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- A Summary of Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance by Scott Adams
A Summary of Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance by Scott Adams
- By Scott Adams
- Published 07/26/1996
- Celiac Disease
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Scott Adams
In 1994 I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which led me to create Celiac.com in 1995. I created this site for a single purpose: To help as many people as possible with celiac disease get diagnosed so they can begin to live happy, healthy gluten-free lives. Celiac.com was the first site on the Internet dedicated solely to celiac disease, and since then it has become an invaluable resource to people worldwide who seek information about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet.
In 1998 I created The Gluten-Free Mall, Your Special Diet Superstore! which was also another Internet first—it was the first gluten-free food site to offer a shopping cart-style interface, and the ability for people to order gluten-free products manufactured by many different companies at a single Web site.
I am also co-author of the book Cereal Killers, and founder and publisher of Journal of Gluten Sensitivity.
(continued from home page)
Based on the figure mentioned above we can extrapolate the total number of people in the United States with celiac disease: 2.18 million (based on the total population: 290,356,028). It is very important that doctors understand just how many people have this disease so that routine testing for it is done to bring the diagnosis rate in line with the diseases epidemiology. Testing is fairly simple and involves screening the patients blood for antigliadin (AGA) and endomysium antibodies (EmA), and/or doing a biopsy on the areas of the intestines mentioned above, which is still the standard for a formal diagnosis.
The only acceptable treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a 100% gluten-free diet for life. An adherence to a gluten-free diet can prevent almost all complications caused by the disease. A gluten-free diet means avoiding all products that contain wheat, rye and barley, or any of their derivatives. This is a difficult task as there are many hidden sources of gluten found in the ingredients of many processed foods. This site is designed to help people with celiac disease get diagnosed, and make life easier after their diagnosis. Those who are interested can read the story of my diagnosis.
- Alessio Fasano, MD, et. al., Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:286-292.
- Gastroenterology, April, 1996 First Epidemiological Study of Gluten Intolerance in the United States. By Karoly Horvath, MD, Ph.D., et. al..
- New England Journal of Medicine, May 2, 1996 -- Volume 334, Number 18, The Many Faces of Celiac Disease by Charles H. Halsted, MD
- Goggins, et. al. Celiac Disease and Other Nutrient Related Injuries to the gastrointestinal Tract The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Vol. 89, No. 8, pages S2 - S13, 1994.
- United States Census Bureau, February 27, 2003.
Information on this site has been compiled from a variety of sources, including medical journals, books, doctors, scientists and the Celiac Listserv News Group. I would like to especially thank the latter for providing an invaluable source information for celiacs, doctors and researchers.
Get FREE Celiac.com email alerts (1-3 email per month with the latest celiac disease research and information, gluten-free recipes, etc.).
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49 Responses to "A Summary of Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance by Scott Adams"
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said this on 17 Feb 2008 4:31:34 PM PDT
I thought it was very educational. I was just diagnosed with celiacs and I wasn't aware if untreated cancer could be a big factor down the road. I'm glad there's more information to help some one like this.
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said this on 10 Nov 2008 8:10:52 AM PDT
Very good but still learning all the time. I still don't understand it.
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said this on 04 Feb 2009 9:59:45 AM PDT
Thanks for the help. I still don't know all the names of hidden gluten.
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said this on 18 May 2009 6:09:29 PM PDT
I think it's really informative and a great place to learn about celiac disease.
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said this on 21 May 2009 12:49:23 PM PDT
Thank you...i am doing a project on celiac disease and this taught me so much...my aunt also has celiac disease and I never understood it until now...thank you!
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said this on 07 Jun 2009 6:48:18 AM PDT
Hi, great information, I have been told it is likely that I have celiac disease from my blood test, just waiting on my biopsy now! So can you have celiac and be putting on weight if anything?
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said this on 29 Dec 2011 3:42:38 PM PDT
I am waiting for my results also and I too have gained weight. It makes me feel better knowing I'm not the only one.
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said this on 27 Jun 2009 7:55:50 PM PDT
this was great info for me.
