Overview
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — triggers your immune system to attack the lining of your small intestine. This damages the tiny finger-like projections (villi) that absorb nutrients, leading to malnutrition, anemia, and a wide range of symptoms. About 1% of people worldwide have it, but it is often undiagnosed for years. The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet — but with that, the intestine heals and symptoms resolve.
Symptoms
Chronic diarrhea or unusual stool consistency
Bloating and excessive gas
Iron-deficiency anemia that doesn't respond to iron pills
Unexplained weight loss or growth failure in children
Mouth ulcers, skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis), or brittle bones
Brain fog, fatigue, or peripheral neuropathy
Infertility or recurrent miscarriage in some women
Common Causes
Genetic predisposition (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes)
Triggered by gluten exposure in genetically susceptible people
A first-degree family member with celiac increases risk 10-fold
Type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, or Down syndrome
May appear at any age — childhood through old age
Often appears after a major life event (pregnancy, surgery, severe infection)
Living Gluten-Free
Avoid all wheat, barley, rye, malt, and most oats (unless certified gluten-free)
Read every food label — gluten hides in soy sauce, sausages, soups, sauces, and even some medications
Use separate toaster, cutting boards, and utensils to avoid cross-contamination
Replace pasta, bread, and flour with rice, corn, quinoa, potato, or certified GF products
Get checked for vitamin D, B12, iron, calcium, and folate — deficiencies are common at diagnosis
See a registered dietitian — a true GF diet has a steep learning curve
Symptoms usually improve within weeks; the intestine fully heals over 6–24 months
When to See a Doctor
Get tested before starting a gluten-free diet — testing while gluten-free can give false negatives. The two key tests are a tissue transglutaminase IgA blood test and an upper endoscopy with small-bowel biopsy. See a doctor for unexplained anemia, chronic diarrhea, or if a close family member has celiac disease.
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