Common Diet Misconceptions

I often see patients who are avoiding foods
unnecessarily, eating a very strict diet.  Here
is a list of some foods you can eat, some to
avoid.

• The need to avoid artificial colors.

This is false, they are all safe except malt flavor

Gluten Free Diet

The treatment of Celiac disease is a gluten free
diet.  This involves avoiding all foods that contain
wheat, rye, or barley.  Even a tiny amount of gluten
can be harmful.
Following a gluten free diet means a return to normal
life.  Intestinal damage will heal, further damage will
be prevented.  There is strong evidence that a strict
gluten free diet reduces the risk of the development of
other autoimmune diseases.

Meet with a Registered Dietitian who works with
the gluten free diet.  Always look at the foods you
can eat and not focus on the ones you can't.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Many people with gluten intolerance develop
a chronic disease of the skin called dermatitis
herpetiformis.  They appear usually on the elbows
or buttocks, but can appear anywhere on the body.
Anyone with DH is considered to have Celiac
disease even though results of a biopsy in the
small intestine may be normal.  This is a classic
sign of gluten sensitivity.

Signs Of Celiac In Adults

What are the signs and symptoms of Celiac
disease in adults?  Diarrhea, the hallmark of
intestinal diseases, is the single most common
symptom.  Most of the time it is labeled as
irritable bowel syndrome.  Other symptoms
include, anemia, osteoporosis, and neurological
problems. 

Signs Of Celiac In Children

The main sign of Celiac disease in children are
abdominal pain, failure to thrive, or growth issues,
including short stature.

Forms Of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is classified into two main
types, classical or atypical.  Classical includes
those with predominant gastrointestinal symptoms.
While the atypical form includes those with anemia,
osteoporosis, and those asymptomatic.  Dermatitis
herpetiformis is Celiac disease of the skin. Gluten
sensitivity in individuals with DH is manifested
by an intensely itchy blistering rash.

Who Is At Risk For Celiac Disease?

Anyone could be at risk for Celiac disease.
The risk is increased in:

• Relatives of those with celiac disease
• Type 1 diabetes
• Autoimmune thyroid disease
• Down, Turner and Williams syndrome
• Chronic liver disease