Gluten Free Living

Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease, also known as gluten intolerance, is a genetic disorder that affects at least 1 in 100 Americans. Symptoms range from the classic features, such as diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition, to latent symptoms such as isolated nutrient deficiencies but no gastrointestinal symptoms. Those affected suffer damage to the villi (shortening and villous flattening), in the lamina propria and crypt regions of their intestines when they eat specific food-grain antigens (toxic amino acid sequences) that are found in wheat, rye, and barley. Oats may impact some also.

Because of the broad range of symptoms celiac disease presents, it can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can range from mild weakness, bone pain, and aphthous stomatitis to chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and progressive weight loss. If a person with the disorder continues to eat gluten, studies have shown that he or she will increase their chances of gastrointestinal cancer by a factor of 40 to 100 times that of the normal population. Further, gastrointestinal carcinoma or lymphoma develops in up to 15 percent of patients with untreated or refractory celiac disease. It is therefore imperative that the disease is quickly and properly diagnosed so it can be treated as soon as possible.

Celiac Disease and HIV

As reported by The University of Texas Medical Center
"Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease associated with T cell activation triggered by gliadin followed by damage of the intestinal villi. HIV infection is commonly associated with chronic diarrhea. In the absence of an identifiable infectious cause, this has been termed HIV enteropathy. In the past, it has been noted that the diarrhea may resolve following the empiric administration of a gluten-free diet."

Some Suggested Resources

Gluten Free Network
Information about symptoms, diets, care and treatment for the condition.
www.glutenfreenetwork.com

Celiac Central
A great resource for information, nutrition, and recipes.
http://www.celiaccentral.org/Gluten-Free-Food

Celiac.com
A great resource for medical information about Celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
http://www.celiac.com/


University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center
They seek to cure Celiac disease by 2026.
http://www.cureceliacdisease.org/