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said this on 15 Jul 2009 9:40:35 PM PDT
I'm not sure if I have it. I tested positive for 2 out of 3 antibodies and I seem to break out whenever I eat gluten. I take lots of probiotics (esp. reuteri). I don't have any gastrointestinal symptoms. How can I know for sure? Do I have to get the biopsy to know for sure?
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said this on 15 Aug 2009 8:02:28 PM PDT
After suffering for years I now believe this is what I have. So many blood tests, etc and no one could figure this out. I'm going to try the gluten free and tell my doctor about this.
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said this on 30 Sep 2009 5:15:44 AM PDT
I am just waiting on results coming back but thanks for the help.
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said this on 20 Oct 2009 6:51:29 PM PDT
I have gluten intolerance and this is great info for me to know and help others to understand this better.
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said this on 05 Nov 2009 11:31:21 AM PDT
Appendix was about to burst after 6 months constant diarrhea, hair loss, stabbing pains in legs, search for info IBS etc, (self diagnose, as I'm clever lol). Been gluten free for 2 months, getting back to normal now, was weird at first, zero digestive problems, felt like a miracle, talking multi vitamin etc, doctors are useless, as I can sort myself out. Found it impossible to put on weight, but have come up with a concoction that is brilliant, might mass produce it and sell is, hmmm...
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said this on 08 Jan 2010 1:18:38 PM PDT
This was pretty good, tho the doctors that diagnosed me did a lot better...
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said this on 10 Feb 2010 11:52:00 AM PDT
Thanks for having this site. I may have this and will find out today. So reading a bit about what might be in store for me is somewhat overwhelming. But I am glad this site is so informative. I guess I should keep reading. Thanks.
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said this on 12 May 2010 4:47:33 AM PDT
Thanks for developing this site. I am feeling overwhelmed with it all but am thankful for the helpful resources I am finding.. i.e., this website and the greatest book I have found thus far. The G free survival guide, by Elisabeth Hasseback! A great read for anyone who has celiac or a loved one that has it!
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said this on 03 Aug 2010 12:46:56 PM PDT
Thanks for all the information. I have known for a year that I have Celiac but still have trouble with the hidden gluten. My headaches have disappeared, and I am not anemic anymore but sometimes fall back because of not knowing what is in some of the food. No restaurants take it serious if you ask if there is any gluten in the food.
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said this on 25 Jul 2011 8:41:28 AM PDT
PF Changs has a small menu that is gluten free. But I have noticed that the majority of restaurants don't cater to people with celiac disease.
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said this on 03 Dec 2011 8:33:39 AM PDT
You are 100% correct. I myself worked in a restaurant where the owner thought it was a joke to cater to people who asked if something was gluten free.
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said this on 25 Sep 2010 6:13:17 PM PDT
Great info and suggestions
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said this on 02 Nov 2010 2:19:38 PM PDT
Hey Great info thanks for the article!
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said this on 12 Nov 2010 6:18:37 AM PDT
I just started myself on a gluten free diet to see if it would help some symptoms I was having. It has made all the difference! I found your site while searching for information and it has become my favorite! Thanks for starting this and for all the good info you have on here.
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said this on 12 Nov 2010 6:19:59 AM PDT
Thanks for this awesome site! I appreciate all the info you have on here and it has become one of my favorite sites to look at.
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said this on 27 Nov 2010 4:37:48 AM PDT
I was diagnosed 5 years ago, no obvious symptoms. I was 106 pounds...I have been gaining over these years and am at 142 pounds. Too much weight for me and can't seem to lose any thing. Also, my celiac numbers in my blood work have gone down since I was diagnosed, however, they still indicate that I am still ingesting gluten and I am very very careful what I eat. I am very frustrated. Interesting, I never hear of anyone mentioning their blood work and their numbers indicating celiac.
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said this on 10 Jan 2011 3:02:25 PM PDT
Good question! Exactly what I'm looking for - what do the test numbers mean?
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said this on 30 Jan 2011 6:09:24 AM PDT
its hard to be on a gluten-free- diet but what else can you do if you have it...I mean you must stay on the diet in order to be healthy again...(that's what they told me...if you do then it'll go away) but its hard to believe...it said you have to stay on the diet for the rest of your life...
