How to Tell If You Have Celiac Disease

These days, new diseases are being discovered and cured at an alarming rate. As our food choices change, so too do the ailments with which we deal on a daily basis. For some, celiac disease is a serious problem, and it all stems from the foods we eat. Getting a hold on your health is vitally important, which is why it is essential for you to know how to tell if you have celiac disease or not. Because the symptoms can sometimes be rather mild, checking and double-checking your own health is a great way to stay on top of things for the long run.

What Is Celiac Disease?

In order to know whether or not you have celiac disease, you first have to know what it is. Put simply, it is a problem that some people have with certain types of food—namely, the ones that contain gluten. This potentially dangerous protein is found most notably in things like wheat, barley, rye, and whey. For someone who has this unfortunate disease, immune system disorders surrounding the consumption of these foods is not uncommon.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms?

It is a lot easier to know whether or not you have celiac disease if you also know the most basic symptoms. Over time and left untreated, celiac disease can eventually lead to anemia, osteoporosis, and even lymphoma. In younger patients, it can also slow the growth of certain bones in the body or even weaken them to dangerous levels. As a general rule, the most common symptoms of the disease are:

• Weight loss
• Irregular bowel movements
• Gas or bloating after a meal
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash

Keep in mind that some of these symptoms may be extremely mild and, thus, difficult to detect.

Are There Any Treatments or Cures?

Most doctors are still working to find a cure for celiac disease, but there are a lot of treatments for celiac disease available in the meantime. It is commonly known that certain genetic markers may play a significant role in a person’s ability to digest gluten, but the jury is still out. Because celiac disease is often misdiagnosed, it may be a good idea to get tested multiple times and from varying sources. Talk to your doctor or with a certified nutritionist for more detailed information regarding your symptoms and treatment options.