Today is Pancake Day (Feb. 5) in the U.K. Many people will be preparing and enjoying a traditional feast of pancakes. However, for persons suffering from celiac (pronounced sē′lē ak′) disease, this day may prove difficult to celebrate due to the serious effects gluten has on their health. This does not mean that celiacs should miss out on the experience altogether, since there are now many gluten-free flour products available.
Celiac disease is not a wheat allergy but an autoimmune disease, which causes the body to produce antibodies that attack its own tissues.
Celiac sufferers are intolerant to a protein called gluten. The immune system believes gluten is a threat, and launches an attack against it, which also results in the gut lining becoming inflamed. This leads to the reduced absorption of nutrients. This in turn results in weight loss and vitamin deficiencies, leading to malnutrition.
Symptoms can include bloating, diarrhea, nausea, wind, tiredness, anemia, headaches, and infertility.
It is not known what the exact cause of celiac disease is, although it has been suggested that both genetic and environmental factors are involved.
One in 100 people in the U.K. suffer from celiac disease, however only 12.5 percent of them are actually aware of it. At present, there is no known cure, but the treatment is to follow a gluten-free diet. Gluten is commonly found in wheat, rye, and barley, therefore these cereals must be avoided.
Avoiding gluten can be a difficult task for a celiac as it is present in many foods such as bread, flour, pasta, cakes, pastries, biscuits, and some alcoholic drinks. Other hidden sources of gluten are sauces and gravies; so, many prepared and processed ready meals must be avoided.
Oats may be safe to consume for some individuals, but for other sufferers they may still cause symptoms. It is important for all celiacs to understand food labeling and to check both the ingredients list on pre-packaged foods.
Once on a gluten free diet, a person's symptoms subside, and the gut lining will return to normal. It is important for individuals to maintain a strict diet that may seem harsh at first, but is necessary to reduce the risk of serious health complications such as osteoporosis, impaired immunity, and cancer of the small intestine.
Celiacs committed to following a gluten-free diet have the same life expectancy as those without the disease.
References:
Celiac UK: http://www.coeliac.co.uk
Celiac Disease and Gluten-free Diet Information Since 1995: http://www.celiac.com
Emily Lam is a graduate student in dietetics.
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