How to be human
A Beta Ro Omega collective
First and formost, there is a difference between having Celiac Disease and having a wheat allergy. Celiac is for life! Wheat allergies can be outgrown as you become an adult. That said, here’s a straight-forward information on Celiac Disease.
Many thanks as always to my research team at: Fancy Hands
1. Cause of Celiac Disease:
Celiac Disease (CD) is a lifelong inherited autoimmune condition affecting children and adults. When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten in foods can affect those with CD and cause health problems. Damage can occur to the small bowel even when there are no symptoms present.
Gluten is the common name for the proteins in specific grains that are harmful to persons with celiac disease. These proteins are found in ALL forms of wheat (including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn and faro) and related grains rye, barley and triticale and MUST be eliminated.
http://www.celiac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=9
2. Celiac Disease Symptoms:
CLASSIC SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE
•Abdominal cramping, intestinal gas
•Distention and bloating of the stomach
•Chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both)
•Steatorrhea – fatty stools
•Anemia – unexplained, due to folic acid, B12 or iron deficiency (or all)
•Unexplained weight loss with large appetite or weight gain
http://www.celiac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=12
3. Treatment of Celiac Disease:
The only treatment is the lifelong adherence to the gluten-free diet. When gluten is removed from the diet, the small intestine will start to heal and overall health improves. Medication is not normally required. Consult your physician regarding specific nutritional supplementation to correct any deficiencies. The diagnosed celiac should have medical follow-up to monitor the clinical response to the gluten-free diet.
Adapting to the gluten-free diet requires some lifestyle changes. It is essential to read labels which are often imprecise, and to learn how to identify ingredients that may contain hidden gluten. Even small amounts of ingested gluten can affect those with CD and cause health problems.
Dietary compliance increases the quality of life and decreases the likelihood of osteoporosis, intestinal lymphoma and other associated illnesses.
Because osteoporosis is common and may be profound in patients with newly diagnosed CD, bone density should be measured at or shortly after diagnosis.
Potential harmful ingredients include:
•unidentified starch
•binders
•fillers
•excipients
•extenders
•malt
Gluten may also be used as a binder in some pharmaceutical products. Request clarification from food and drug manufacturers when necessary.
http://www.celiac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=14
ALLOWED FOODS:
Grains/Flours
Rice, corn (maize), soy, potato, tapioca, beans, garfava, sorghum, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, arrowroot, amaranth, teff, Montina®, flax, and nut flours
Oats
Research indicates that pure, uncontaminated oats consumed in moderation (up to 1/2 cup dry oats daily) are tolerated by most celiacs. Gluten-free oats are currently available in the United States. Consult your physician or dietician before including oats in your diet and for regular monitoring.
NOT ALLOWED IN ANY FORM
Wheat (einkorn, durum, faro, graham, kamut, semolina, spelt), rye, barley and triticale
Frequently overlooked foods that may contain gluten and need to be verified:
•Brown rice syrup
•Breading & coating mixes
•Croutons
•Energy Bars
•Flour or cereal products
•Imitation bacon
•Imitation seafood
•Marinades
•Panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
•Pastas
•Processed luncheon meats
•Sauces, gravies
•Self-basting poultry
•Soy sauce or soy sauce solids
•Soup bases
•Stuffings, dressing
•Thickeners (Roux)
•Communion wafers
•Herbal supplements
•Drugs & over-the-counter medications
•Nutritional supplements
•Vitamins & mineral supplements
•Play-dough: a potential problem if hands are put on or in the mouth while playing with play-dough.
http://www.celiac.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=138&Itemid=239
Interesting side notes:
One of the toughest parts of any diet is having the discipline to follow the rules of the diet. Whit Celiac, you either do it, or you get sick. Now that is motivation.
Gluten Free diets are not just for those with Celiac Disease. Many have chosen to remove gluten from their diets for general health reason. Others are just following the “flavor of the month” diet plan and have little valid reason to go gluten free.
A few interesting articles to read:
