Gluten-free is more than a diet it's a Lifestyle!

CELIAC DISEASE
Gluten-free LIFESTYLE                                                                                                                             glutenfree-lifestyle.com   2008     All rights reserved.
St. Charles IL                                                                                                                          
UNITED STATES
dt@glutenfree-lifestyle.com
Gluten-free LIFESTYLE
glutenfree-lifestyle.com
Adhering to a
strict gluten-free
diet is a major
lifestyle change.
Being healthy is
worth it!
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease. It is also known as Celiac Sprue or
Gluten Eteropathy.

Your digestive system is unable to digest the protein found in wheat, rye, barley
and oats. You may be able to add oats back to your diet after being on a gluten-
free diet for a period of time. Oats are still controversial.

When gluten is ingested it triggers an inflammatory response that results in
damage to the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients we
all need. Decreased absorption can lead to many other illnesses.

Recent estimates suggest 1 in 133 people have the disease, it can be as high as
1 in 85. If a person has a parent or sibling with Celiac Disease the rate can be as
high as 1 in 22. Celiac Disease is under-diagnosed because the symptoms can
resemble many other diseases.

Symptoms (may include):
  • intestinal gas, bloating cramping
  • diarrhea and /or constipation
  • weight loss w/appetite, or weight gain
  • unexplained anemia, fatigue, lack of energy, unable to concentrate
  • multiple vitamin deficiencies (folate, B6, B12, iron, Calcium, vitamin D)
  • mouth sores
  • very dry skin
  • muscle wasting
  • muscle cramping
  • neuropathy (tingling in the legs and feet)
  • behavioral disturbances
  • depression, anxiety
  • Dermatitis Herpetiformis (itchy, blistering skin condition)
  • dental enamel defects
  • bone or joint pain
  • osteoporosis
  • migraines
  • missed menstrual periods

Many Celiacs are lactose intolerant and suffer from other food sensitivities as
well.  Some people with Celiac Disease don't have any symptoms at all!

Celiac Disease left untreated can lead to other diseases some life-threatening.
Celiac.com is a great source of information and has a list of diseases and
disorders associated with Celiac Disease. (such as: Chrons Disease, Colitis,
Intestinal Lymphoma, bowel cancer,
Type 1 Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, IBS,
Multiple Sclerosis, Thyroid Disease).  Approximately 10% of Type 1 Diabetics have
Celiac Disease.

If you suspect you have Celiac Disease or have gluten intolerance see your
doctor or a Gastroenterologist about getting your blood tested. Do NOT start on
the diet before getting tested. Your doctor might also want to take a biopsy of
your small intestine.

There is no cure for Celiac Disease. You will need to adhere to a strict gluten-
free diet. Once you have started the diet you will notice improvement in as little
as a few weeks. It could take anywhere from several months up to three years for
complete healing of the small intestine.

Again, see your doctor if you suspect you might have Celiac Disease. I am not a
doctor and this site should not be used for medical diagnosis. This information
has been gathered by many sources. Information at mayoclinic.com is very
detailed yet easy to understand.

There are a variety of websites with information on Celiac Disease and gluten
intolerance. Many sites not only give a full description and treatments but also
the latest news and up-to-date statistics.
 (Resources)