Celiac Disease:  What is it?

Celiac disease is a lifelong autoimmune intestinal disorder that affects genetically predisposed people of all ages from middle infancy on.  Celiac disease is triggered by the ingestion of gluten.  Gluten is a protein that can be found in all forms of wheat, including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn and faro.  Gluten can also be found in rye, barley and triticale.  Persons with Celiac disease must eliminate all gluten from their diet.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is very serious and should be tested for and treated if it is suspected.  Symptoms in children can include growth failure, vomiting, bloated abdomen, and behavioral changes.  In adults symptoms can include one or more of the following:  recurring bloating or gas, chronic diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss or gain, vitamin k deficiency, fatigue, missed menstrual periods, canker sores in the mouth, and tooth discoloration or loss of enamel.

Complications of Celiac Disease

If you have undiagnosed Celiac disease and you continue to ingest gluten, several long-term conditions can occur; as well as some other associated auto-immune disorders, such as Insulin-Dependent Type I Diabetes, liver disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Thyroid disease, and Dermatitis Herpetiformis.

If someone in your family has been diagnosed with Celiac disease or one of the previous mentioned auto-immune disorders, you should take a Celiac Disease DNA test as soon as possible.

Celiac Disease Testing

A Celiac Disease DNA test from HealthCheck USA includes an easy and reliable genetic test; detailed reports with genetic interpretation, recommendations and education; and free genetic counseling for physicians, patients, and families through our partner company Kimball Genetics.

If your test results are positive, the only real treatment for Celiac disease is to completely abstain from ingesting any gluten.  Your physician may suggest other lab tests to check your current health status; and if so, one of our healthcare representatives can assist you with scheduling these.

Celiac disease is one of the most common diseases you’ve never heard of. Its symptoms are as common as fatigue, joint pain or muscle cramps, but also include serious illnesses such as anemia and osteoporosis. With such vague symptoms, the disease is often misdiagnosed by doctors or temporarily treated with over-the-counter medications. Celiac disase can easily be diagnosed by a test such as the Celiac Disease DNA Test. While there is no cure, a change in diet can get rid of many symptoms.

Celiac disease is caused by gluten, a food product made of wheat, rye or barley found in many foods and medicines today. The immune system responds to gluten by damaging the lining of the small intestine, which normally aids in absorbing nutrients from our food. Celiac disease causes malnutrition, and can lead to cancer.

According to the Associated Press, over two million people in the U.S. suffer from celiac disease, and for Linda Fedewa, owner of A Piece O’ Cake Bakery, the disease was working her to death.

Because all of her baked goods were made with flour, Fedewa constantly ate food with gluten and had no idea why she was so sick. She was losing weight rapidly, and her doctor began checking for symptoms of an eating disorder after her weight dropped to 85 pounds. After being tested, Fedewa was told to stay away from all things gluten, including the extravagant cakes she baked for her customers. After changing her diet, she began looking for an gluten-free alternative for her bakery. Today, Fedewa’s gluten-free goods comprise a quarter of her business, and offer treats for those suffering from both celiac disease and a sweet tooth. (AP)

While celiac disease is a genetic illness, it can also be triggered by stress, infection or childbirth. As with any illness, early detection through health tests is the key to fighting celiac disease. HealthCheckUSA offers free genetic counseling with their Celiac Disease DNA Test.