A celiac diagnosis requires a change to the diet. Celiac disease may not be cured, however it is possible to relieve the symptoms by removing gluten from the diet. Gluten is common in many modern foods, so the dietary changes are dramatic for most people. Relief from the discomfort of celiac disease occurs quickly after the adaption of a gluten-free diet, however it may take months to years before the damage caused from gluten exposure is completely healed.
After receiving a celiac diagnosis, the doctor will discuss the different foods that you should remove from your diet. They include wheat, barley, rye, as well as flour containing any of these grains. Some people with celiac disease are able to eat oats without experiencing symptoms, but it is best to avoid them initially, as they do have a negative effect on some patients.
It is important to look at labels when shopping for grain products. Amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat are gluten-free, but, if they are processed in the same plant as other grains, they can become contaminated. Look for a label stating that the grain is "gluten-free," or a statement on the package that the product is processed in a gluten-free facility. Many health food stores feature such greater varieties of these products than typical supermarkets.
Adhering to a strict gluten free diet is a challenge. Fresh cuts of meat, prepared without breading, most types of dairy, rice, potatoes, flours made from soy, rice, corn, and potatoes, and fruits and vegetables are all permitted. Freshly preparing foods makes it easier to maintain a gluten-free lifestyle, as many food additives contain gluten. Gluten is also present in small amounts in some cosmetics, such as lipstick, and vitamins. Even a small amount of gluten can trigger symptoms of celiac disease.
In addition to avoiding gluten after a celiac diagnosis, some patients may require supplements to make up for vitamin deficiencies that can develop in people with celiac disease. Celiac disease can interfere with the absorption of nutrition during the digestion process, which can lead to your body having trouble absorbing certain nutrients. Your doctor will look for these deficiencies after making the celiac diagnosis.
People with celiac disease experience an immune system response when they ingest gluten, a protein. This reaction occurs in the small intestines, causing damage to the surface. This damage interferes with the person's ability to absorb nutrients. Symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, muscle cramps, mouth sores, and joint pain. People with Type 1 diabetes or immune disorders are at an increased risk of developing celiac disease.
