Celiac Disease And Food Allergies

Celiac Disease and Food Allergies

Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People with celiac disease are unable to tolerate a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods, but may also be found in products which are used every day, including stamp and envelope adhesive, medicines, and vitamins. Because the body’s own immune system causes the damage, celiac disease is considered an autoimmune disorder. It is also classified as a disease of mal-absorption because the nutrients are not absorbed. Celiac disease is also known as celiac sprue, non-tropical sprue, and gluten sensitive enteropathy.

It is important to recognize that celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and wheat allergy are all food allergies. There are several classifications of food intolerances including food allergy, autoimmune-mediated, congenital digestive disorders, and metabolic diseases. Food allergies affect 5 percent of the population. Celiac disease affects people differently. Symptoms may occur in the digestive system or in other parts of the body. Irritability is one of the most common symptoms of celiac disease in children. Celiac disease is a genetic disease, meaning it runs in families. Sometimes the disease is triggered, or becomes active for the first time, after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection, or severe emotional stress.

Symptoms of celiac disease may include gas, chronic diarrhea, constipation, recurring abdominal bloating and pain, bone or joint pain, unexplained anemia, along with many more. A person with celiac disease may also have no symptoms. People without symptoms are still at great risk for the complications of celiac disease, including malnutrition. The longer a person goes undiagnosed and untreated, the greater the chance of developing malnutrition and other complications. Anemia, delayed growth, and the inability to gain or maintain weight are signs of malnutrition.

Recognizing celiac disease can be difficult because some of its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Celiac disease has been confused with irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, diverticulitis, intestinal infections, and chronic fatigue syndrome. As a result, celiac disease is commonly misdiagnosed. Screening for celiac disease involves testing for the presence of antibodies in the blood in people without symptoms. Americans are not routinely screened for celiac disease.

The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a gluten free diet. When a person is first diagnosed with celiac disease, the doctor will suggest the person to work with a dietitian on a gluten free diet plan. Someone with celiac disease can learn from a dietitian how to read ingredient lists and identify foods that contain gluten in order to make informed decisions at the grocery store or when eating out. For most people, following a gluten free diet will stop symptoms, heal existing intestinal damage, and prevent further damage. In order to stay well, people with celiac disease must avoid gluten for the rest of their lives. Eating any gluten, no matter how small an amount, can damage the small intestine.

News About Food Allergies

Nasal allergies may affect infants too 8 Sep 2010 at 2:14pm
A new study adds to evidence that infants and toddlers are not too young to develop nasal allergies, particularly if their parents have a history of the bothersome condition.

Tackling food allergy in public 8 Sep 2010 at 1:06am
The food industry has been urged to move beyond its "fear" of people with food allergies and address the risk it poses to a growing number of Australians.

Celebrities, congressman, physicians support Walk for Food Allergy on Sept. 11 8 Sep 2010 at 9:12pm
LONG BRANCH ? Keeping children with food allergies safe is a constant concern for their loved ones. read more

MPs asked for vegetarian labels on food 9 Sep 2010 at 12:17pm
A new Food Bill discriminates against vegetarians, vegans and religious communities, such as Hindus, Muslims and Jews.

MPs asked for vegetarian labels on food packaging 9 Sep 2010 at 4:52am
The Government's new Food Bill discriminates against vegetarians, vegans and religious communities with dietary restrictions, such as Hindus, Muslims and Jews, MPs were told today.

Move beyond food allergy `fear` 8 Sep 2010 at 12:50am
The food industry has been urged to move beyong their "fear" of people with food allergy.

Free health care talks begin in Bellingham on Wednesday 9 Sep 2010 at 9:22am
BELLINGHAM - Health care reform, vaccine safety, food allergies and obesity treatment are among the

Houston News Anchor Dominique Sachse Joins FAAN's Mission to Raise Awareness ... 7 Sep 2010 at 3:30pm
FAIRFAX, Va.----FAAN is pleased to announce that Emmy-nominated news anchor Dominique Sachse has teamed up with FAAN to help advocate for the millions of Americans with food allergies and help raise the profile of this potentially life-threatening medical condition by becoming one of its Ambassadors Who Care.

Passengers peeved about peanuts on planes 9 Sep 2010 at 1:08pm
The No. 1 suggestion from air travelers on ways to enhance passenger protections? Ban peanuts on planes. Peanut - Produce - Nuts and Seeds - Shopping - Food

New Food Recall Every Week: National Safety Expert Reveals Why Your Family Is... 7 Sep 2010 at 10:14am
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The recent food recalls of eggs contaminated with salmonella and approximately 380,000 pounds of Tyson Foods deli meat with possible listeria monocytogenes contamination have consumers questioning the safety of their food. While most consumers assume that government agencies and the food industry are working to protect the public, the truth is that their ...