Celiac Disease - who has it and what is it?

There are many people who can benefit from g-free living in a variety of ways and there's just about as many reasons why, but I'd like to first talk about those who- like myself -have a hereditary (and research is now leading to possible environmental and bacteria involvement) autoimmune condition called celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that is characterized by a toxic reaction to gluten, the protein found in certain grains. Because the illness is autoimmune, meaning it causes the body to attack itself, it will not go away. This is important to know and remember - especially when you're craving that bag of pretzels or piece of pizza. Celiac disease is not a food allergy or sensitivity (but gluten sensitivity is still a serious condition) and the only 'cure' is gluten-free living. One cannot take a pill, then go eat a twinkie and expect to enjoy the 'good' life. For celiacs, as well as those with an intolerance or sensitivity to gluten, G-free living is a lifestyle they must adapt in order to live a healthy life.

If you have celiac diseae, gluten damages the tiny, hair-like villi lining in your small intestine and prevents your body from absorbing the nutrients it depends on to survive. The nutritional deficiencies which result from chronic malabsorption can lead to a wide range of health problems, which is one reason is it known as a multisymptomatic disorder. It can effect multiple parts of your body, including your brain, in addition (or even instead of) your digestive tract. If untreated, it can harm your liver, bones, dental enamel, and has been linked to depression, intestinal cancers, diabetes, seizures, and infertility.

Scientists once considered celiac diseae an extremely rare childhood disease. However, they now know it is one of the most common genetic onditions in the world. And based on current research, they are now linking it to environmental changes as well. Researchers are now wondering if the estimate of 1% of worldwide population (equating to 1 out of 133 Americans) having celiac to be too conservative of a number. And there's an unknown amount of many more people most likely have what is known as gluten sensitivty. The most alarming aspect of all these numbers is that less than 5% of those who have celiac disase know it!

The symptoms of celiac disease can make it exceptionally challanging to diagnose. However, if you suspect in the least you may have this condition, or could benefit from g-free living, please waste no time in checking out this website http://www.drknews.com/ concerning further information and testing that is now available. Untreated celaic disease can take a severe toll on one's health and the longer one who has celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity consumes gluten, the more likely these conditions are to develop and worsen.

In my next post, I'll list both the possible symptoms and long-term conditions that result from consuming gluten. If you feel you need to make some changes, please know it can be as simple as living gluten free!