We don’t normally pay attention to this, but a lot of us react to the foods, drinks, or medicines we take. Our immune system kicks against some of them. Hence, the reason we sometimes fall sick. A known disease that is the result of some allergic reaction is CELIAC.
CELIAC is a disease that affects a person whose immune system cannot tolerate the consumption of GLUTEN (gliadin). Gluten is a type of protein found in rye, barley, malt, wheat, etc. It is a digestive disorder that affects the small intestine causing a burning sensation in the inner lining. As a result, it prevents the absorption of certain nutrients leading to malabsorption. which is typically noticeable in children because it hinders growth and development) and it is genetically found in most people, it is an immune disease.
CELIAC DISEASE IN CHILDREN
Children as of the age of 2 are likely to start showing signs and symptoms of celiac disease. Symptoms include
A child born into a family that has a history of celiac disease is at risk of having it too. So, once a family member has been diagnosed, proper monitoring of all the children in such a family should be done.
CAUSES OF CELIAC DISEASE
-
Sometimes its genetics
-
Can be caused by certain infections
-
Immune disorder
SYMPTOMS OF CELIAC DISEASE
-
Diarrhea is a frequent stooling, usually watery, it is a common symptom.
-
Weight loss
-
Fatigue
-
Anemia
-
Vomiting
-
Constipation
-
Obesity in children
-
Delayed puberty
However, some symptoms or signs which does not have anything to do with the digestive disorder might come up such as;
-
Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
-
Mouth ulcers
-
Pains in the joints
-
Irritation
Celiac disease is mostly found amongst people who have
Failure to treat it on time can result in cancer, weakness of bone (due to lack of calcium and vitamin D), abdominal pain, malnutrition, nervous system disorder conception problems, etc.
To test for celiac disease, one can test for the level of antibody proteins or genetic testing. After which Endoscopy or Capsule Endoscopy test will be needed if the celiac test comes out positive.
-
The endoscopy test is done by using a tube with a tiny camera to view the small intestine. Also, it makes it easier to take a small part of the tissue for further testing. It is a safe process.
-
Capsule endoscopy is done by placing the camera in a capsule for oral use. It takes the views and pictures of your digestive tract. It is also a safe process.
If you test positive for celiac disease, it is best to always check the ingredients of anything you want to consume. Here are some of the products you should always check if they are safe for use.
-
Canned foods
-
Vitamins and supplements
-
Body and hair products
-
Yogurt
-
Pasta
-
Coffee
-
Ice creams
-
Salad cream
-
Lipsticks
TREATMENTS FOR CELIAC DISEASE.
This disease can only be managed to prevent severe health issues. There is no medication or treatment available currently. The patient needs the right supplement and consume or use only gluten-free foods or products. Adhering to this instruction will help heal up and stop the inflammation in the small intestine.
However, it may take a while to completely heal. Nevertheless, as soon as one stays away from gluten for a few weeks, there are bound to be improvements. Children with this disease tend to heal faster when they are been placed under a gluten-free diet. To ensure safety and prevent a case of mistakenly consuming gluten food, it is advisable to have a special dietician. Some tests are important to aid in the management of celiac disease. These tests will give a clue of every progress made while on the gluten-free diet. Tests include;
-
Lipid profile tests
-
Checking the mineral profile
-
Antibodies test
-
Vitamin profile
A celiac patient on a gluten-free diet should completely avoid foods like flour meal, bread, some biscuits, oats, cookies, wheat meal, liquor, food seasonings, etc. Please note that this does not mean the person cannot have a balanced diet meal. Some foods are now potato-based and they are safe to consume. Eating meals rich in vegetables, fruits, etc are helpful as well.
A celiac patient should take supplements and vitamins to help reduce the effects of lacking some nutrients in the body. It helps limit the harmful effects caused by the disease. Continuous intake of gluten can drastically increase the likelihood of health problems to the patient.
NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR CELIAC DISEASE.
