CUMBERLAND — In many Western countries, the incidence of celiac disease — a serious genetic, autoimmune condition — has been increasing.
There’s no cure for celiac disease, and the only treatment for patients with the illness is a gluten-free diet, which means food and drinks that contain wheat, rye and barley must be avoided.
“The gluten-free diet can be a little intimidating initially,” said Rachel Sproat, dietician at UPMC Western Maryland.
However, “there are many foods that are naturally gluten-free,” she said of items including fresh fruits and vegetables; beans, seeds, legumes and nuts in their natural forms; and unprocessed, lean meats, fish and poultry.
Some research has looked at the use of prebiotics and probiotics to help folks who have celiac disease, but findings so far are inconclusive, she said.
“I think there’s going to be more to come in the future,” Sproat said of potential studies.
Gluten can be hidden in some unusual places, she said of wafers used in certain religious ceremonies, some sauces and spice blends.
Cross-contact, which can happen when a gluten-free food is exposed to an ingredient that contains gluten, is a big concern, Sproat said.
All measures should be taken for people with celiac disease to avoid gluten, she said.
They should use their own items, including toasters, utensils and cutting boards, Sproat said.
Even trace amounts of gluten can cause serious illness for people with celiac disease, she said.
“It really only takes a small amount,” Sproat said.
DiagnosisAccording to the Celiac Disease Foundation, the rate of new diagnosis of the illness has jumped roughly 7.5% per year over the past several decades.
“Celiac disease can be difficult to diagnose because it affects people differently,” the organization’s website states. “There are more than 200 known celiac disease symptoms which may occur in the digestive system or other parts of the body. Some people develop celiac disease as a child, others as an adult. The reason for this is still unknown.”
One in 100 people worldwide are affected by celiac disease, and 50% of diagnosed patients report symptoms while on a gluten-free diet, the website states.
The National Institutes of Health states “doctors most often use blood tests and biopsies of the small intestine to diagnose or rule out celiac disease.”
SymptomsSymptoms of celiac disease impact people in different ways and can include chronic diarrhea or constipation, weight loss, an unexplained low blood count that causes fatigue, a tingling or numb feeling in the legs and infertility, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
“When you have celiac disease and you eat foods with gluten, your body has a reaction that is not normal,” the organization’s website states. “The part of your body that fights disease, the immune system, starts to hurt your small intestine.”
Studies show that as many as one in every 141 Americans might have celiac disease, some of whom may not know they have it.
Celiac disease is more common in people whose ancestors came from Europe, are white, have type 1 diabetes, have Down syndrome, have other autoimmune diseases, are infertile, and have irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, the website states.
“Celiac disease symptoms may seem like other health problems,” it states. “Always see your health care provider to be sure.”