Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is a lifelong, digestive disorder affecting children and adult. When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates a immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten in foods can affect those with CD and cause health problems. Damage can occur to the small bowel even where there is no symptoms present.

Glutenis the common name for the proteins in specific grains that are harmful to persons with celiac disease. These proteins are found in all forms of wheat (including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn and faro) and related grains rye, barley and triticale and MUST be eliminated.

Cause of Celiac Disease

The cause of Celiac Disease, also known as gluten sensitive enteropathey (GSE), is still a mystery. One out of 133 people in the United States is affected with celiac disease. CD occurs in 5-50% of the off-spring and siblings of a person with celiac disease. In 70% of identical twin pairs, both twins have the disease. It is strongly suggested that family members of a diagnosed celiac be tested, even if asymptomatic. Family members who have a autoimmune disease are at a 25% increased risk of having celiac disease. Celiac Disease is not a food allergy it is an autoimmune disease. Food allergies, including wheat allergy are conditions that people can people can grow out of. This is not the case with Celiac Disease.

Treatment of Celiac Disease

Because CD/DH is a chronic disorder, the only treatment is the lifelong adherence to the gluten free diet. When gluten is removed fromt he diet, the small intestine will start to heal and overall health improves. Conslult your physician regarding specific nutritional supplements to correct any deficiencies. The diagnosed celiac should have medical followup to monitor the clinical response to the gluten free diet.

Dietrary compliance increases the quality of life and decreases the likelihood of osteoporosis, intestinal lymphoma and other associated llnesses.Because osteoporosis is common and maybe profound in patients with newly diagnosed CD, bone dinsity should be measured at or shortly after diagnosis.

Adapting to the gluten free diet requires some lifestyle changes. It is essential to read labels and learn how to identify foods that are appropriate for the gluten free diet and do not contain toxin gluten.

Potential harmful ingredients include:

unidentified starch

modified food starch

binders

fillers

excipients

extenders

malt

Celiac Disease Foundation

Sensitive Sweets

Sensitive Sweets is a dedicated Gluten free

and nut free bakery.