Struggling with Gluten? It Might Be Celiac Disease

• Written by Jagriti Chakraborty

  Reviewed by Nidhi Goyal

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You’ve probably noticed gluten-free diets all over social media, often promoted as a lifestyle choice, sometimes as a wellness hack. But what if genuine concern isn’t just a trend? In medical terms, this condition is called celiac disease. This autoimmune disorder causes gluten to trigger your immune system, leading it to mistakenly damage your small intestine. 

Could your fatigue, bloating or unexplained digestive troubles be caused by this hidden condition? Even more importantly, are you aware of the early celiac disease symptoms before they start impacting your health? Keep reading to identify the key symptoms and learn why understanding this medical condition matters. Also, don’t get swayed by trendy terms; understand the absolute seriousness behind them. 

What is Celiac Disease and What  Causes It?

Celiac is a long-term autoimmune condition where gluten intake triggers the immune system to attack the small intestine’s villi. It blocks nutrient absorption, leading to nutrient deficiencies and a wide range of health complications. 

Causes of Celiac Disease 

A combination of genetic disposition and gluten intake (profoundly in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers the immune system to attack the small intestine. At the same time, gut changes or stress can also provoke the disease. 

• Genetics: Certain genetic variations, mainly HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, boost risk, but carrying them doesn’t guarantee celiac disease. 
• Gluten Composition: It is the primary trigger of the immune response, particularly in those at risk. 
• Other Factors: Infections, changes in the microbiome, and life stressors also amplify celiac symptoms. 

Are you at risk? Gluten may be silently affecting your health. It’s high time to identify the hidden warning signs of celiac disease and take charge of your well-being before they escalate. 

Early Warning Signs of Celiac Disease 

Celiac disease often goes unnoticed, showing only faint clues that are easy to miss. From unexplained digestive issues to mood swings and nutrient deficiencies, the early warning signs of celiac disease can impact your well-being long before the disease is formally identified. 

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms can vary widely, making them easy to overlook. 

Anaemia: An iron deficiency can cause fatigue and paleness as a result of the body not absorbing enough iron. 

Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Itchy and blistering rash visible on knees, elbows, buttocks, and scalp.

Joint and Bone Pain: Pain and weakness in joints and bones caused by inflammation and deficiencies in vitamin D and calcium. 

Weight Loss: Unexplained loss of weight in adults or stunted growth in children. 

Elevated Liver Enzymes: Early signs of liver strain or impairment. 

Neurological & Mental Health Symptoms 

Mental and neurological symptoms are often overlooked but are essential for early detection and treatment. 

• Depression and Anxiety: Mood disturbances are often associated with essential nutrient deficiencies. 
• Cognitive Impairment: Troubling focusing and retaining information. 
• Lack of Muscle Coordination: Challenges with body coordination and posture. 
• Irritability: Frequent temper or behavioural fluctuations, particularly in young ones. 

Reproductive & Developmental Symptoms 

Subtle reproductive or developmental symptoms can affect growth, fertility and also overall development. 

• Infertility/ Recurrent Miscarriages: Challenges with getting pregnant or maintaining pregnancy.
• Missed Menstrual Period: Irregularities or absence of monthly cycles in women. 
• Delayed Puberty: Slower physical development is one of the early symptoms of celiac disease, particularly in children. 

Untreated celiac disease can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes due to chronic inflammation and nutrient deficiencies. Women may face infertility, recurrent miscarriages, irregular periods, or complications during pregnancy. Closely monitoring reproductive and developmental signs can significantly improve the well-being of both mother and child. Maternity health insurance is a specialised policy that provides financial protection for all pregnancy-related medical needs, covering everything from prenatal checkups to delivery, and even newborn protection. 

The Process of Celiac Disease 

Celiac disease is more than just a reaction to gluten; it can silently take a toll on your health. Understanding what happens inside your body is crucial to recognising early symptoms of celiac disease before they seriously escalate. 

Gluten Enters the Body: When consumed, gluten is converted into smaller protein units called peptides during digestion. 

The Immune System is Triggered: For those with celiac disease, the immune system mistakenly perceives these peptides as harmful, often linked to genetic traits such as HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8. 

Villi are Attacked: The immune system produces antibodies and severely damages the small intestine’s villi. 

Nutrient Absorption is Blocked: With damaged villi, the body struggles to absorb essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. 

Symptoms and Health Complications Develop: Malabsorption can cause digestive issues, fatigue, anaemia, reduced bone density, and more. 

Recovery Begins on a Gluten-Free Diet: Following a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet halts the immune response, allowing the villi to recover and nutrients to be absorbed appropriately. 

Want to stay a step ahead of celiac disease? Keep reading to understand why a proper diagnosis is crucial. 

Why Proper Diagnosis Matters 

A precise diagnosis always helps you protect your body in the long run. Without confirmation, it can be confusing with many overlapping symptoms, causing symptoms of celiac disease to slip through the cracks and complications to build up silently. 

