-
Welcome to Celiac.com!
You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.
-
Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):
-
Get Celiac.com Updates:Support Our Content
-
Celiac.com - Celiac Disease & Gluten-Free Diet Support Since 1995
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease (aka coeliac disease) is a genetic autoimmune disorder where ingesting gluten (a protein in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine's lining. This damage leads to inflammation and atrophy of the villi, tiny finger-like projections in the intestine responsible for nutrient absorption. As a result, individuals with celiac disease may experience symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and malnutrition. Over time, untreated celiac disease can lead to more severe health problems, including anemia, osteoporosis, weight loss, and increased risk of certain cancers. A strict gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, not a wheat allergy. It's also different from non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten intolerance, or sensitivity to gluten.
My Long Journey to Celiac Disease Diagnosis
Like many people, I spent a lot of years, a lot of dollars, and endured many tests and misdiagnoses, before doctors finally discovered that I had celiac disease (also known as coeliac disease or celiac sprue), and needed to eliminate gluten and all gluten-containing ingredients from my diet. Gluten is a protein found in the three main gluten-containing grains: wheat, rye, and barley; and is often hidden in processed foods, and things like soy sauce and beer...[READ MORE about my long and winding road to a celiac disease diagnosis and recovery.]
Gluten-Free Diet
To treat my celiac disease I had to go on a gluten-free diet for life. That meant learning to read food labels to avoid gluten ingredients, and eating a diet of mostly naturally gluten-free foods like meats, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and packaged foods only if they are certified gluten-free or labeled gluten-free, for example gluten-free breads made using gluten-free grains.
Breaking Celiac Disease News & Info:
-
Get Celiac.com Updates:Support Celiac.com:
-
Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):
-
Recent Activity
-
- RMJ replied to Alibu's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms9
Waiting on biopsy after positive bloodwork, but also not really believing this is real
I had an endoscopy where there was no visible damage but biopsies showed damage. I even asked beforehand if the endoscope had good enough magnification to see the villi! I hope you get a clear answer from the biopsies. -
- terrymouse posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms0
Probably celiac but also confused
I have an endoscopy booked for mid-September to test for Celiac. My gp seems convinced it is celiac and I should eliminate gluten right away, but the gastroenterologist I was referred to says if I'm totally gluten-free then they won't be able to detect celiac from the endoscopy, and I should load up on gluten 2 weeks before the test. So I guess I shouldn... -
- knitty kitty replied to ehb's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease32
Refractory Celiac disease - what to do
Being low in B12, Folate B9, ferritin, zinc and copper sounds consistent with anemia which can often occur with Celiac. What did your doctor recommend? What about your Vitamin D? It helps regulate the immune system. -
- ehb replied to ehb's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease32
Refractory Celiac disease - what to do
@knitty kitty thank you I am exploring these options, I really appreciate all the suggestions and info. I am only slightly below the normal range for folate, zinc and copper. And in the low end of the normal range for B12, ferritin, and vitamin A. I’m good for carotene magnesium and iron, but I’ve been taking 400 mg magnesium daily -
- Alibu replied to Alibu's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms9
Waiting on biopsy after positive bloodwork, but also not really believing this is real
I just had my endoscopy the other day and the doctor took 12 samples because he said if we're going to find something we're going to find it today LOL. But when he got down there, he said everything looked good. So I have it in my head again that it's going to be negative because everyone I've heard of who had a positive biopsy had their endoscopies where...
-