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In a Prevention article dated January 10, 2008, Elaine Monarch, founder of the Celiac Disease Foundation, said the food pyramid almost crushed her. She'd always enjoyed whole-wheat bread and the other healthy carbohydrates that make up the pyramid's foundation. She increased her intake of grains after she went to her doctor complaining of bloating and diarrhea and he told her she needed more fiber in her diet. "That advice practically killed me," Monarch said.
Monarch has celiac disease, an autoimmune intestinal disorder found in individuals who are genetically susceptible. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, "Damage to the mucosal surface of the small intestine is caused by an immunologically toxic reaction to the ingestion of gluten and interferes with the absorption of nutrients. Celiac Disease (CD) is unique in that a specific food component, gluten, has been identified as the trigger. Gluten is the common name for the offending proteins in specific cereal grains that are harmful to persons with celiac disease. These proteins are found in all forms of wheat (including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn, and faro), and related grains: rye, barley, and triticale and must be eliminated."
In addition to bloating and diarrhea, other symptoms of CD may include: abdominal pain, chronic constipation, bone and joint pain, unexplained anemia, fatigue or weakness, infertility, canker sores inside the mouth and more. For a full list of symptoms, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a skin manifestation of celiac disease characterized by blistering, intensely itchy skin. The rash has a symmetrical distribution and is most frequently found on the face, elbows, knees and buttocks. DH patients can have gastrointestinal damage without perceptible symptoms.
There is no known prevention for Celiac Disease. However, the Celiac Sprue Association offers management guidelines. Number one on the list: eliminate all gluten exposure, including oats. And for those who have CD, it’s not only critical to avoid eating gluten containing foods, it’s also important to use gluten-free body care products, as well, because that amazing organ, the human skin, absorbs what we put on it.
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