As said earlier, this disease has no permanent cure, but it can be managed well enough to avoid the medical complications that come with it. Some of the natural treatments include;
-
Gluten-free diet
-
Change in general lifestyle
-
Vitamins and supplement (vitamin C and B complex)
-
Green food supplements
-
Taking primrose oil
-
Unrefined sea salt solution
-
Silica gel capsules
Gluten-free diet
Staying away from foods or products that have gluten/gliadin in them. Change of diet doesn’t mean a patient cannot have a normal feeding life. Simply be open to a change in the kind of foods you consume to aid healing and reduce inflammation of the small intestine. Patients should avoid eating raw, or uncooked foods because they do not digest easily, and can cause constipation.
A qualified dietician can help make sure gluten is cut out of your diet completely.
Change in general lifestyle
If as a celiac patient, you love fast foods, you have to try to ignore them. Here are lists of foods you should stay away from unless you are diagnosed free of celiac
-
Pizza
-
Fried chicken
-
Wheat-free food
-
Rye free foods
-
Barley free foods
-
Cocoa
-
Canned foods
-
Beers
-
Bread
-
All forms of dough
Preparing your meal, yourself is the best option. In so doing, you get to closely monitor the ingredients that go into your food processor.
Naturally, gluten-free foods include
-
Fruits
-
Vegetables
-
Legumes
-
Meat
-
Beans
-
Potato
-
Maize
-
Beverages
However, it is advisable to read labels on any already processed foods or products you want to buy.
Beverages like juices, sodas are gluten-free. Wines are also considered to be gluten-free, but some wines have some amount of gluten in them, so be watchful.
You can sign up for associations that give out pieces of information and support how to manage the celiac disease. There you get to meet different people coming out with different researches on how to manage the disease
Garlic as a natural treatment
Garlic helps to reduce or stop inflammation of the stomach lining. It works almost faster than pills. Prepare a garlic tea or a ginger herb whenever you feel like you are having a burning sensation in your stomach.
Water as a natural treatment
Drinking a lot of water helps to flush out toxins in the body, so it is advisable to always drink water, especially very early in the morning as a therapy.
Goldenseal and olive leaf herb
The combination of these herbs helps to regulate the immune system. Hereby reducing the negative effects of the immune attack on the small intestine.
Chamomile herb
This herb helps to stop stomach upset, it also helps to stop burning sensation in the stomach. It fights against digestive complications.
Horsetail herb
Horsetail helps make sure that your body system does not go against gluten. It aids digestion and reduces the inflammation effects on the small intestine. It empowers your body system.
Turmeric as a natural treatment
Turmeric has been known for years to be very medicinal, it is a good treatment for inflammation. Other natural treatments include
-
Lemongrass herbs
-
Saffron and dandelion herbs
-
Horsetail tea
-
Apple cider vinegar
-
Fennel seed
-
Cayenne pepper
-
Marshmallow root
-
Aloe Vera juice
-
Regular body exercise
-
Body massage
-
Swimming
BENEFITS OF A GLUTEN-FREE DIET.
-
Staying far away from gluten is beautiful. It helps you get a better immune system. You will be free from skin rashes, eczema, and other skin problems. A smooth and clear skin free of itching is guaranteed.
-
When you cut off all gluten intake, your energy will be restored and you will feel more active.
-
All the critical complications like stooling, vomiting, constipation will be eliminated.
-
The body begins to absorb the needed nutrients to protect the small intestine, then the villi will be protected.
-
There will be reduced inflammation, which will put a stop to constipation, stomach upset, and bloating, these are the main symptoms of celiac.
-
You get to sleep more comfortably because your body system is relaxed.
-
It lowers your stress and your hormones are regulated.
If you suspect that you have celiac disease, don’t perform a self-examination. Report to a doctor to get the proper test done and know your status. Also, get the service of a registered dietitian. Always remember, been diagnosed with celiac doesn’t mean you can’t live a normal life.
