Gluten: What is Celiac Disease?

What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease is an auto-immune disease that predominantly occurs in genetically predisposed people where is gluten is consumed, it creates damage to the small intestine. 

What if Celiac Disease goes untreated?

Leaving Celiac Disease untreated can cause you to develop a variety of other auto-immune disorders and health complications such as:

• Type 1 Diabetes
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis (itchy skin rash)
• Anemia
• Osteoporosis
• Infertility and Miscarriage 
• Neurological conditions such as epilepsy and migraines
• Heart disease
• Intestinal Cancers

Can Celiac Disease be prevented?
Unfortunately, no. Celiac Disease cannot be prevented. However, it can be managed by maintaining a gluten-free diet. This will manage symptoms and prevent damage to the small intestine. 

What foods can I eat in a gluten-free diet?
To maintain a well-rounded gluten free diet, you should consume:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meat
• Seafood
• Legumes
• Nuts

*Rice is also gluten-free and should be consumed in these diets.

Facts about Celiac Disease:

• Celiac Disease affects 1 in 100 people worldwide
• Celiac Disease can negatively affect every organ in the body
• Celiac Disease is underdiagnosed 
• Celiac Disease is treatable, but not curable
• Women with Celiac Disease are more likely to miscarry or experience premature birth
• Having Down Syndrome or Turner Syndrome increases the risk of having Celiac Disease
• Those with Celiac Disease report to have higher levels of depression and anxiety

NOTE: OUR TESTS DO NOT TEST FOR CELIAC DISEASE. CELIAC DISEASE IS AN AUTO-IMMUNE RESPONSE AND WOULD BE IDENTIFIED VIA A BLOOD SAMPLE OR SKIN PRICK. IT WOULD THEREFORE BE AN ALLERGY AND NOT AN INTOLERANCE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.
If Gluten shows up as green or orange on your report this would mean that your cells have identified no intolerance, however, you may still have an allergy to gluten, resulting in celiac disease.