Celiac disease: Everything you should know about the autoimmune disease

Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, is a chronic disease of the small intestine caused by an overreaction of the immune system to the protein gluten. Gluten is found in many grains such as wheat, rye and barley. In people with celiac disease, consumption of foods containing gluten causes an inflammatory reaction in the lining of the small intestine, which impairs the absorption of nutrients. Symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss and fatigue. The only effective treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet.

This article covers these topics:

1. Celiac disease: The underestimated autoimmune disease
2. Diagnosis of celiac disease
3. Differences from celiac disease to gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy
4. Symptoms of untreated celiac disease
5. The only correct therapy for celiac disease
6. Tips for everyday life with celiac disease
7. Tips for eating on the go
8. Tips for traveling with celiac disease
9. Conclusion

1. Celiac disease: A common but often underestimated autoimmune disease

On average, around 1 in 1000 people have celiac disease. The incidence increases by approximately 7.5% annually. Those affected often have to endure a long period of suffering before a diagnosis is made. This condition can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from abdominal pain to skin problems. Therefore, it is not uncommon for an incorrect diagnosis to be made or irritable bowel syndrome to be suspected. But early diagnosis is crucial to avoid complications and improve quality of life. Untreated celiac disease can have long-term health effects, so it’s important to stay alert for possible signs. A gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment for those with celiac disease and requires careful food choices. With a few practical tips and a positive attitude, you can cope with everyday life with celiac disease. Continuously educate yourself about celiac disease to deepen your knowledge and improve your quality of life. Don’t let annoying comments get you down, because the symptoms are often downplayed and society is generally not aware that gluten has serious consequences for the intestinal mucosa. But you know it and you are responsible for your health.

2. How is celiac disease diagnosed?

Diagnosing celiac disease can be challenging because symptoms are often nonspecific and can be confused with other conditions. The first step is usually a blood test to look for certain antibodies that indicate possible celiac disease. If the result is positive, a tissue sample is usually taken from the small intestine to check for changes in the tissue that are typical of celiac disease (villus atrophy of the small intestinal mucosa). In rare cases and if Dermatitis Herpetiformis Duhring is suspected, a skin biopsy is also performed. A diet containing gluten before the examinations is important to obtain an accurate result. Early Diagnosing celiac disease is crucial to starting a gluten-free diet and avoiding possible long-term damage. Stay informed and receive regular care from specialists to best support your health. Since the disease is still too rare, some doctors unfortunately don’t really understand that you sometimes have to insist on the blood test and then do a lot of your own initiative and research. In Germany, after a diagnosis, you can request nutritional advice from your doctor at the expense of your health insurance company to make the transition to your new gluten-free life easier.

Since the predisposition to celiac disease is hereditary, close blood relatives should also be tested for the autoimmune disease, even if they do not have typical symptoms.

You can find out what symptoms I had and how long it took me to get diagnosed in my blog post Diagnosis of Celiac Disease .

3. What distinguishes celiac disease from gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy?

Gluten intolerance, also known as non-celiac Gluten sensitivity , is often confused with celiac disease because both diseases are gluten-related . Gluten intolerance causes symptoms similar to those of celiac disease, but without the immunological reaction in the small intestine. People with gluten intolerance may not be able to tolerate foods containing gluten well, but may not feel as severely ill after consuming them as people with celiac disease. Gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, refers to a broader range of symptoms that can occur after consuming gluten without detectable autoimmune response. It is important to be aware of these differences in order to provide appropriate treatment and dietary changes to optimally support individual health. People with celiac disease should pay particular attention to possible cross-contamination of gluten. Those affected by a wheat allergy can experience symptoms such as itchy skin, swollen mucous membranes or anaphylactic shock, but they can also have symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract.

4. Symptoms and effects of untreated celiac disease

Unnoticed and often unrecognized, untreated symptoms of celiac disease can have serious consequences. There are even those affected by celiac disease who have no noticeable symptoms at all, although there is an inflammatory change in the small intestinal mucosa and a decrease in intestinal villi. Most often, however, the body suffers from short-term, acute symptoms. In the long term, more serious problems can gradually manifest themselves and even cause further autoimmune diseases.

Here you will find a more detailed description of which symptoms (short and long term) are possible:

It is therefore crucial to recognize the signs of celiac disease early and initiate a gluten-free diet. Through consistent therapy, not only can well-being be improved, but serious secondary illnesses can also be avoided. Stay informed and act early to protect your health and live a fulfilling life despite celiac disease.

5. Celiac disease and gluten-free diet: The only effective therapy

If you are faced with celiac disease, the gluten-free diet will become your faithful companion. Contrary to some statements, celiac disease is not curable according to current medical standards. The gluten-free diet is therefore not only the most effective treatment for this autoimmune disease, but also your chance for a symptom-free life. Eating gluten-free means putting your well-being and health first. Consistently avoid foods containing gluten and discover the variety of delicious alternatives available to you. With the right diet you can relieve symptoms and regenerate your small intestinal lining. Be proud that you are actively doing something for your health, try new things and be inspired by new recipes. Together with other affected people you can exchange experiences and support each other. The gluten-free diet is more than just therapy – it’s a lifelong journey to a healthier you.

