Considered as genetic autoimmune disorder, a celiac disease is the condition where the body manifests an immunological response to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in barley, wheat, rye and oats, which the body may adversely react to. The body's immunological response to gluten that has been ingested by a person with the condition damages the inner lining of the small intestine, particularly the villi. Villi plays an important role in absorbing vitamins and minerals our body needs to maintain good health and proper bodily functions. With impaired villi, we lose a lot of needed nutrients.

Because we start to lack nutrients, we also start to develop other health conditions. Conditions linked to celiac disease are intestinal cancer, osteoporosis, infertility, hepatitis mellitus, anemia, and neurological disorders.

What Causes Celiac Disease?

There is actually not one precise cause of celiac disease. It is classically believed that the disease is simply caused by gluten, and that some people do not have an immunological reaction to the substance and others just do. Therefore it is mainly food containing gluten that is the culprit.

Before, individuals of Caucasian and European descent developed celiac disease. However, it is now believed that the introduction of American and European food in other parts of the world is the reason why individuals with African American and Asian ancestry have started to develop the disease as well.

However, scientists are also studying the possibility of environmental factors as triggers to the condition. It is believed that infectious agents, alterations in the immune system, and changes in hormonal levels in the body are the result of these factors.

The Celiac Disease Diagnosis

Skin tests, blood tests, and a biopsy are just some of the tests performed on an individual suspected to have celiac disease. First, a thorough study and review on the patient's medical history is done. A medical professional will ask about symptoms, their endurance and persistence. You may also be asked about your emotional condition, as the disease can be related to stress. Other present diseases or conditions will be reviewed, also because the symptoms of the disease can manifest in other organs besides digestive organs. Blood tests will then be taken and a biopsy performed so tissue samples can be obtained.

How is Celiac Disease Treated?

Luckily, there are several treatment options available for people with celiac disease such as gluten-free diet, nutritional supplements and regular exercise.

A gluten-free diet basically involves the total avoidance of foods or food ingredients that contain gluten and replacing them with gluten-free substitutes. Patients can visit a dietician or nutritionist for professional assistance on their new dietary plan.

Nutritional supplements may also be one recommendation by the doctor to the patient in order to make-up for the loss of nutrients due to impaired absorption of nutrients in the body. Depending on your results, you may need more of a particular vitamin or mineral.

In order to improve the immune system and the overall health of the patient, regular exercise is also recommended. Exercises may include cardiovascular exercises and strength training.

Celiac disease has no cure. However, preventive measures can be taken to stir away from unwanted symptoms and progression of other related diseases.