Anna Hartz
Fatigue, headaches, and iron deficiency can all be signs of the disease.
More people are paying attention to how different foods affect their bodies. Gluten is often part of that conversation. Some people avoid bread or pasta because they believe gluten makes them feel sick. Others are diagnosed with a medical condition that requires them to completely remove gluten from their diet.
One of those conditions is celiac disease, also called gluten intolerance. It is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects around one percent of the population. Yet many people still do not know they have it, writes Videnskab.
Feeling tired often
Years ago, doctors mostly linked celiac disease to children with stomach problems. Today, researchers know the disease can look very different. Many adults with celiac disease feel tired all the time. Others struggle with headaches, iron deficiency, depression, or joint pain. Some people have no clear symptoms at all.
Celiac disease happens when the immune system reacts badly to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Instead of ignoring the gluten, the body attacks the lining of the small intestine. Tiny structures in the intestine called villi become damaged. These structures help the body absorb nutrients from food.
When the villi are damaged, the body cannot absorb vitamins and minerals properly. This can lead to anemia, weakness, and other health problems.
Can cause long-term damage
Celiac disease is not the same as a food allergy. The reaction is slower and affects the body over time. Wheat allergy causes fast reactions after eating wheat, while celiac disease creates long-term damage inside the body.
Doctors often miss celiac disease because the symptoms can look like everyday problems. Some people spend years searching for answers before getting diagnosed. Studies show it can take almost six years on average before doctors discover the condition.
Diagnosis usually starts with a blood test. If the results suggest celiac disease, doctors perform a gastroscopy and take a small tissue sample from the intestine. Patients must still eat gluten before these tests for the results to be accurate.
The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Many people feel much better after removing gluten. Their energy returns and their symptoms slowly improve. Still, living without gluten takes planning and major lifestyle changes every day.
