*This web site is intended to provide basic information about Celiac Disease/Gluten Intolerance. Information contained herein has been approved by the GlutenSecret.com advisory board. It is not intended to provide, nor does it constitute, medical advice. Dietary changes based on information on this web site should not be initiated without first consulting a physician.
GlutenSecret.com© 2009
GlutenSecret.com© 2009
Celiac Disease
Abdominal bloating/distention
Abdominal cramps, gas and bloating
Abdominal distention Flatus (Passing gas)
Abdominal pain
Acidosis Gluten ataxia
ADD
Addison's Disease
ADHD
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Another gluten-related condition
Appetite (Increased to the point of craving)
Arthritis
Ataxia, Nerve Disease, Neuropathy, Brain Damage
Athsma
Autism
Autoimmune Disease
Back pain (Such as a result of collapsed lumbar vertebrae)
Bacterial Overgrowth
Behavior changes
Bi-Polar
Bloating
Bloating Feet (Reduced fat padding)
Bone disease
Bone or joint pain
Brain Disorders
Cancer, Lymphoma
Candida Albicans
Canker sores inside the mouth
Casein / Cows Milk Intolerance
Chronic diarrhea or constipation or both
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cognitive Impairment
Constipation Night blindness
Crankiness
Crohn's Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Decreased ability to clot blood Skin (Very dry)
Dehydration Stools (Loose, Hard, Small, Large, Foul smelling, Floating, Clay, Light tan or Gray-colored, Highly rancid, or Frothy)
Delayed growth
Delayed growth or onset of puberty
Dental and bone disorders (such as osteoporosis)
Depression
Dermatitis herpetiformis - a painful skin rash
Diabetes Type I & II
Diarrhea
Difficulty concentrating
Digestive Disorders
Disinterested in normal activities
Down Syndrome
Dyspepsia, Acid Reflux
Easy bruising
Eczema
Edema Tooth enamel defects
Electrolyte depletion Weakness
Energy loss Weight loss
Epilepsy
Failure to thrive (infants)
Fatigue, weakness or lack of energy
Fertility, Pregnancy, Miscarriage
Fibromyalgia
Abdominal cramps, gas and bloating
Abdominal distention Flatus (Passing gas)
Abdominal pain
Acidosis Gluten ataxia
ADD
Addison's Disease
ADHD
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Another gluten-related condition
Appetite (Increased to the point of craving)
Arthritis
Ataxia, Nerve Disease, Neuropathy, Brain Damage
Athsma
Autism
Autoimmune Disease
Back pain (Such as a result of collapsed lumbar vertebrae)
Bacterial Overgrowth
Behavior changes
Bi-Polar
Bloating
Bloating Feet (Reduced fat padding)
Bone disease
Bone or joint pain
Brain Disorders
Cancer, Lymphoma
Candida Albicans
Canker sores inside the mouth
Casein / Cows Milk Intolerance
Chronic diarrhea or constipation or both
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cognitive Impairment
Constipation Night blindness
Crankiness
Crohn's Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Decreased ability to clot blood Skin (Very dry)
Dehydration Stools (Loose, Hard, Small, Large, Foul smelling, Floating, Clay, Light tan or Gray-colored, Highly rancid, or Frothy)
Delayed growth
Delayed growth or onset of puberty
Dental and bone disorders (such as osteoporosis)
Depression
Dermatitis herpetiformis - a painful skin rash
Diabetes Type I & II
Diarrhea
Difficulty concentrating
Digestive Disorders
Disinterested in normal activities
Down Syndrome
Dyspepsia, Acid Reflux
Easy bruising
Eczema
Edema Tooth enamel defects
Electrolyte depletion Weakness
Energy loss Weight loss
Epilepsy
Failure to thrive (infants)
Fatigue, weakness or lack of energy
Fertility, Pregnancy, Miscarriage
Fibromyalgia
Celiac Disease (CD)
Celiac Disease (CD), is believed to effect 1 in 7 people and is said to be the only form of Wheat Intolerance researched today. However, as we have mentioned before, it is not a Food Allergy, but instead an inherited Autoimmune Disorder. Also referred to as: Cœliac Disease, C(o)eliac Sprue, Non-Tropical Sprue, Endemic Sprue, Gluten Enteropathy, Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy, and Gluten Intolerance. The word Coeliac originated from the ancient Greek word for Abdominal Disease.
