What not to eat? Understanding care for those with celiac disease

Often confused with gluten intolerance, celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that requires a number of dietary restrictions.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition caused by gluten intolerance. That is, a protein present in wheat, oats, barley, rye and their derivatives. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), 1% of the world’s population suffers from this problem.

Due to its characteristics, it is common to confuse celiac disease with gluten intolerance. However, the second case does not involve an autoimmune or allergic response, which differentiates the two conditions.

Celiac disease: what it is and what the symptoms are

According to gastroenterologist Eric Pereira, of the Hospital & Clínica São Gonçalo, celiac disease occurs because intestinal defense cells mistakenly recognize gluten as an aggressive agent.

This generates local inflammatory activity that ends up destroying the intestinal cells responsible for nutrient absorption.

“The classic symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, bloating and a feeling of indigestion. Some people may suffer from anemia, constipation, weight loss and severe malnutrition,” explains Eric. Additionally, celiac patients may experience infertility.

Caring for those with the disease

Those suffering from celiac disease must adopt a series of dietary measures. After all, gluten is a very common ingredient, found in countless dishes and foods.

According to your doctor, you need to avoid foods that contain wheat, rye and barley. It is advisable to always read the label if it “contains gluten”, as this information is mandatory.

“The diet must be completely gluten-free. Not even a small fraction of gluten is allowed, as it can activate the disease with just one contact. Care must be taken, as there may be contamination of other grains if a gluten-containing food has been ground or processed, for example, in the same machine”, warns the specialist.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.