| Celiac disease is a difficult condition for doctors to | | | | perfectly manageable under a strict gluten-free |
| pinpoint because it manifests itself in a wide | | | | diet. And with so many naturally gluten free |
| variety of symptoms. One person might have | | | | foods, you can still enjoy a variety of different |
| loose stool, nausea, and fever, while another | | | | meals, even dessert! |
| patient may be suffering from stomach pains, | | | | In fact, Celiac patients have more food options |
| indigestion, and vomiting. Additionally, these | | | | today than every before. As gluten-related |
| symptoms can be caused by a number of | | | | diseases become more widely known and |
| different conditions, making it hard for doctors to | | | | understood, more and more bakers and |
| recognize Celiac disease right off the bat. | | | | manufacturers have begun producing gluten free |
| The one basic symptom of Celiac disease is | | | | meals and snacks, many of which you can order |
| anemia, usually due to poor assimilation of iron by | | | | right from your computer. You can enjoy a |
| the weakened intestine. Anemic patients have | | | | variety of flavors and styles, from chocolate, |
| fewer red blood cells than healthy people, which in | | | | vanilla, and cinnamon cookies to the animal-shaped |
| turn decreases the amount of oxygen accessible | | | | crackers you may remember from your |
| to the body. Low levels of oxygen can make you | | | | childhood. There are even sandwich cookies |
| feel nauseated and weaken your immune system, | | | | stuffed with cream! |
| which will make you susceptible to other illnesses, | | | | These gluten free snack products, such as wheat |
| in addition to fatigue, irritability, and mood swings. | | | | free cookies and gluten free crackers, are useful |
| That being said, not all patients with anemia have | | | | for people with other diet restrictions as well, as |
| Celiac disease, as it also occurs in people suffering | | | | many of them do not contain any animal |
| from a variety of other conditions, including | | | | products, making gluten free cookies perfect for |
| certain types of cancer. | | | | vegans or the lactose intolerant. Plus, many |
| Another gluten related disease is called Dermatitis | | | | gluten-free foods are also 100% |
| herpetiformis, which—as the name | | | | kosher—how great is that? |
| suggests—involves a rash over the face | | | | As manufacturers perfect their gluten free |
| and arms. This condition is similar to Celiac disease | | | | techniques, these foods become more appealing |
| in that both can lead to damage in the intestines, | | | | even to people with no dietary restrictions. This |
| although Dermatitis herpetiformis does not | | | | can be great for the friends and family members |
| produce the same digestive symptoms. | | | | of a patient with Celiac disease. |
| If you have experienced any of these | | | | Living with Celiac disease does require a change in |
| symptoms, it's important to visit your doctor to | | | | lifestyle, but if you maintain a proper diet, you |
| determine the cause. You might even help them | | | | won't experience any of your previous |
| out by suggesting that you think you have Celiac | | | | symptoms. Thus, even though Celiac disease is |
| disease. | | | | not yet curable it is manageable—a fact |
| Coming home from the doctor's office with a | | | | that applies to many other immune and digestive |
| Celiac diagnosis might seem like bad news, but | | | | diseases. |
| you'll be happy to hear that this condition is | | | | |