Being that this is an inherited disorder, for every person diagnosed with Celiac Disease, there are 5-15% of their offspring and siblings that have also inherited the Disease. A study was completed on identical twin pairs, and 70% of both twins have the Disease. It is strongly suggested that family members of an individual diagnosed with CD be tested, even if there are no symptoms (asymptomatic) present. Individuals who have an Autoimmune Disease have a high chance (25%) of having Celiac Disease.
Causes
Celiac Disease is caused by a reaction from the Immune System and is triggered by a protein named Gluten or Gliadin (found in Wheat, Barley, Rye, and other grains.) When an individual who has Celiac Disease comes in contact with, or consumes foods containing Gluten, their Immune System attacks and destroys the body's own tissues causing an inflammatory reaction to occurs in the small intestine. This response causes damage to the surface of the small intestine which is lined with tiny, hair-like follicles called Villi (think of a shag carpet).
Stomach Villi work to absorb Vitamins, Minerals and other Nutrients necessary for health and growth. This damage leads to inflammation and flattening of this lining in the small intestine (called Villous Atrophy), and interferes with absorption leading to Malnutrition. Nutrients such as good Fats, Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals are instead eliminated with your stool. Without nutrients, every system in the body weakens and providing an opportunity for secondary Autoimmune Diseases to strengthen.
Malnutrition can cause Vitamin deficiencies that deprive your Brain, Peripheral Nervous System, Bones, Liver, and other Organs of vital nourishment. This can lead to other illnesses, stunted growth in children, and can increase your risk for other Diseases such as, Anemia, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and more.
Below is a diagram to help better understand the smalll intesine:
Celiac Disease (CD), is believed to effect 1 in 7 people and is said to be the only form of Wheat Intolerance researched today. However, as we have mentioned before, it is not a Food Allergy, but instead an inherited Autoimmune Disorder. Also referred to as: Cœliac Disease, C(o)eliac Sprue, Non-Tropical Sprue, Endemic Sprue, Gluten Enteropathy, Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy, and Gluten Intolerance. The word Coeliac originated from the ancient Greek word for Abdominal Disease.
Being that this is an inherited disorder, for every person diagnosed with Celiac Disease, there are 5-15% of their offspring and siblings that have also inherited the Disease. A study was completed on identical twin pairs, and 70% of both twins have the Disease. It is strongly suggested that family members of an individual diagnosed with CD be tested, even if there are no symptoms (asymptomatic) present. Individuals who have an Autoimmune Disease have a high chance (25%) of having Celiac Disease.
Causes
Celiac Disease is caused by a reaction from the Immune System and is triggered by a protein named Gluten or Gliadin (found in Wheat, Barley, Rye, and other grains.) When an individual who has Celiac Disease comes in contact with, or consumes foods containing Gluten, their Immune System attacks and destroys the body's own tissues causing an inflammatory reaction to occurs in the small intestine. This response causes damage to the surface of the small intestine which is lined with tiny, hair-like follicles called Villi (think of a shag carpet).
Stomach Villi work to absorb Vitamins, Minerals and other Nutrients necessary for health and growth. This damage leads to inflammation and flattening of this lining in the small intestine (called Villous Atrophy), and interferes with absorption leading to Malnutrition. Nutrients such as good Fats, Proteins, Vitamins, and Minerals are instead eliminated with your stool. Without nutrients, every system in the body weakens and providing an opportunity for secondary Autoimmune Diseases to strengthen.
