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Written by Jayne Thakur | Art by Srivalli Adarapu

Commonly known as gluten intolerance, celiac disease is an autoimmune disease found in certain people, making them unable to process foods containing wheat, barley, or rye. Affecting approximately 10% of the global population, symptoms can be mitigated through dietary control.

For those with celiac disease, their small intestines react poorly to the presence of gluten, which often results in a damaged intestinal lining that makes it difficult for individuals to absorb nutrients from any kind of food. As a result, it is important to be mindful of their gluten intake and to keep an eye on any discomfort or symptoms that may present themselves. 

As is typical with other intolerances, symptoms of celiac disease include bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, or even anemia as a result of consuming wheat-related products. Despite not actively eating gluten products, many patients report having symptoms. However, preventing large gluten intake will help alleviate the symptoms. There is no perfect cure; patients are asked to avoid gluten products, but that is the extent to which modern medicine has developed. There is a lack of cures for most autoimmune disorders.

Patients have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with celiac disease if a relative is previously known to carry it. In contrast, relatives of those with type I diabetes are also at a higher risk of inheriting a gluten intolerance.

Sources:

Marilyn. (2022, August 24). 20 things you might not know about celiac disease. Celiac Disease Foundation. https://celiac.org/2016/08/19/20-things-you-might-not-know-about-celiac-disease/# 

Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 12). Celiac disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352220