| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Celiac Disease / Celiac Sprue Information Celiac disease (also known as celiac sprue, gutten-sensitive enteropathy and non-tropical sprue) is a chronic condition caused by a hereditary intolerance to gluten, a form of protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. If someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, the particles damage the intestinal wall, making it difficult for the body to absorb necessary nutrients from food. The loss of vitamins, minerals, fat and calories can cause malnutrition even if the sufferer consumes a healthy, well-balanced diet. The disease can also affect the pancreas, thyroid gland and nervous system. Celiac disease can strike both adults and children, but is most often diagnosed when a baby is first introduced to cereal-based foods. . - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Celiac Disease / Celiac Sprue The cause of celiac disease is not known, but the condition tends to affect mostly Caucasians of European dissent. It is seen in about 10% of first-degree relatives (father, mother, son, daughter, sister or brother) who suffer from the disorder. Immune system problems may increase the likelihood of developing celiac disease. A virus responsible for upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal problems may also trigger celiac disease, as does exposure to some bacteria. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Celiac Disease / Celiac Sprue People suffering from celiac disease usually experience symptoms after consuming products containing gluten. The first signs of celiac disease are usually diarrhea, gas, weight loss, abdominal bloating and nutritional deficiencies. Feelings of weakness and fatigue are common, and vomiting can also occur (mostly in children). Anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, amenorrhea (absence of periods), delayed growth, delayed puberty, anxiety, depression and frequent respiratory infections can be experienced by those who go untreated. Some sufferers (especially children) experience severe symptoms, while others (some adults and those in the early stages of the disease) may feel very mild to virtually no symptoms. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Celiac Disease / Celiac Sprue It is imperative that individuals with celiac disease avoid all products containing wheat, barley, oats and rye. Many foods contain hidden gluten, so read all food labels carefully. Substitute rice, potato, cornmeal and soy flour for wheat flour whenever possible. Chew foods thoroughly before swallowing to improve the intake of nutrients. Good food choices for celiac disease sufferers include fresh vegetables, legumes, rice bran, nuts, raisins, figs, backstrap molasses, sunflower seeds and fresh berries. If your child has celiac disease, be sure to count calories and check her weight regularly to ensure she is getting the proper nutrients to grow healthy and strong. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Dietary Supplements Essential Fatty Acids regulate a host of bodily functions. Free-form Amino Acid Complex supplies protein in a form that makes it easily used by the body. Glutathione is an amino acid necessary for intestinal tract repair. Liquid Kyolic with B1 and B12 enhances the immune system. Multiple Vitamin Mineral contains a varying number of essential and non-essential nutrients. Vitamin B is necessary for proper digestion. Alfalfa supplies the body with Vitamin K, necessary for proper bone formation and blood clotting. Olive Leaf Extract helps control infection. REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products Below. |