• Shield your Body from Long-Term Disorders: Untreated celiac disease can cause multiple health concerns like nutrient deficiencies, bone loss, reproductive challenges, etc. It can also raise the risk of chronic autoimmune conditions and gastrointestinal cancers. 
• Provides Proper Medical Management and Support: Knowing what celiac is ensures you receive personalised nutrition support and regular medical follow-ups. A confirmed diagnosis also helps you get access to individual health insurance benefits. 
• Differentiate from Other Conditions: Celiac disease often presents as IBS and gluten sensitivity; only proper testing through blood tests and biopsies can reveal what’s really going on. Unlike non-celiac gluten sensitivity, only celiac disease leads to actual harm in the gut. This makes getting the correct diagnosis essential for proper treatment. 
• Enables Accurate Family Planning: Because celiac often runs in families, close relatives have a notable chance of developing it. This makes early screening essential before complications arise. Because diagnostic tests directly rely on regular gluten intake, cutting it out too early can hide the diagnosis. 

Now that you know why diagnosis is essential, are you ready for what the journey to a confirmed diagnosis looks like? Let’s walk through the diagnostic steps that bring clarity. 

How is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of celiac disease requires more than just recognising symptoms; it requires precise testing to get a clearer picture of your body’s response. 

Blood Tests: Doctors check for elevated antibodies, such as tTG, through blood tests, which must be performed before starting a gluten-free diet to ensure accurate results. 

Endoscopic Biopsy: When blood tests are positive, an endoscopic biopsy is performed to obtain a tissue sample from the small intestine, allowing a pathologist to examine villous injury. 

Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can help rule out celiac disease if the genes aren’t present, making it helpful when tests or symptoms leave doubt. 

Additional Tests (If Needed): Doctors may use a capsule endoscopy to examine the whole small intestine and a skin biopsy when a celiac-related rash is suspected. 

Assessing Complications After Diagnosis: Blood tests for deficiencies like folate, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D help reveal the extent of malabsorption and guide appropriate treatment. 

>> Read More: Top 8 Dermatologist-Approved Tips for Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema Relief 

What to Eat When You Have Celiac Disease

Diagnosis is just the beginning; the next question is: what should you put on your plate? Celiac disease has no quick fix. It has only one proven treatment, i.e. eliminating gluten, no shortcuts, no exceptions. A lifelong gluten-free lifestyle is the key to stopping the autoimmune response. The following are the foods that should top your list. 

• Fruits and Vegetables: Almost all fruits and vegetables are safe to consume, making them great staples for someone with celiac disease. Pick colourful produce like citrus, berries, leafy greens, broccoli, and potatoes, but always double-check labels, especially on processed versions, since additives may contain gluten. 
• Proteins: Stick to naturally gluten-free protein like meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and legumes. However, you must avoid breaded items, sauces, and processed meats that may hide gluten or cause cross-contamination. 
• Dairy: Most simple dairy foods, such as butter, milk, and unprocessed cheese, are safe for people with celiac disease, but flavoured or processed varieties may contain gluten. This makes reading labels essential since intestinal damage from what causes celiac disease can trigger temporary lactose intolerance. 
• Gluten-Free Grains & Starches: A variety of grains from rice to buckwheat, plus starches like tapioca, potato, and arrowroot, are naturally gluten-free. However, oats must be certified safe to avoid cross-contamination that can trigger the signs of celiac disease. 
• Nuts & Seeds: Plain nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, chia, and flax are celiac-friendly. However, it is advisable to stick to single ingredients since flavour mixes may contain gluten. 
• Fats & Oils: Always opt for plant-based oils like olive, avocado, and coconut, as well as wholesome fats from nuts, avocados, butter, and ghee. Always check labels, especially with fried or processed foods, to ensure your diet remains completely gluten-free. 

>> Read More: 7 Crunchy Benefits of Eating Pistachios Daily

DIY Tips to Manage Celiac Disease (At a Glance)

From wise food choices to simple kitchen hacks, the following DIY strategy can help prevent gluten exposure and support a healthier lifestyle with celiac disease. 

It’s time to bring in the experts! Ask your doctor to connect you with a registered dietitian to help you navigate a gluten-free life. 

Get Personalised Celiac Support with Care OPD!

Living with celiac disease is undoubtedly a daily puzzle, with nutrient deficiencies, hidden gluten, and strict dietary rules that can turn everyday eating into a tricky challenge. Care OPD steps in as an add-on benefit, offering expert guidance to help you manage these challenges efficiently. 

With tailored nutrition plans, your meals remain both safe and enjoyable, and regular follow-ups help you identify deficiencies and optimise your nutrition. With professional care at your side, handling celiac disease becomes easier, stress-free, and truly manageable. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference only. Kindly consult your physician for a detailed diagnosis. Also, verify the policy benefits with the official prospectus.