Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a chronic digestive disorder in which the body responds to gluten as if it was antigen prompting an immune system attack when in th intestine. This causes damage and swelling in the small intestine, which in turn prevents the absorption of vital nutrients in the body. Gluten is a component of wheat, rye, oats barley, and other related grain-hybrids. Celiac disease is known to be hereditary, but the cause of the disease is unknown. If left untreated, celiac disease can be very serious and even life threatening. There is no known cure for celiac disease, but it can be managed through a strict adherence to a gluten-free diet.

Avoid any and all foods that contain gluten including barley, oats, rye, or wheat. Corn and rice can be eaten as well as rice, potato, cornmeal and soy flour. Eat fresh vegetables, legumes, rice bran, nuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, figs, and “seedy” fruits such as berries. Include blackstrap molasses and other foods rich in iron and vitamin B. Do not eat sugar, dairy, processed foods, bouillon cubes, chocolate, or bottled salad dressing.