Celiac Disease

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a medical condition in which the absorptive surface (mucosa) of the small intestine is damaged by a substance called gluten. Gluten is the general name for a type of protein found in wheat, oats, rye, and barley. The damage to the intestine results in the inability of the body to absorb nutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals) which are necessary for good health.

New screening methods using a variety of blood tests indicate that the incidence of celiac disease in the the general population may be as high as 1 in 100. Studies have shown that there are many people who display no symptoms of Celiac, but who have the disease.

The symptoms of celiac disease tend to be unspecific, and vary greatly form one person to another. In general, the symptoms of untreated celiac disease indicate the presence of malabsorption due to the damaged small intestine. Some of the most common symptoms are: anaemia, lethargy, vitamin deficiencies, depression, diarrhea or constipation (often both), flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, lactose intolerance.

Although there are a number of blood tests available to test for the presence of celiac disease, a definitive diagnosis can only be made by a small bowel biopsy.

At the present celiac disease has no known cure, and can only be controlled by strict adherence to a gluten-free diet for life.

Dermatitis herpetiform is is related to celiac and is characterized by itchy, sore skin blisters--usually found on the elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp. Unlike celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiform is diagnosed not with a small bowel biopsy, but with an immuno-fluorescence test performed on a skin biopsy from an affected area. Treatment is similar to celiac disease; a gluten-free diet for life.

Dietitian

A dietitian can be very helpful for newly diagnosed celiacs. The celiac diet is a major change and it is important to make sure you are getting the correct nutirents to become healthy. Go to this Dietitian Site to find one in your area and follow the instructions below.

Dietitian Site Instructions

• In the "I am looking for:" section, select "Counselling Dietitian".
• In the "Who is close to my location:" section, enter your "Postal Code" and the distance "Within" that is acceptable.
• In the "Conditions" section, scroll down and select "Celiac Disease".
• At the top or bottom of the page, select "Search".
• See the list of dietitians that meet your criteria on the new page.
• If you select "read more", you can find out details on the dietitian such as if they are accepting new paitients or not.

Canada's Food Guide

The food guide provides nutritional guidelines. Celiacs must be aware that some substitutions must be made in order to avoid gluten. Remember to always consult a doctor before making a diet change.

Celiac Disease - The Gluten Connection

Health Canada speaks to manufactuers about labelling allergens, gluten sources and added sulphites. This is a good read and a positive step for celiacs.

Celiac Disease and Diabetes

The Canadian Diabetes Association has web page dedicated to the association of diabetes and celiac disease. If you are a diabetic it is a must read.