10 Things You Should Know About Gluten Intolerance & Celiac Disease

1) Gluten intolerance/celiac disease occurs when aSome just irritate the small intestines preventing
person is extremely sensitive to gluten proteins,the walls of the small intestines from producing
which cause damage to the villi that allowdigestive enzymes necessary for breaking down
absorption of water and other nutrients likefood. The nutrients from these foods are then
calcium, folic acid, iron and vitamins into the body.not absorbed into the body and is useless to the
Their destruction results in poor absorption ofbody's functioning.
nutrients by the body and a variety of related6) Not only foods contain glutens, some lipsticks
health problems.and postage stamps contain them and can be
2) Gluten intolerance is not a food allergy! It is aharmful to anyone with extreme sensitivity.
genetic disease that can be triggered by several7) Gluten intolerance/celiac disease can increase
factors including prolonged stress, shock, or ayour risk of diabetes, thyroid diseases, lupus, or
virus.cancer.
3) Affects of this disease can begin at any time8) Women with Gluten intolerance/celiac disease
during your life span from infancy to adulthood.may have difficulty getting pregnant or may be
You may also grow out of it in adulthood if youprone to recurrent miscarriages.
experienced it in adolescence.9) Sufferers may also experience emotional or
4) It can be a serious disease with life-threateningpsychological problems such as depression, due
consequences for some sufferers if leftmainly to the emotional strain caused by gluten
undiagnosed. Different people are affectedintolerance.
differently, and the reactions can be quite severe10) Some people may experience several
for some. This means that even small doses ofsymptoms of the disease, and some may exhibit
gluten can be harmful to your health if you arenone, but the only way to be certain if you have
affected.it is through diagnostic tests by a health care
5) Not all gluten proteins cause celiac disease.professional.