Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an auto immune disorder that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. In celiacs the immune system destroys the microvilli, small protrusions in the small intestine. Some researchers have estimated that 1 in 150 people may have some level of gluten sensitivity. Celiac disease has been called the most under diagnosed disease in the modern world.
Those with celiac disease cannot tolerate a protein called gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten proteins may also be found in products such as stamps and envelope adhesive. Celiacs can be so sensitive to gluten that they have to avoid products like hard candy that are often produced in molds that are dusted with flour to aid release.
Celiac disease is hard to diagnose without a specific test. Symptoms caused by the lack of nutrient absorption are non-specific. Many diagnosed celiacs report that chronic symptoms have disappeared after just two weeks on a strict gluten free diet. Some reported symptoms include:
- chronic headaches
- irritable bowel syndrome
- lethargy
- depression
- attention deficit disorder
There are several tests for celiac disease. A blood test can detect antibodies to gluten that indicate a sensitivity. However, the only way to make a certain diagnosis of celiac disease is to use and endoscope to take a sample of the wall of the small intestine and examine it under a microscope.