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said this on 05 Feb 2011 8:30:50 PM PDT
I appreciate the info - but boy is it hard to go gluten free. I am of Northern European descent which my doctor told me was the reason for my tendency to be anemic. Now I have a good reason for my anemia and bloating.
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said this on 02 Mar 2011 9:16:43 AM PDT
I really had no knowledge of what celiac disease was and now feel much more informed. I found out yesterday that my granddaughter might have it so I called my cousin who informed me that her sister's one son has it and her sister is a carrier. This article helped me to understand the disease a lot better.
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said this on 25 Mar 2011 6:55:06 AM PDT
I just found out I had celiac about 5 days ago! I had symptoms of bloating and really bad cramps whenever I ate!! I couldn't take it any more and my doctor gave me a stomach scope and biopsy of my small intestine. It came back positive. This web site really helped me out with what the disease is and what to watch out for. Who new that Gluten could be hidden everywhere (sauces, hot dogs, Ect.) Bummed out that I can't have certain things anymore, but once I dabble and experiment with my new way of life I'm sure I'll do just fine, If not be a healthier person because of it.
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said this on 27 Mar 2011 3:13:42 PM PDT
All my life I have been so ill, sick all the time, after many doctors we moved away and my new doctor, she's wonderful diagnosed me with celiac, not IBS. for the 1st time in years I ate and didn't buckle over in pain, it feels wonderful to eat gluten free foods, it only too 43 yrs but I'm getting better now...
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said this on 06 Apr 2011 7:42:18 AM PDT
One of my professors got diagnosed with it a little while back. This helps me understand what he could have gone through. He said that when he ate gluten, he felt really bad. Now I understand what that "really bad" was. Thank you!
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said this on 18 Apr 2011 2:55:33 PM PDT
I'm scared that I might have celiac due to the consistency of the symptoms being mine in this list.. I have gotten blood work done and I'm just waiting for the tests to come back.. hopefully negative. I eat gluten products on a daily basis and I don't think I can live without it which is why I'm quite terrified currently. my fingers are crossed..
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said this on 17 Jun 2011 5:30:42 AM PDT
I have too much gluten free food. Two Brothers Market (owners have celiac) provide everything I need for cooking gourmet meals. Being able to eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, lasagna, tacos, etc. make me feel like a normal person. Set your mind, gluten food is poison. Plan weekly meals! It will get better. It has taken me 3 months to learn how to cook buns, bread, and noodles all GF.
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said this on 06 May 2011 5:08:13 AM PDT
I don't trust doctors. At least the ones I met so far, but anyway, I have been diagnosed with IBS at age 16, and have had some episodes of constipation, diarrhea and stuff since, plus constant bloating problems, but now, for a few days straight, I'm getting loose stools no matter what I eat.
I also had some pretty severe anemia when I last tested, about 5 years ago...at 17, but, anyway, I have been wondering if it is possible to have this disease and be obese? |
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said this on 24 Jun 2011 12:03:43 AM PDT
I am new to the celiac family, and was only diagnosed 3 months ago. I must say, this is a great article and helped me a lot. I'm still in the stages of "what can I eat". I restrict myself to things labeled "gluten free" and go to a lot of the gluten-free websites that specialize in and sell gluten-free foods. I feel so much better and my friends and co-workers say they can see a huge difference in my energy and coloring. I went for years with small symptoms I chalked up to "just getting older" and then a few months ago it hit me all at once. Thought I may have the flu, but after 2 hospital stays and a biopsy, I had my diagnosis. Stay strong folks, this is a lifetime thing, but well worth the fight to stay healthy, and alive!
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said this on 24 Jun 2011 11:15:50 AM PDT
My 17 month old daughter is 18 lbs. and got her blood work done and her antigluten was really high ant that is what is causing her to gain weight very slowly, the doctors said she might have celiac disease so they are running a lot of test before they say if it is really celiac. Her nutritionist had her go on a gluten free diet right away and it's not that bad and it was really easy to to rearrange the pantry, but it very expensive.
