People with celiac disease have to be meticulous about not eating gluten. Otherwise, the autoimmune disease can manifest itself through the following symptoms and complaints.
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What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells of those affected react to gluten with an inflammatory reaction in the small intestine. In the long term, this inflammation destroys the intestinal villi, which are important for nutrient absorption. The inflammatory reactions of the immune system can only be prevented by completely abstaining from foods containing gluten such as wheat, rye or spelt. However, those affected can then lead a symptom-free life. However, if you eat products containing gluten, the following symptoms may occur.
Celiac disease: 3 symptoms
Celiac disease can be very different from person to person and the diverse symptoms are not only expressed in the digestive tract. The following complaints are among the most common.
1. Indigestion
Since the small intestine suffers particularly badly from the inflammation that occurs there, problems with digestion are not uncommon in people with celiac disease. In addition to abdominal pain and nausea, diarrhea and flatulence or a bloated stomach are the main symptoms. If these digestive problems only occur after eating foods containing gluten, this could be an indication of gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Important: There are certain foods that do not contain gluten themselves, but can come into contact with gluten-containing substances or traces of gluten during the manufacturing process. This includes, for example, oatmeal, which is therefore also available in a variant specially marked as gluten-free.
2. Weight loss
In addition to unpleasant gastrointestinal complaints, the worsening of nutrient absorption is a main problem with celiac disease. As a result of the inflammatory reaction, the intestinal villi are damaged and perish. This reduces the surface area in the small intestine and fewer nutrients can be absorbed. Minerals such as iron and calcium are particularly affected, but also vitamins such as vitamin B12 or vitamin K. In addition, many patients experience unwanted weight loss. In a studyAt the University of Iowa, two-thirds of all test subjects reported that they had unintentionally lost weight in the six months before the celiac disease diagnosis and that some were underweight. Especially in children who are still developing, this can lead to growth and development disorders, which is why a quick diagnosis and medical treatment is essential.
Tip: Since gluten is not unhealthy in itself, you should only avoid it if you have celiac disease. Because whole grains contain valuable dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins.
3. Fatigue
Another consequence of the inflammation and nutrient deficiencies can be unusual tiredness. Affected people often feel listless and simply tired because they lack essential nutrients and energy. Celiac disease can also affect mood, leading to mild irritability and mood swings.
Important: If you experience symptoms, you should always consult your doctor to have a possible celiac disease diagnosed. Blood tests and a small intestine biopsy – the removal of a tissue sample from the digestive organ – are suitable for this.
