What is Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, also known as coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease of the small intestine. Gluten is a protein found in wheat and it causes the small intestine of people who have this condition to become inflamed. It causes problems with absorption of nutrients because it affects the intestines that are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food as it is digested.
Celiac disease can affect people of any age from middle infancy upwards. There must be a genetic predisposing for celiac disease to appear. The only way to completely clear up symptoms is to eliminate gluten from the diet.
Celiac Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of celiac disease are distended abdomen, diarrhoea, vomiting and weight loss. In babies, failure to thrive often occurs and in older children growth can be stunted. There is also abdominal pain present and there can sometimes be ulcers of the mouth. Fatigue can result from the mal-absorption of nutrients and anaemia can also be present.
Because of an inability to absorb calcium and vitamin D properly celiac disease can cause osteoporosis. The lack of vitamin K can also cause abnormal bleeding in some people who suffer from the condition.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease so supporting and caring for the immune system as well as the digestive system is very important. Liquorice supports the adrenal glands as well as having anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Yucca and wild yam have anti-inflammatory properties and have detoxifying effects.
Celiac Disease Remedies
The first and foremost remedy for dealing with celiac disease is the complete elimination of gluten from your diet. You should work closely with your doctor and a nutritionist to plan the best diet for your body. This is especially true if you have other food allergies that make substituting gluten containing foods difficult.
With autoimmune diseases stress control is paramount. You need to reduce stress and get a good night sleep. Ginseng can help with stress management and help the person suffering from celiac disease keep a positive attitude.
Keeping inflammation at bay also requires antioxidants; so in addition to a diet high in fruits and vegetables you should drink green tea or take a supplement containing its active extracts. Essential fatty acids also keep the body’s inflammation response in check. Omega 3 supplements and like fish oil and flax seed oil are great sources of these fatty acids.
Mercury and other environmental toxins are thought to play a role in autoimmune disease so supporting the liver is important since it filters toxins from our bodies. The probiotics in kefir and yogurt can also help aid digestion and keep the intestines balanced. You should avoid herbs that stimulate the immune system such as Echinacea because they can make autoimmune diseases worse.
The good news is that celiac disease can easily be controlled with a gluten free diet and by using a supplement to help repair and protect.
Zenulife recommends Xbiotic natural supplement to aid celiac disease.