Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an immune disorder that, like most autoimmune diseases, is becoming more and more common. Although awareness of the disease is increasing, most people still don't understand it or take it seriously.

People with celiac disease are allergic to a protein in some grains called "gluten". Gluten is found in wheat (farina, graham flour, semolina and durum), rye, barley, and to some degree, oats. For people with the disease, gluten causes an immune response that damages the intestinal lining, leading to abdominal pain, bleeding, and more serious health effects.

Untreated and undiagnosed celiac disease can affect the health of people with the disease both by the damage done to the body, and it's effect on nutritional status. Inflammation and damage in the gut can lead to decreased absorption of nutrients, weight loss, diarrhea, gas, bloating, pain, fatigue, stunted growth in children, anemia and osteoperosis.

Following a gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease, and unfortunately, this is not an easy task. Gluten is in many foods we buy, and is used as an additive, in supplements, spices, in flavouring, and even medications. Items such as some lipsticks and postage stamps can also contain gluten, and must be avoided. Foods can easily become cross-contaminated by using the same kitchen utensils or cutting boards with out washing, and even a tiny amount of gluten can cause serious damage with or without side effects. For this reason, the diet must be life long and needless to say, that makes shopping and eating out extremely difficult.

Fortunately, it is still possible to have a balanced and healthy diet with celiac disease. So what can people with celiac disease eat?

• Fish, Meat & poultry - unmarinated and not breaded
  


• Dairy
  


• Fruit
  


• Vegetables
  


• Grains such as: rice, amarath, buckwheat, quinoa, and a small amount of pure, uncontaminated oats
  


• Flours from rice, potato, soy, corn, and other gluten-free grains
  

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