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said this on 22 Jul 2011 12:12:41 PM PDT
Migraines should be added to the list of symptoms. At least 10-15 people I have talked to with this suffer from severe migraines and I have only talked to about 20 people with this disease thus far!
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said this on 05 Aug 2011 12:00:09 PM PDT
Good to know, helps explain a lot of things...even the migraines.
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said this on 18 Oct 2011 10:52:19 AM PDT
Excellent source of info... Does anyone with this illness suffer from severe depression?
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said this on 29 Oct 2011 8:32:46 PM PDT
This is crazy! First time I've heard of it, and everyone in my family has at least two of the symptoms! Very educational. I'm going to research further. Thank you!
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said this on 25 Feb 2012 4:27:25 AM PDT
My 5 year old grandson has just been diagnosed with celiac disease. We are finding it difficult to adjust his food. This site has been such a great help. Thank you very much.
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said this on 09 Mar 2012 2:30:13 PM PDT
I mentioned my symptoms to my orthopedic surgeon(he said...this is not my field but...) you might have celiac disease. I'm 5ft. 6 inches tall and weighed 113 lbs. Not digesting nutrients, acne, diarrhea, head aches and fatigue. I haven't been tested but put myself on a gluten free diet. It has only been a week and I feel 100% better. I can't thank him enough!
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said this on 11 Mar 2012 3:20:19 PM PDT
I was very ill until complying with a Gluten Free diet. I had severe joint pain, debilitating migraines, stomach issues, foggy brain, memory loss, skin conditions, thyroid issues for 32 years and was almost to the point of having to walk with a cane. I could barely walk two feet without holding on to my husband. I looked 80 years old. My holistic doctor/chiropractor was the one who did blood food allergy testing in 2005 to find out why I had been sick for so long. It took me almost two years in denial and being so sick that she said I was going to die if I didn't stop consuming gluten and wheat. That was my wake up call. I started changing my diet in 2008 and now look younger at age 58 then I have in years. I still get gluten by accident, mostly when going out to eat. This website is a life saver! Thank you!
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said this on 02 Apr 2012 9:05:48 AM PDT
This is helpful. I don't know if I have celiac disease or gluten allergy (or just a gluten intolerance for that matter), but I'm pretty sure I've got something gluten-related going on. I got irritable bowel syndrome and Hashimoto's disease, and am ALWAYS fatigued. My doctor hasn't been able to figure out why I'm always tired (though her testing uncovered the Hashimoto's, so that was good), and I'm now waiting on the results of a blood test I took for food allergies, including gluten. I won't be at all surprised if it is positive, and I'm currently getting myself mentally prepared for giving up gluten. If the test is negative, I'll seriously consider asking for a biopsy to determine if I have celiac.
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said this on 21 Apr 2012 8:52:28 AM PDT
We're waiting on my 9 year old daughter's blood results to come back. She's pale all the time, never puts weight on, always tired, and gets lots of stomach pains and headaches. She struggles to concentrate at school and her work suffers. Last week our doctor came across this in the newspaper.
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said this on 30 Apr 2012 10:07:33 AM PDT
Heads up: I was diagnosed with celiac when I was very young (about 1-2 yrs old) and have adhered to a gluten free diet since then. I was just diagnosed with vitamin B12 anemia and after talking to my doctor and doing some research people with celiac are more prone to not be able to absorb the vitamin through food, thus I now have to get B12 injections.
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said this on 07 May 2012 11:52:20 AM PDT
I was also diagnosed at a very early age, around 1-2 years old. Spent many days and nights at the children's hospital until they finally diagnosed me with celiac. My symptoms are severe nausea and vomiting when I consume gluten, bloating, migraines which I take daily medications for and also have a hormone imbalance so I'm prescribed a natural progesterone. I'm now 38 years old and it seems it's worse when I get sick. I think it's time to see a gastro specialist or one that treats celiac patients because I know over time more and more health issues come up.
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said this on 13 May 2012 4:51:32 AM PDT
Wow thank you for the information regarding celiac disease and the underlying treatments behind it. It will definitely give people more awareness regarding their disease. Hope to read some more!
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