Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity

Hey there (: - Day #2

So I did say that I was going to talk more about gluten free lifestyles and the reason is because many people these days have something called Celiac Disease or even a gluten intolerance. I personally am gluten intolerant.  I know that some of you may not know what Celiac Disease is or even what gluten is so let me try and do a few frequently asked Q&A's about the topic!

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is a digestive, auto-immune disease that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is eaten.

What is gluten?

Gluten s are forms of protein found in some grains. Glutens are wheat, rye, barley, malt and oats. People with Celiac Disease must avoid ANY foods/beverages/medications (even make-up… anything) containing these items.

What is the difference between Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance?

Celiac Disease is an allergy - so like other allergies the allergen must be avoided to avoid extreme signs and symptoms. Gluten Intolerance is an intolerance to gluten, which means you don't have to avoid ALL gluten but you should be very careful as to what can trigger your symptoms(which are less severe)  such as in lactose intolerance.

What are some signs and symptoms of Celiac Disease?

Anemia, lactose deficiency, diarrhea, constipation, delayed growth, arthritis, dermatitis,  muscle weakness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal discomfort and SO much more.

What causes Celiac Disease and what cures it?

Celiac Disease really has an unknown cause but is said to be more common in people who's parents have the disease. As far as what cures it, it breaks my heart to say the answer is that there is no cure. People diagnosed with Celiac Disease are put on strict gluten free diets immediately after diagnosis in order to control their symptoms. However, damage already done to the small intestine can never be reversed.

Those are some pretty frequently asked FAQ's, but if you're looking to know more about the disease than you can check out www.Celiac.com. All of the answers I gave I very simple and to the point…very basic. If I would have given full answers this post could've gone on for DAYS!

Another thing I would like to add (this is my pure OPINION based on research I've done and also opinions from friends and family members who have removed gluten from their diets) is that "wheat or grains" can actually lead to bloating, bowel irregularities, lethargy and many more health issues even if you don't have Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance. Sometimes cutting gluten out of your life can be a good thing! Although I have to be honest - it is not necessarily the most wallet friendly change you could make, but if you still feeling like trying this then in an upcoming post I will be talking about money-saving tips at the grocery store!

xoxo