11. Celiac Disease vs. Food Sensitivity

You have trouble with bread and pasta. Do you have celiac disease or a food sensitivity?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. It is also used to bind processed foods together. Genetic tests can show celiac disease, and many members within a family can have celiac. About one percent of the population has celiac disease, and the vast majority don’t know they have it. People can struggle with symptoms for six to ten years before being diagnosed.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity applies to folks who feel better when they avoid gluten. They do not have celiac disease.

Celiac Disease Symptoms

• Bloating, gas or abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• General fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Tooth discoloration
• Joint pain
• Irritability
• Weight loss
• Delayed growth in children
• Fractures and thin bones
• Migraine headaches
• Infertility or miscarriages
• Association with other autoimmune diseases

Testing for celiac disease is inexpensive and easy. Request a test from your doctor as soon as you suspect. Better to be cautious than have side effects that cannot be undone.

Listen as Dr. Marie Robert joins Dr. Mike Smith to discuss celiac disease and the importance of testing.