But where can I actually find gluten?

If you have celiac disease, avoid products that contain the following ingredients or traces of them:

• Wheat
• Rye
• Barley
• Spelt
• Green core
• Emmer
• Einkorn
• Kamut ( Khorasan wheat)

Also avoid their origins and further processing, such as bran, semolina, groats, meal, couscous, bulgur, pearl wheat, flour, pizza, or pasta and even soy sauce. You need to pay attention to gluten in everything you eat that comes into contact with your mucous membranes and oral cavity. It is therefore important to know that gluten in medicines or hygiene products is called differently:

• Wheat: Triticum aestivum, Triticum vulgare, Triticum turgidum durum
• Rye: Secale cereale
• Barley: Hordeum districhon, Hordeum vulgare
• Spelled: Triticum spelta
• Oats: Avena sativa

Since traces of gluten, i.e. cross-contamination, can also be dangerous in celiac disease, it is recommended to only buy products with the certified gluten-free logo. Pay attention to the logo, especially for so-called pseudograins, which are gluten-free. For example, rice flour is not suitable for celiacs if it is ground in a grain mill that also grinds grains containing gluten.

For products that are unlikely to come into contact with cross-contamination during the processing and packaging process, relying on the ingredient list should not be a problem. Thanks to the EU Food Information Regulation (LMIV), ingredients containing gluten must be specially labeled in the EU (usually in bold). But be careful, the trace sentence is not mandatory!

What is gluten free?

Now you know a lot about gluten, but not yet what you can eat after a diagnosis. Once the initial shock is gone, you’ll notice that there are plenty things that are naturally gluten-free:

But be careful, here too you have to pay attention and read the list of ingredients carefully. Of course, there can be gluten in processed products, such as yogurt with muesli. Or legumes often grow between wheat, so traces of gluten may be present. There is also some grain coffee. In general, gluten is the “grain glue” and can therefore also be found hidden in herb salt, for example, because it “sticks” the herbs to the salt.

In short: check everything you eat to see if it is really gluten-free.

6. Tips for dealing with celiac disease in everyday life

In everyday life with celiac disease, it is important to be well prepared. Plan your meals in advance and find out about gluten-free alternatives. Always have snacks on hand to avoid hunger pangs. When shopping for gluten-free products, look for labeled gluten-free products and read the ingredients carefully. Communicate openly with family and friends about your illness so that they can be prepared, too. Also, inform restaurant staff about your gluten-free diet to avoid cross-contamination. Be patient with yourself and learn from experience to make your everyday life with celiac disease as carefree as possible. Stay informed and exchange ideas with other affected people to receive support and tips. You are not alone in this process!

7. Eating out with celiac disease: What do I have to consider?

Eating outside of your home can present situations that are challenging for people with celiac disease. It is important to be aware of possible risks and precautions to avoid unpleasant consequences. Inform the staff that you need to eat gluten-free and ask about the ingredients in the food. Avoid cross-contamination by making sure your meal is prepared separately. Restaurants with gluten-free options are a good choice, but still be vigilant. Completely gluten-free places are best. These are still very rare, especially in Germany. With a few simple steps and an open dialogue with the service staff, you can still ensure that you can enjoy worry-free outside of your usual surroundings. Stay informed and confident to make your dining experience a positive one.

8. Celiac disease when traveling: special challenges and tips for travel preparation

Traveling with celiac disease can present some unique challenges, but with proper preparation and planning , maintaining your gluten-free diet while on the road is entirely doable. Find out in advance about gluten-free restaurants or supermarkets at your destination. Don’t just pack gluten-free snacks for when you’re on the go, but also always have airtight/vacuum-packed bread that last long and can be stored in your luggage for emergency. Have enough food with you, that you can survive at least during the trip and on the first day. Communicate your needs to airline and hotel staff in a advance and be prepared to ask questions to ensure your meals are gluten-free. Also remember to always have the most important words in the local language with you. This will help you communicate clearly and ask the right questions. With good planning and a little flexibility, you can enjoy beautiful and stress-free moments even when traveling with celiac disease.

You can find my travel reports and other tips for traveling with celiac disease in my gluten-free travel category . The topic of sustainability and travel is often discussed. I’ve also thought about this. Especially with celiac disease it is sometimes difficult to avoid plastic, as it is essential as protection against cross-contamination. Here you can find my perspective on traveling sustainably with celiac disease .

9. Conclusion: Stay informed to improve the quality of life with celiac disease

Staying informed about celiac disease is the key to living a better life with this autoimmune disease. By understanding the symptoms and effects of untreated celiac disease, an early diagnosis can be made, which is crucial for health. Switching to a gluten-free diet is the only effective therapy to relieve discomfort and heal the intestines. In everyday life, tips help to make dealing with celiac disease easier, especially when eating out or when traveling. It is important to realize that with knowledge and preparation, a fulfilling and enjoyable life is possible even with celiac disease. Stay informed and pay attention to your health – this is how you can improve your quality of life despite celiac disease.

Sources: https://www.dzg-online.de/ , https://www.zoeliakie.or.at/
This article (including some images) was created with the support of AI. I am not a doctor, the information is based on my research, which I have carried out in good conscience, as well as my personal experience as a celiac myself for over 10 years.