villi serve the purpose of absorbing nutrients when food is being digested. However, when people with Celiac eat gluten, their immune system acts counterintuitively because their immune system damages the villi. Hence, the proper absorption of nutrients is completely hindered. The result of eating gluten with Celiac Disease is malnourishment, sometimes no matter how much food an individual eats. 

The development of Celiac Disease can begin to show signs at any point in a person’s life. However, since there is a wide range of symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose the disease. Common signs of Celiac Disease include gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation, changes in appetite, diarrhea, lactose intolerance, nausea and vomiting, abnormal stools, and unexplained weight loss. Children with Celiac tend to experience gastrointestinal symptoms, but adults can experience them as well. Celiac Disease can also present symptoms including bruising easily, depression, anxiety, fatigue, hair loss, itchy skin, mouth ulcers, muscle cramps, joint pain, nosebleeds, or numbness in hands or feet. Sometimes, those with Celiac do not know they have it because of the wide range of signs. If a person is suspected of having Celiac, they typically go through a diagnosis process that includes an assessment of symptoms and blood and biopsy tests. 

Once Celiac is confirmed, steps are taken to treat gluten intolerance to decrease the effect on one’s body. Registered dietitians recommend a gluten-free diet as the primary treatment for celiac disease. 

Diagnosing and treating Celiac can be a very frustrating process for not only those who have it but for their family members as well. Seeking help from a registered dietitian is the best way to get educated about the disease and treat it. By bringing awareness to Celiac Disease during the month of May, we can work to support those who have the disease by taking the time to educate ourselves and others. 

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Source: https://www.eatright.org/health/health-conditions/celiac-disease/celiac-disease-an-introduction