Do You Have Celiac Disease?

Do You Have Celiac Disease?

The list of symptoms ranges far and wide, but mostly it comes down to bad diarrhea.

Gluten-free food is all the rage. Following a gluten-free diet means that you avoid eating the protein found in wheat, barley, rye and other related grains. So, no traditional pizza, cake or sandwiches.

Why go to such extremes? Some people find the special regime helps them eliminate the symptoms of celiac disease, which can be quite uncomfortable.

And if you find you’re constantly running to the nearest bathroom for relief, you could have it.

This autoimmune disorder primarily targets the small intestine, and can cause bad diarrhea, abdominal cramping, ulcers in your mouth and many other problems.

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If the disease goes undetected, having the condition can mean you develop long term health complications, ranging anywhere from anemia to lactose intolerance and neurological problems.

But there is good news. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease affects about 1 in every 100 people, so only about 1% of the entire population has it.

What are the signs? The list is long. The classic symptoms include pale, loose and greasy stool, an inability to gain weight and many adults also experience fatigue. The Celiac Disease Foundation has a comprehensive checklist that includes everything from vitamin deficiencies to depression, bloating and arthritis.

In truth, for a proper diagnosis you need to complete a celiac disease panel blood test and an endoscopic biopsy of your small intestine to find out what’s going on.

Hopefully all that trouble is just being caused by the chili you ate at lunch. But if your turbulence is on-going, it could be worth looking into.

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