Malnutrition can cause Vitamin deficiencies that deprive your Brain, Peripheral Nervous System, Bones, Liver, and other Organs of vital nourishment. This can lead to other illnesses, stunted growth in children, and can increase your risk for other Diseases such as, Anemia, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and more.
Below is a diagram to help better understand the smalll intesine:
Flatulence (Gas)
Fluid retention
Foul-smelling or grayish stools (may be fatty or oily)
Gall Bladder Disease Bleeding
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Hair Loss
Heart Failure
Hyperparathyroidism
IBS
Infertility male and female
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Intestinal Disease
Intestinal Permeability
Iron-deficiency anemia
Joint pain
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Loose stool
Losing weight
Lymphoma
Malnutrition, Body Mass Index
Migraine Headaches
Missed menstrual periods
Mood changes
Mouth sores (aphthus ulcers)
Mouth sores or cracks in the corners
MSG Allergy
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle cramping (Especially in the hands and legs)
Muscle weakness
Myositis (muscular atrophy)
Not gaining weight
Numbness (legs from nerve damage)
Obesity, Overweight
Older children:
Osteoporosis
Pale, foul-smelling stool
Pallor
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
Personality changes
Poor memory
Problematic Pregnancies
Projectile vomiting
Psoriasis
Sarcoidosis
Schizophrenia / Mental Problems
Seizures
Sepsis
Sjogrens Syndrome
Skin Problems
Skin rash
Slowly
Stomach upset
Systemic Lupus Erthematosus (SLE)
Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Thyroid & Pancreatic Disorders
Thyroid Disease
Tingling in the legs and feet (neuropathy)
Tongue (Smooth or geographic - looks like different continents)
Tooth discoloration or loss of enamel
Tuberculosis
Unexplained anemia (iron, folate, or B12 deficiency)
Vitamin K Deficiency
Fluid retention
Foul-smelling or grayish stools (may be fatty or oily)
Gall Bladder Disease Bleeding
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Hair Loss
Heart Failure
Hyperparathyroidism
IBS
Infertility male and female
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Intestinal Disease
Intestinal Permeability
Iron-deficiency anemia
Joint pain
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Loose stool
Losing weight
Lymphoma
Malnutrition, Body Mass Index
Migraine Headaches
Missed menstrual periods
Mood changes
Mouth sores (aphthus ulcers)
Mouth sores or cracks in the corners
MSG Allergy
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle cramping (Especially in the hands and legs)
Muscle weakness
Myositis (muscular atrophy)
Not gaining weight
Numbness (legs from nerve damage)
Obesity, Overweight
Older children:
Osteoporosis
Pale, foul-smelling stool
Pallor
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
Personality changes
Poor memory
Problematic Pregnancies
Projectile vomiting
Psoriasis
Sarcoidosis
Schizophrenia / Mental Problems
Seizures
Sepsis
Sjogrens Syndrome
Skin Problems
Skin rash
Slowly
Stomach upset
Systemic Lupus Erthematosus (SLE)
Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Thyroid & Pancreatic Disorders
Thyroid Disease
Tingling in the legs and feet (neuropathy)
Tongue (Smooth or geographic - looks like different continents)
Tooth discoloration or loss of enamel
Tuberculosis
Unexplained anemia (iron, folate, or B12 deficiency)
Vitamin K Deficiency
Diagnosis and Testing
There are several tests that can be used to assist in the diagnosis of Celiac Disease. These tests should be performed by a qualified laboratory. Specific blood screens which help identify the presence Antibody cells within your bloodstream. The level of symptoms may determine the order of the tests, however, it is extremely important to understand that all tests lose their effectiveness if the patient is already following a Gluten-Free Diet/Lifestyle. If so, talk to your doctor to take about appropriate precautions before performing these Tests. The following are different diagnosing methods, which some or all may be used in the process of determination of Celiac Disease:
Patient Medical History and Physical Examination ; collecting any related information regarding complaints, symptoms, illnesses, disorders, diseases, or ailments for the patient and any family members.
