Celiac disease, also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy is very common but frequently missed. It is an autoimmune disease of intestinal damage due to gluten in people who are genetically predisposed. Classic Celiac disease is diagnosed by abnormal blood tests and an abnormal appearing intestine on biopsy and symptoms that resolve with a gluten free diet.

Coeliac Disease Causes

The common Causes of Coeliac Disease:

The exact cause of coeliac disease is unknown.

Severe stress, physical injury, infection, pregnancy, childbirth or surgery may lead to symptoms developing.

Sensitivity to gluten is the cause of coeliac disease and this often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link.

Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal pain or cramps

Bloating

Diarrhea

Foul-smelling, grayish stools that may float and may be larger than normal

Gas

While diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating are thought of as the classic symptoms of celiac disease, especially with children, in adults these symptoms aren't always present, or noticeable. Some adults report headaches, fatigue and joint pain. Others report weight gain or weight loss, depression and hair loss -- symptoms not often associated with gut-related problems.

Treatment for Celiac Disease

The number one enemy of celiac is gluten in any form. Avoid all products containing barley, rye, wheat, oats, hydrolyzed vegetable or plant protein, textured vegetable protein, malt, modified food starch, binders, fillers, and "natural flavorings." Do not eat hot dogs, gravies, luncheon meat, beer, mustard, catsup, non-dairy creamer, white vinegar, curry powder, or seasonings. Be sure your nutritional supplements do not contain gluten. Gluten-free products are available at health food stores, call 800-633-3826 and ask for a gluten-free product catalog.

Because lactose intolerance often occurs with liac disease, eliminate milk and dairy products from your diet. For optimum heazlth, breastfeed your child for a longer period of time and postpone introducing cow's milk and grains into the diet until the child is older. Do not eat sugary products, processed foods, bouillon cubes, chocolate, or bottled salad dressings.

Herbal Medicine

A herbalist may prescribe slippery elm, marshmallow, camomile, or papain. Research indicates that papain - an extract of papaya, which is available as a supplement - may break down the gluten so that it does no harm.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Herbs that are sometimes used to treat the disorder include trifoliate orange (for digestive upset and abdominal bloating), fennel (to regulate and enhance digestive functions), and nutmeg (to tone the small intestine).

A blood test can now help doctors to tell if somebody is likely to have the condition.

Treatment consists of restricting gluten in the diet.

The only effective treatment of Coeliac disease is strict lifelong complete avoidance of Gluten found in cereals such as Wheat, Rye and Barley (many tolerate Oats).

However, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to remove a small piece of tissue from the intestine for analysis in the laboratory.

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