🌟 How Do I Know If I Have Celiac Disease?

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It is Celiac & Gluten Awareness Month!

Let's start with the very basics: what is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body mistakes the protein in gluten for a dangerous invader. Whenever the immune system detects the gluten protein, it makes antibodies to get rid of it. In the process, the antibodies cause damage to the body, especially to the villi of the small intestine.

There are over 300 recognized symptoms for celiac disease, and they vary from person to person.

Celiac disease is one of the only autoimmune disease in which the trigger is know: gluten.

It is also the only autoimmune disease in which the damage can be stopped and the body can heal. The only treatment is eliminating gluten and adhering to a strict gluten-free diet. If gluten is added back into the diet, the antibodies return and begin to cause damage again.

Celiac disease is diagnosed through a blood test (celiac panel) which looks for specific antibodies to gluten. A positive result is typically followed up by an endoscopy that looks for damage in the small intestine.

Most important to know is that these tests are only accurate if gluten is being consumed daily. Once gluten is eliminated from the diet, the level of antibodies begin to drop and the small intestine begins to heal.

Gluten Intolerance has all the symptoms of celiac disease, but without the autoimmune response. Generally it is diagnosed by ruling out the presence of celiac disease.

A Gastroenterologist familiar with celiac disease is the best doctor to contact first. Do not start a gluten-free diet before testing is complete.

(If you live in Singapore, please learn more about Dr. Brian Schwender, Gastroenterologist here)

Learn More

To learn more about celiac disease, gluten intolerance, diagnosis, and other reasons to be gluten-free, please join the Problem With Gluten Mini course. We have extensive information about celiac disease and gluten intolerance and more.

Stay tuned for more helpful tips coming your way soon!

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Remember, whether you're celiac, gluten intolerant, or somewhere in between, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Warm regards,

Karen Horan