Common Diet Misconceptions

I often see patients who are avoiding foods
unnecessarily, eating a very strict diet.  Here
is a list of some foods you can eat, some to
avoid.

• The need to avoid artificial colors.

This is false, they are all safe except malt flavor

Gluten Free Diet

The treatment of Celiac disease is a gluten free
diet.  This involves avoiding all foods that contain
wheat, rye, or barley.  Even a tiny amount of gluten
can be harmful.
Following a gluten free diet means a return to normal
life.  Intestinal damage will heal, further damage will
be prevented.  There is strong evidence that a strict
gluten free diet reduces the risk of the development of
other autoimmune diseases.

Meet with a Registered Dietitian who works with
the gluten free diet.  Always look at the foods you
can eat and not focus on the ones you can't.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Many people with gluten intolerance develop
a chronic disease of the skin called dermatitis
herpetiformis.  They appear usually on the elbows
or buttocks, but can appear anywhere on the body.
Anyone with DH is considered to have Celiac
disease even though results of a biopsy in the
small intestine may be normal.  This is a classic
sign of gluten sensitivity.

Signs Of Celiac In Adults

What are the signs and symptoms of Celiac
disease in adults?  Diarrhea, the hallmark of
intestinal diseases, is the single most common
symptom.  Most of the time it is labeled as
irritable bowel syndrome.  Other symptoms
include, anemia, osteoporosis, and neurological
problems. 

Signs Of Celiac In Children

The main sign of Celiac disease in children are
abdominal pain, failure to thrive, or growth issues,
including short stature.

Forms Of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is classified into two main
types, classical or atypical.  Classical includes
those with predominant gastrointestinal symptoms.
While the atypical form includes those with anemia,
osteoporosis, and those asymptomatic.  Dermatitis
herpetiformis is Celiac disease of the skin. Gluten
sensitivity in individuals with DH is manifested
by an intensely itchy blistering rash.

Who Is At Risk For Celiac Disease?

Anyone could be at risk for Celiac disease.
The risk is increased in:

• Relatives of those with celiac disease
• Type 1 diabetes
• Autoimmune thyroid disease
• Down, Turner and Williams syndrome
• Chronic liver disease

What Causes Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease occurs as a result of genetic
factors, gluten and other environmental
factors.  The genes necessary for the disease
to occur are HLA DQ2 or DQ8.  However,
these genes are common, occurring in about
30% of the general population.  There are
many other genes that have been linked to
the disease.  The known environmental
factors that may contribute to the development
of the disease include, GI infections, timing and
gluten consumption, and birth by C section.

Celiac disease can develop at any age from
infancy to old age and occurs equally in
males and females.

How Does Celiac Disease Happen?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that
damages the small intestine interfering with
the absorption of nutrients and causing systemic
problems.

The small intestine is the site of digestion of the
food we eat.  These components include proteins,
carbs, fats, mineral, and vitamins.  The small
intestine then absorbs these nutrients and releases
them into the bloodstream, which carries them to
all tissues and cells of the body.

Gluten Free Substitutes

Many items with gluten  have gluten free
alternatives that are available.  Keep in mind
that minimally processed fresh foods are a
important part of a healthy gluten free diet.
Make sure to add fruits, vegetables and lean
meats to your daily diet.

Naturally Gluten Free Grains

The following grains and other starchy foods
that are naturally gluten free:

• Corn
• Cassava
• Potato
• Tapioca
• Soy
• Sorghum
• Beans

Celiac Mom R.D.: Hidden Sources Of Gluten

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Not Celiac But Gluten Sensitivity

This sensitivity is a bit more tricky.  Some do not
even believe it exists.  Many times a NCGS diagnosis
is made after the doctor rules out Celiac and a wheat
allergy.  Eating gluten still gives symptoms of Celiac
disease.

Wheat Allergy But Not Celiac

This works just like any other allergy.  When the allergen wheat is
ingested, white blood cells send out antibodies to attack it, which
then causes symptoms.

Wheat is a primary source of gluten, which is why this allergy is
often lumped with a gluten free diet.  However,  people with
wheat allergies can eat gluten from non wheat sources. 
This allergy is one of the top eight food allergies and can be
outgrown as a child gets older.