Celiac Disease

Other Names : Coeliac Disease, gluten enteropathy, Coeliac sprue.
Coeliac disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the lining of part of the gut (the small intestine). Coeliac disease is not a food allergy or a food intolerance. It is an autoimmune disease. See also : Gluten Sensitivity

Symptoms

The inflammation in the lining of the gut (small intestine) stops food from being properly absorbed. You then do not absorb nutrients very well into your body. A variety of symptoms may then develop.

• Babies : Symptoms first develop soon after weaning when the baby starts eating solid foods containing gluten. The baby may fail to grow or to gain weight. As food is not being absorbed properly, the stools (faeces) may be pale and bulky. Smelly diarrhoea may occur. The tummy (abdomen) may become swollen. The baby may be sick (vomit) repeatedly.
• Older children : The symptoms of coeliac disease in older children may be similar to those in babies. Poor absorption of food may cause deficiencies of vitamins, iron and other nutrients. This may cause anaemia and other problems. As the fat part of the diet is poorly absorbed, the faeces may be pale, smelly and difficult to flush away. Diarrhoea may develop. However, the symptoms may not be very typical or obvious. If the gut and bowel symptoms are only mild then the first thing that may be noticed is poor growth.
• Adults : Poor absorption of food may cause deficiencies of vitamins, iron and other nutrients. Anaemia due to poor absorption of iron is common. Other common symptoms include abdominal pains which tend to come and go, excess wind, bloating, diarrhoea and tiredness or weakness. Mouth ulcers may occur. You may lose weight due to poor absorption of food. However, most adults with coeliac disease do not lose weight and are not underweight. Occasionally, an itchy skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis can occur in some people with coeliac disease.

Home remedies

• Gluten-free diet : The main treatment for coeliac disease is not to eat any food that contains gluten for the rest of your life. The symptoms then usually go within a few weeks. The main foods to stop are any that contain wheat, barley or rye. Many common foods contain these ingredients, such as breads, pasta, cakes, pastries and some cereals. Potatoes, rice, maize, corn, fruit, dairy products and soya-based foods are fine.
• Horsetail tea : The tea is rich in silicic acid, potassium, aluminum, flavonoids including manganese.
• Dandelion Tea
• Agrimony : Tincture made out of the leaves is readily available in the market. Every day, take about four drops of this tincture and add this to water. Take this preparation three times a day.
• Evening Primrose is a plant in which the flower blossoms during evening time. This plant is a native of North America and is now grown in many parts of Europe. Evening Primrose contains Gamma linolenic acid. This is a fatty acid which is very essential for the body. The medicines prepared out of this oil are very beneficial in treating gynecologic problems, eczema and arthritis. It is also very useful in treating Celiac Disease.
• Use alfalfa along with other leafy vegetables as your daily food. Alfalfa supplies enough minerals and vitamins to the blood stream.
• Bael fruit: The procedure is very simple. Break open the outer shell of the fruit. Remove the seeds, add honey or powdered jiggery.
• Apple cider vinegar
• pickled ginger can be used as a delicious side dish at lunch. The pickled ginger activates the digestive system in body.
• Probiotics can help for Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity (GS).
• Buckwheat contains no gluten, so it is much safer for those with Celiac disease to use as a wheat substitute. It should be easier on the digestive tract, unlikely to produce further inflammation.
• Ayurvedic remedy to recover your intestinal villi : A couple hours after your last daily meal, take a tablespoon of organic raisins mixed with a tablespoon of organic raw sesame seeds. Chew the mixture well before swallowing on a daily basis.
• Antioxidants can help treat children with celiac disease.
• Glutamine has been shown to be effective in people with ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Warnings

New research from Sweden shows that if the intestinal villi don't recover, people with celiac disease have nearly four times the risk of lymphoma compared to healthy people without celiac disease.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.