Celiac Disease is Manageable

Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate a protein called gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods, but is also found in products we use every day, such as stamp and envelope adhesive, medicines, and vitamins.

Celiac disease affects people differently. Symptoms may occur in the digestive system, or in other parts of the body. People without symptoms are still at risk for malnutrition. The longer a person goes undiagnosed and untreated, the greater the chance of developing complications like anemia, delayed growth, and excessive weight loss.

The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet, which is challenging, but manageable. Meat, fish, rice, fruits, and vegetables can be eaten freely, and alternate grains can replace the regular bread and pastas. Gluten is often hidden in additives such as modified food starch, preservatives, and stabilizers, and in some vitamins and supplements. But many health-conscious companies offer gluten-free alternatives, like Serovera’s Soy Lecithin formulation.

For most people, following this diet will stop symptoms, heal existing intestinal damage, and prevent further damage. Improvements begin within days of starting the diet. Being healed means a person can absorb nutrients from food into the bloodstream. In order to stay well, people with celiac disease must avoid gluten for the rest of their lives. A dietician can offer the best advice on a gluten-free diet.