Every November, we recognize Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month, a time to highlight how food choices impact digestive health, especially for those living with celiac disease. If you’ve ever wondered whether gluten might be affecting your body, or why a gluten-free diet matters for some people, this month is the perfect opportunity to learn more.
What Is Gluten and Why Does It Matter?
Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It helps give bread and pasta their chewy texture but for people with celiac disease, eating gluten can trigger a serious immune reaction that damages the small intestine.
Celiac disease is not the same as a food allergy or intolerance. It’s an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissue when gluten is consumed. Over time, this can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients and lead to a wide range of symptoms.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease can affect people differently, which often makes it difficult to recognize. Some people experience classic digestive symptoms, while others may have symptoms that seem unrelated to the gut.
Digestive symptoms may include:
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Bloating, gas, and abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
Other possible symptoms include:
- Fatigue or brain fog
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Skin rashes (such as dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Bone or joint pain
- Infertility or miscarriage
Because symptoms can vary so much, many people live for years without a proper diagnosis.
How Celiac Disease Is Diagnosed
If celiac disease is suspected, a gastroenterologist can perform specific tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:
- Blood tests to look for celiac-related antibodies
- Endoscopy with small intestinal biopsy, which helps assess any damage to the intestinal lining
It’s important not to start a gluten-free diet before testing, since eliminating gluten can interfere with accurate results. Your GI doctor can guide you through the correct testing process.
Living Gluten-Free: More Than a Trend
For people with celiac disease, following a strict gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment. Once gluten is removed from the diet, the small intestine can heal, symptoms often improve within weeks, and long-term complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, or intestinal cancer, can be prevented.
Living gluten-free requires learning to read food labels carefully and being aware of hidden sources of gluten in sauces, soups, or even medications. A registered dietitian or GI specialist can help you create a safe, balanced meal plan that supports your overall health.
Take Charge of Your Gut Health
If you’ve been experiencing ongoing digestive discomfort, fatigue, or other unexplained symptoms, don’t ignore them, they could be signs of celiac disease or another digestive disorder.
The gastroenterology experts at GI Alliance can help you find answers through accurate testing and personalized guidance.
Connect with a GI Alliance physician in your area to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward better digestive health this Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month.
