Celiac disease occurs when there is a certain sensitivity or possible allergy to gluten, which comes from wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten itself is a chain of amino acid sequences that are normally healthy to eat, but in someone with Celiac disease, it triggers an immune response that attacks the small intestine. Over time, these attacks lead to an inability for the body to absorb nutrients from food and it can lead to a number of additional health problems as well. Here are some more interesting facts about this disease.
1. It’s More Common Than You Think
Celiac disease is considered to be the most common genetic autoimmune disease in the world today and may affect 1 out of every 100 people. It is believed that in the United States alone, about 3 million people are suffering from this disease, but fewer than 200k people have actually received an official diagnosis. Because a direct tissue sample is required for an accurate diagnosis, many people simply choose to live a gluten-free lifestyle if Celiac disease is suspected because it helps them to feel better. A blood test can determine if it is possible.
2. Hard To Keep On Weight… Or Lose It
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For those with Celiac disease, following the strict dietary guidelines can make it difficult to ever really feel full. Because of this, those who maintain a proper calorie intake tend to be really skinny. It also causes people to eat more calories than they normally would because they are always feeling like they are a little bit hungry. About 40% of those with diagnosed Celiac disease have a BMI that is over 25, but only about 5% of those with the disease would be classified as obese.
3. There’s Still Gluten in Food
Although people think they are eating gluten-free foods, they really might not be. The FDA in the United States allows food manufacturers to label a product as being free of gluten if it has less than 20ppm of gluten contained within it. Although this means that someone with Celiac disease would need to eat 5 pounds of gluten-free food to risk damage to their small intestine every day, those with gluten allergies may find shopping to be a little difficult.
4. Gluten-free Is For the Food
A growing market niche in the United States today is for gluten-free lifestyle products. Items like soap and shampoo are also being labeled as being gluten-free. Those with Celiac disease don’t have to worry if there is wheat germ in their shampoo. Gluten cannon be absorbed through human skin. The only exception to this rule would be lip balms or lipsticks since they could be ingested. Otherwise people with Celiac disease can use lotions and soaps that have gluten in them.
5. Breathing Is Like Eating
Working with gluten flour is dangerous for someone with Celiac disease because breathing in the flour is the same as eating the flour. It can trigger a negative reaction that may be severe. Those with this disease are encouraged to stay out of environments that would use flours that contain gluten.
6. It Does Not Stop There
The elapsed time from the onset of symptoms of celiac disease averages 10 years in the United States. The mean delay in diagnosis is 11.7 years. When left untreated, the individual can increase their risk of cancer 200 to 300% and increase their risk of miscarriage by 800 to 900%. An estimated 66% of patience with celiac disease can suffer from osteopenia or osteoporosis. More than half of individuals also have neurologic disorders. More than 300 signs and symptoms are associated with celiac disease leading to an intense risk of other common health issues such as heart disease, insomnia, and irritability.
By knowing the facts about Celiac disease, it can be treated effectively and attacks can be prevent. That’s why knowing this information is so important.