What is Celiac Disease (Sprue) and Why Gluten Free Diet Stops Intolerance
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, or barley. For some, their body’s immune system responds to gluten by damaging the lining of the small intestine. This reaction is commonly known as gluten intolerance, sprue or Celiac Disease for technical.
The lining of your small intestines have small finger-like growths called villi. Under normal conditions, these villi absorb nutrients from the food you eat. However, if these villi are damaged by your immune system’s reaction to gluten, you body may fail to be properly nourished.
Malnutrition is a very serious consequence of a gluten intolerance (Celiac Disease), despite consuming a well-balanced diet. A gluten free diet will be required for life after a doctor diagnosed blood test establishes your intolerance.
Some common clues you may be suffering from Celiac Disease include:
- gas
- tired
- diarrhea
- weight loss
- slow growth
- stomach pain
- mood changes
- itchy skin rash with blisters
Don’t delay seeking a possible gluten intolerance diagnosis from your doctor if you experience any digestive discomfort following ingestion of wheat, rye or barley food stuff, such as bread or cereal.
- How Your Immune System Basically Works
- Many Causes for Abdominal (Stomach) Pain or Ache
- About Malnutrition Causes, Signs, Symptoms, Treatment and Effects of Malnourished
