Celiac disease leads to a range of uncomfortable symptoms if it’s not properly treated. Common symptoms of Celiac disease are diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue and, in some cases, malnutrition…😔 So celiac disease self-care is very important to manage the treatmeant. That’s why it’s very important to be aware of the warning signs, especially in children as they may experience growth problems if they can’t absorb nutrients properly! 👶🏻
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the intestine when gluten - a protein found in food like wheat, barley and rye - is consumed. This disease can develop at any age and the only known treatment is a gluten-free diet!
When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage that interferes with nutrient absorption. This can result in a wide range of symptoms, which vary from person to person and can affect multiple systems in the body.
It’s important to note that some people with celiac disease experience no noticeable symptoms—a condition known as "silent celiac disease." However, intestinal damage can still occur, putting them at risk for complications like osteoporosis, infertility, and other autoimmune conditions.
Some at-home test kits claim to detect tTG-IgA antibodies, which are typically elevated in people with celiac disease. These kits usually require a finger-prick blood sample that you send to a lab for analysis.
However, it’s important to know that at-home celiac tests are not considered highly accurate or reliable. False negatives and false positives are possible, and results can be misleading—especially if you've already started a gluten-free diet.
⚠️ For a proper celiac disease test it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider. Testing for celiac disease usually includes blood work followed by an intestinal biopsy, all while consuming gluten regularly.
At-home kits might give you an idea, but they should never replace professional medical evaluation.
A gluten-free diet consists of eliminating cereals such as wheat, barley, and rye from your meals, as well as any products that may contain gluten in their formulation. However, it's important to note that even products that appear to be gluten-free can still contain trace amounts of this troublesome protein. Careful label reading, ingredient awareness, and cross-contamination prevention are key aspects of self-care for those with gluten-related disorders.
This is because gluten can easily contaminate other foods during production. For example, if a food is made in the same plant as another product containing gluten, it's possible for small amounts of gluten to cross-contaminate. This can be a real challenge for those following a gluten-free diet, as even a small amount of gluten can cause significant health problems.🥲
That's why it's crucial to be well-informed before buying any processed foods. Reading labels carefully and understanding which ingredients to avoid is essential for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Even better, opting for whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats can ensure that you're getting all the nutrients you need without worrying about hidden sources of gluten.
Individuals with celiac disease should not only monitor their diet, but also implement strategies to prevent cross-contamination. Cross-contamination occurs when a utensil or food comes into contact with gluten and can have adverse effects if consumed by someone with celiac disease.
We have made a list for you to avoid:
In the production of specific gluten-free foods, a lot of flours and starches are often used to mimic the properties of gluten?
And you might think, "What does it matter how gluten-free foods are manufactured.”
Well, the truth is that it does matter how they are manufactured, because as a result, the different mixtures of these ingredients affects the nutritional quality of these products.
It has been proven that several gluten-free foods, compared to their gluten-containing counterparts, contain more fat (including saturated fats), more salt, and fewer minerals and vitamins.
Consume these products sporadically for better health and a good celiac disease self-care!
Having this pathology is a big challenge but it doesn't mean you can't enjoy food!
Cooking for yourself is one of the best self-care strategies you can have! 🧑🏻🍳
In our App we have many gluten free recipes that you can make at home! Just make sure the ingredient list doesn’t contain any gluten-containing food from the list.
For example some recipes in our App, you can make:
You can also check for some Vegan Recipes on our blog! 🥗
It means treating yourself to some sweet little gifts that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Whether that's grabbing your squad and heading to your favorite gluten-free restaurant for a feast, carving out some me-time for an afternoon of your favorite hobby, or sinking into a luxurious bubble bath,treating yourself to a decadent dessert, the possibilities are endless.
We hope you enjoyed this article!
See you soon.
Yes, celiac disease can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Untreated celiac disease can sometimes present with abdominal bloating and weight loss due to poor nutrient absorption. If the person with celiac desease follows a gluten-free diet, avoiding foods that contain gluten, they may regain the weight they lost in that case.
Through a blood test (tTG-IgA) followed by an intestinal biopsy if results are positive. It's important to eat gluten before testing.
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