Blood Tests; A screening for the presence of specific antibodies with in the bloodstream. This can include the following: Endomysial Antibody Test, Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody Test, Anti-Gliadin Antibody Test, and Total Serum Test.
Biopsy of the Small Intestine; a procedure known as a type of upper Endoscopy, where the patient usually receives general Anastasia or a sedative and consisting of obtaining a tissue sample from the small intestine. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is the procedure that involves a licensed professional using a small camera that is inserted down the throat, in a flexible tube, to navigate thru the intestinal lining and remove a small sample for testing. This method of diagnosing Gluten Intolerance is most commonly administered because of its high degree of accuracy. A professional will then examine the sample to check for characteristics that indicate Gluten Intolerance, such as a loss of Villi (hair like follicles found on the lining of the small intestine that absorb nutrients into the bloodstream).
If an individual feels they may have received an incorrect diagnosis, please consult this with a physician to ensure proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for Celiac Disease consists of Gluten/Gliadin avoidance diet/lifestyle, in which you avoid ALL forms of the foods/ingredients in relation to the Intolerance Allergen(s). Sensitive or Intolerant people have to avoid ANY exposure as the Allergens may be included in everyday items you would never consider to be contaminated. This would include Consumption(check medications), Touching (same/shared surface as allergen), Inhaling (occupational hazard), or Application (shampoo, creams, lotions, make-up, etc.).
Resources
With this current growing pandemic, we are fortunate to have many Resources directly available to the public. These Universities, Organizations, and Foundations are dedicated to clinical research, studies, and overall information regarding Celiac Disease. The following are just few top Resources being used today:
Celiac Sprue Association:
www.csaceliacs.org
University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research:
www.celiaccenter.org
University of Chicago Medical Center:
www.uchospitals.edu/specialties/celiac
Columbia University Celiac Disease Center:
www.celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu
There are several tests that can be used to assist in the diagnosis of Celiac Disease. These tests should be performed by a qualified laboratory. Specific blood screens which help identify the presence Antibody cells within your bloodstream. The level of symptoms may determine the order of the tests, however, it is extremely important to understand that all tests lose their effectiveness if the patient is already following a Gluten-Free Diet/Lifestyle. If so, talk to your doctor to take about appropriate precautions before performing these Tests. The following are different diagnosing methods, which some or all may be used in the process of determination of Celiac Disease:
Patient Medical History and Physical Examination ; collecting any related information regarding complaints, symptoms, illnesses, disorders, diseases, or ailments for the patient and any family members.
Blood Tests; A screening for the presence of specific antibodies with in the bloodstream. This can include the following: Endomysial Antibody Test, Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody Test, Anti-Gliadin Antibody Test, and Total Serum Test.
Biopsy of the Small Intestine; a procedure known as a type of upper Endoscopy, where the patient usually receives general Anastasia or a sedative and consisting of obtaining a tissue sample from the small intestine. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is the procedure that involves a licensed professional using a small camera that is inserted down the throat, in a flexible tube, to navigate thru the intestinal lining and remove a small sample for testing. This method of diagnosing Gluten Intolerance is most commonly administered because of its high degree of accuracy. A professional will then examine the sample to check for characteristics that indicate Gluten Intolerance, such as a loss of Villi (hair like follicles found on the lining of the small intestine that absorb nutrients into the bloodstream).
If an individual feels they may have received an incorrect diagnosis, please consult this with a physician to ensure proper diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for Celiac Disease consists of Gluten/Gliadin avoidance diet/lifestyle, in which you avoid ALL forms of the foods/ingredients in relation to the Intolerance Allergen(s). Sensitive or Intolerant people have to avoid ANY exposure as the Allergens may be included in everyday items you would never consider to be contaminated. This would include Consumption(check medications), Touching (same/shared surface as allergen), Inhaling (occupational hazard), or Application (shampoo, creams, lotions, make-up, etc.).
