Very many people who are interested in the low FODMAP diet are so because they have Celiac Disease, such as myself. This post is meant to lay all the information out there about the disease, its effects, and the relationship between it and the low FODMAP diet!
First Things First: What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease, triggered by the consumption of gluten. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye products. When ingested, the body mounts an immune attack on the villi in small intestine. Villi are the hairlike projections on the intestinal wall that promote nutrient absorption. When damaged, it means that nutrients cannot be absorbed into the body.
Celiac Disease is hereditary. Those with first-degree relatives with the disease have a 1 in 10 risk of having it. Currently, 1 in 100 people in the United States have Celiac Disease.
Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment
Diagnosis of Celiac Disease involves:
-In-depth discussions with your physician
-Blood test to identify antibodies found in those with the disease
-Confirmation through a biopsy of the small intestine
What Are The Symptoms of Celiac?
There are several symptoms associated with Celiac Disease:
-In-depth discussions with your physician
-Blood test to identify antibodies found in those with the disease
-Confirmation through a biopsy of the small intestine
What Are The Symptoms of Celiac?
There are several symptoms associated with Celiac Disease:
- bloating or gas
- constipation or diarrhea
- fatigue
- unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
- bone or joint pain
- arthritis
- bone loss or osteoporosis
- depression or anxiety
- tingling numbness in the hands and feet
- seizures or migraines
- missed menstrual periods
- canker sores inside the mouth
This is only a short list of symptoms. A more comprehensive list is provided under Resources.
Leaving Celiac Diseases undiagnosed or untreated can lead to several serious long-term health effects, including:
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no pharmaceutical treatment or cure to Celiac Disease. The only treatment is following a gluten-free diet.
Leaving Celiac Diseases undiagnosed or untreated can lead to several serious long-term health effects, including:
- development of type 1 diabetes
- multiple sclerosis
- dermatitis herpetiformis
- anemia
- osteoporosis
- infertility and miscarriage
- short stature
- migraines
- epilepsy
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no pharmaceutical treatment or cure to Celiac Disease. The only treatment is following a gluten-free diet.
Celiac Disease and the Low FODMAP Diet
There are several reasons why people seek the Low FODMAP Diet. In rare occasions, individuals with Celiac Disease are still symptomatic after eliminating gluten from their diet for a variety of reasons. The Low FODMAP Diet is just one way of sorting out other sensitivities in a person's diet. Personally, I have found the diet to be life changing.
The most important part of being responsible about Celiac Disease is AWARENESS! The only way you can make yourself feel better is if you know what you body does and does not like. The Low FODMAP Diet helps improve this awareness, but is not the end-all be-all cure to your digestive issues. Regular discussions with your doctor can help you pinpoint your own body's needs.
The most important part of being responsible about Celiac Disease is AWARENESS! The only way you can make yourself feel better is if you know what you body does and does not like. The Low FODMAP Diet helps improve this awareness, but is not the end-all be-all cure to your digestive issues. Regular discussions with your doctor can help you pinpoint your own body's needs.
Helpful Resources
Celiac Disease Foundation: What is Celiac Disease?
Symptoms and Conditions of Celiac Disease
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness: Fast Facts
Celiac Disease Foundation: Poorly Responsive Celiac Disease
Symptoms and Conditions of Celiac Disease
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness: Fast Facts
Celiac Disease Foundation: Poorly Responsive Celiac Disease