Celiac disease is a rare autoimmune disorder that hits one person out of hundred. In this disease, the body develops an immune response against gluten, a protein present in wheat, oats, rye etc. So if a person suffering from celiac consumes gluten, the body attacks the small intestine and damage the ville. Ville is the small finger-like projections which increase the absorption area of the small intestine. This results in improper absorption of nutrients.
There is no cure for this disease; however, a person having celiac disease can control the symptoms of this disease by following a proper diet.
Symptoms of celiac disease
- Light headedness and weakness
- Ulcer in mouth
- Teeth deformity
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Dull, pale skin
- Nervous system disorder
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Loss of body mass and bone density
- Damaged spleen
Who are at a high risk?
People who have a family member suffering from this disease are at a high risk. This disease is considered to be hereditary and runs in family. If you are having type 1 diabetes or Down’s syndrome then you need to careful. Diseases like autoimmune thyroid disease, microscopic colitis, arthritis increase your vulnerability to celiac disease.
What to eat in celiac disease?
The only way of reducing the symptoms of this disease is by following a very strict diet. If you have celiac disease your body will respond badly to gluten. If you have this disease you will have to eat gluten free diet for the whole of your life. Here is a list of things that you can include in your diet:
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of many nutrients. When a person is suffering from celiac disease, the body tends to become weak and the immune system stops to function properly. Eating lots and lots of fruits and vegetable provides assistance to the immune system of your body.
Lean proteins
Protein is responsible for the repairing of cells and tissues. Consumption of lean protein on daily basis will help you fight malnutrition and infectious agents. Fish, seafood, meat are a rich source of protein.
Healthy fats
People suffering from celiac disease loose body mass and body weight. Consumption of healthy fat will help you gain the lost weight and mass back. Ghee, butter, virgin olive oil, coconut oil and pumpkin oil are a rich source of healthy protein.
Dairy products
Another health issue that arises with celiac disease is the loss of bone mass. The dairy products are a rich source of minerals like calcium and potassium, which are responsible for maintaining the health of your bones. Regular consumption of dairy products can help you prevent any bone-related injury. The best dairy products are goat milk, sheep milk, cow milk, fermented yoghurt.
Gluten-free whole grains
These grains are good for digestion purpose and have bio-nutrients that help in proper bowel movement. Whole grains include brown rice, buckwheat, amaranth etc.
Which drinks a person having celiac disease can drink?
Before buying any drink it is suggested to read the label properly, check whether it contains gluten or not. Here is a list of drinks that you can consume:
- Fruit juice
- Flavoured water
- Wine
- Port
- Sherry
Food to ignore if you have celiac disease
Products which have wheat barley and rye
These food grains have eighty percent gluten and are extremely harmful, never ever consume any of these food grains. So before buying anything check the list of ingredients.
Processed foods
All the foods which have processed carbohydrates in it, can have gluten in it. Try to ignore eating bread, pasta, pastries, cookies etc. You never know what these products may contain, it’s safe to ignore these products.
Beers and malt alcohol
These products are made of wheat and barley and have high gluten content. Ignore to consuming these products.
Sauces
These products have gluten present in them but are not mentioned on labels. These products have preservers and stabilizers in it. These preservers and stabilizers often use wheat. So before buying any sauce make sure that it’s gluten-free.
Processed fats
Fats which have been hydrogenated can have a terrible effect on your body. Try avoiding refined oils like soy oil and corn oil.
Sugars
These add fats to your body and can result in bloating of different organs. It is suggested to cut down on the intake of added sugars.
Things to remember while buying following products
Cereals
You need to be extra careful while buying cereals. Few kinds of cereal do not contain the gluten while few do so read the label properly. Sometimes the food grains contain gluten in disguised form like gluten can be present in form of malt flavoring or malt.
Sauces
Wheat is used as thickening agents in many of the sauces, checking the labels properly before buying any sauce will be wise. Even when you are buying soups keep this thing in mind.
Beverages
Fruit juices are usually gluten free but beverages like beer, ales and malt beverages have gluten in it so be careful in what you drink.
Non responsive celiac disease and refractory celiac disease
In case you are following a strict diet, you not taking gluten in any form but still your condition is not improving then you might be suffering from the non responsive celiac disease. In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor. This condition arises due to some additional complications like bacteria in small intestine etc.
If you have been on a gluten-free diet for one year or so and still your condition is deteriorating rather than improving then you might be suffering from the refractory celiac disease. In this, there is an inflammation of the small intestine. So your symptoms continue even after one year of following strict diet then consult your doctor and get diagnosed.