Celiac disease is a lifelong chronic ailment, but it can be treated by adopting a strict gluten free diet. In this condition, foods containing gluten-proteins can damage the small intestine by triggering the immune system, which does not usually respond to these foods. Gluten is found in some grains, notably wheat, barley, and rye.
Symptoms of celiac disease can include gas, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, weakness, and vomiting. Stools may be bulky, loose, and more frequent. The damage to the intestine also makes it hard for the body to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
The most beneficial treatment for the celiac disease is to stick to a gluten free diet. Foods containing gluten in even the smallest quantities can affect some people and prove to be harmful. Untreated celiac disease may lead to nutritional deficiency. Hence, eating a variety of healthy gluten free foods can help you stay healthy and strong. Some people need to avoid cow milk and milk products in the beginning of the treatment. But gradually they can add dairy foods again into their diet as the intestine heals. However, they do need to be on gluten free diet for the rest of their lives.
Some strategies that will help you to follow gluten free diet:
• You can consult a registered dietitian or a health professional or join a celiac disease support group to know more about the ways you can incorporate gluten free foods into your regular diet. In the beginning, it is helpful to keep a food dairy until you are familiar with gluten free meal plans.
• Always read labels of prepared or processed food. This is necessary because a manufacturer can change the ingredients of a product at any time. A product that was gluten free in the past may contain gluten at a later date. Even branded products may be gluten free in one country but contain gluten in another country. If you are not certain after reading the labels, you can always call the manufacturer.
• Be cautious when eating out. Inform your server or the restaurant staff about your special dietary needs. Avoid foods that may have hidden source of gluten. Try to order simple, uncomplicated dishes prepared with fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Check your weight weekly and count your calories to ensure that you are eating enough nutrients.
• To avoid constipation, you can consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, and if necessary gluten free commercial fiber preparations that are likely to contain rice bran.
• It is advisable to avoid tablets, capsules, and vitamin preparations that consists gluten. Wheat starch is generally used in the preparation of tablets and capsules.
Cosmetic products such as lipstick and other vitamin products are also likely to contain Gluten, and must be avoided.
• It is all right to drink wine, brandy, whiskey and other non-wheat or barley alcohol in moderate amounts.
• Do not consume milk and other dairy products that contain lactose as it is harmful for untreated patients suffering from celiac disease. On successful completion of the treatment, milk and milk products can be included in the diet.
• You can consume fish, fresh meats, rice, corn, soybean, potato, poultry, fruits, and vegetables. Dairy products are allowed for patients who are not lactose-intolerant.• Patients with severe mal-absorption can develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hence should take multivitamin daily.
Usually, patients on gluten free diet show improvements within weeks. And many patients show improvement within 48 hours. For patients with dermatitis herpetiforms, the
skin lesions also improve with a gluten free diet. Consult your doctor and nutritionist before changing over to a gluten free diet.
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