Celiac disease is a condition where gluten causes damage to the small intestine. It affects 1% of the population worldwide, but only 0.5% of Americans are aware of it.
There are lifestyle changes that can help prevent celiac disease from progressing.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the small intestine. This causes damage to the villi, which are tiny fingerlike projections lining the inside of the small intestine.
This leads to malabsorption of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates.
Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and malnutrition.
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There are two types of celiac disease:
- Coeliac disease – occurs when the immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats.
- Gluten sensitivity – occurs when the immune response is triggered by gluten, but there is no damage to the intestinal tract.
Avoid Glutenous Foods
Avoiding gluten means avoiding foods made with flour, bread, pasta, cereals, crackers, cookies, cakes, pies, pizza crust, and beer. Going with a Gluten-Free diet might be one of the main solutions for managing Celiac Disease
Read Labels Carefully
Look for ingredients that contain wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, triticale, durum, semolina, farina, malt, malted milk powder, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), modified food starch, dextrin, modified food starch, soy flour, or yeast extract.
Avoiding these ingredients will help manage the autoimmune disease.
Eat Plenty of Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits are packed with nutrients that keep your immune system strong and protect your body from inflammation. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals, which cause cell damage and contribute to aging.
Get Enough Fiber
Fiber helps move food through your digestive tract, keeping your stomach empty and preventing constipation. Foods rich in dietary fiber include whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and fruit.
Drink Water
Water keeps your body hydrated and helps flush out toxins. Make sure you drink eight glasses of water each day.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise reduces stress and improves overall health. Try walking or swimming to get your heart rate up. Exercising also improves your metabolism.
Take Probiotics
Probiotic supplements provide beneficial bacteria that support digestion and boost immunity. You can find them in supplement form or in foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, and miso soup.
Avoid Dairy Products
Dairy products contain proteins called gliadin and casein, which trigger inflammation and damage to the small intestine when consumed.
Avoid Beer and Wine
Beer and wine contain gluten, so they’re off limits.
Get Tested Regularly
Talk to your doctor about getting tested regularly for celiac disease. A blood test called anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (anti-TTG) can detect celiac disease early.
Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods are often made with ingredients that contain gluten, including breads, pastas, cereals, crackers, cookies, cakes, pies, pizza crusts, and sauces.
The best way to manage celiac disease is by making small changes over time. Over time, you’ll notice improvements in your health and quality of life.
In conclusion, managing celiac disease requires lifestyle changes. These include avoiding gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats; avoiding dairy products made from milk, cream, butter, and cheese; and following a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
While these lifestyle changes aren’t easy to follow, they’re necessary for a person who has celiac disease. In fact, they’re absolutely essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing complications like osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease. So if you have celiac disease, it’s time to take control of your health and live the life you deserve.