I gained an interest in nutrition at a young age while growing up on a farm where they grew organic, home-grown fruits and vegetables.

In the past half of a century, there have been a growing number of people with autoimmune disorders, and the number of autoimmune diseases has increased to more than 80 at this time.

Celiac disease, also known as coeliac disease, celiac sprue, or gluten sensitive enteropathy (GSE), is another type of common autoimmune disorder. Usually passed on genetically, it is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients. In the US, about 1 in 130 people have, or show signs of, celiac disease, but there could be many more than that.

An autoimmune disorder is from a breakdown in cellular communication. When an animal or person has an autoimmune disorder, it simply means that their own cells fail to recognize their cells as "self". Of course, this is not normal, and results in an immune response against their own cells.

Types of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease has now been categorized into 4 main classes according to the NIH consensus conference.

1. Classical celiac disease includes those symptoms commonly associated with the disease in the past, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

2. Celiac disease with atypical symptoms includes those extra intestinal symptoms of osteoporosis, neurological involvement, and little or no abdominal symptoms.

3. Silent celiac disease includes those individuals who are asymptomatic yet have both positive serology and biopsy.

4. Latent celiac disease includes positive serology and negative biopsy, but may later present with positive symptoms or intestinal changes.

To find out more about this disorder, you can visit this page review of celiac disease: http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Gluten-Free-Diet---So-What-Is-Celiac-Disease&id=307975

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