Resources
With this current growing pandemic, we are fortunate to have many Resources directly available to the public. These Universities, Organizations, and Foundations are dedicated to clinical research, studies, and overall information regarding Celiac Disease. The following are just few top Resources being used today:
Celiac Sprue Association:
www.csaceliacs.org
University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research:
www.celiaccenter.org
University of Chicago Medical Center:
www.uchospitals.edu/specialties/celiac
Columbia University Celiac Disease Center:
www.celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu
Symptoms
Although some people experience no symptoms. The damage occurs whether it is felt or not, and these people are at risk for many other Autoimmune illnesses. It is impossible to outgrow Celiac Disease. Complaints have been found to range from Fatigue, Nausea, Constipation, Diarrhea, Depression, to Lactose Intolerance, Anemia, ADHD, Weight Gain/Loss and many others.
Latent and Silent Celiac Disease (CD)
The terms Latent and Silent Celiac Disease simply refer to patients who have inherited the predisposed genes to Celiac Disease, but have not yet developed the symptoms and/or signs.
Latent Celiac Disease refers specifically to patients who have abnormal Antibody Blood Tests for CD but who have normal small intestines and no signs or symptoms.
Silent Celiac Disease refers to patients who have abnormal Antibody Blood Tests for CD as well as loss of Villi in the small intestine but still have no symptoms or signs, even on a normal diet that contains Gluten. Like patients with Latent Celiac Disease, these patients can develop signs or symptoms of CD later in life.
Gastrointestinal
Even though many people may not experience any Gastrointestinal symptoms at all, it is still the most commonly referred to with individuals who suffer from Celiac Disease. The characteristics of Diarrhoea in a Celiac individual is pale, has a foul odor, and comes large amounts. Abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating with abdominal distention. Mouth ulcers can occur, as well as, a degree of Lactose Intolerance may develop. There is an enormous variety of Gastrointestinal symptoms, however, some individuals remain to have normal bowel practices or are likely to be constipated. Frequently and mistakenly, the symptoms are attributed to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), only later to be recognized as Celiac Disease.
Below you will find a list of Celiac Disease symptoms/illnesses, which include, but are not limited to:
Although some people experience no symptoms. The damage occurs whether it is felt or not, and these people are at risk for many other Autoimmune illnesses. It is impossible to outgrow Celiac Disease. Complaints have been found to range from Fatigue, Nausea, Constipation, Diarrhea, Depression, to Lactose Intolerance, Anemia, ADHD, Weight Gain/Loss and many others.
Latent and Silent Celiac Disease (CD)
The terms Latent and Silent Celiac Disease simply refer to patients who have inherited the predisposed genes to Celiac Disease, but have not yet developed the symptoms and/or signs.
Latent Celiac Disease refers specifically to patients who have abnormal Antibody Blood Tests for CD but who have normal small intestines and no signs or symptoms.
Silent Celiac Disease refers to patients who have abnormal Antibody Blood Tests for CD as well as loss of Villi in the small intestine but still have no symptoms or signs, even on a normal diet that contains Gluten. Like patients with Latent Celiac Disease, these patients can develop signs or symptoms of CD later in life.
Gastrointestinal
Even though many people may not experience any Gastrointestinal symptoms at all, it is still the most commonly referred to with individuals who suffer from Celiac Disease. The characteristics of Diarrhoea in a Celiac individual is pale, has a foul odor, and comes large amounts. Abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating with abdominal distention. Mouth ulcers can occur, as well as, a degree of Lactose Intolerance may develop. There is an enormous variety of Gastrointestinal symptoms, however, some individuals remain to have normal bowel practices or are likely to be constipated. Frequently and mistakenly, the symptoms are attributed to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), only later to be recognized as Celiac Disease.
Below you will find a list of Celiac Disease symptoms/illnesses, which include, but are not limited to:
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