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Celiac disease affects more than 3 million of Americans. In the United States, 1 in 133 healthy people have this disease. This is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the small intestine when gluten is consumed. If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to other autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions, infertility, osteoporosis and even cancer. This is why it is essential that you learn how to deal with celiac disease. 

If you suffer from celiac disease and consume gluten, the immune system sends out immune cells that attack the villi that line the small intestine. When the villi become damaged, inflammation can occur. This inflammation can lead to leaky gut syndrome, which allows undigested food particles, toxins and bad bacteria to enter the blood stream. Additionally, the digestive tract will not be able to absorb the nutrients in the foods you consume properly, which can lead to malnutrition.

Gluten is a sticky protein found in a variety of grains, including wheat, rye and barley. In addition to grains, it is found in beer, ale and malt. Gluten is also added as a binder or filler in a number of processed foods, including coffee creamer, candy, chewing gum, chips, cold cuts, French fries, hot dogs, condiments like mustard, gravy, ketchup, mayonnaise, soy sauce and salad dressings, spices, tomato sauces, cooking spray, bouillon cubes and flavored rice. 

In addition to foods, gluten can be found in a variety of non-food items, including laundry detergent, soap, shampoo and sunscreen. Makeup, lotions, lip balms, toothpaste and mouthwash can also contain it. Finally, medications, play dough and the glue found on stamps and envelopes can contain gluten. 

As you can see, gluten is in a plethora of foods and non-food items, which is why it is essential that you read labels carefully. When reading labels, watch out for the following items:

• Dextrin

• Malt

• Maltodextrin

• Rice syrup

• Rice malt

• White vinegar

• Whey

• Natural flavourings

• Natural fillers

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

• Modified food starch

• Hydrolysed plant or vegetable protein

The treatment for celiac disease is removing all traces of gluten from your life, including the foods you eat and the products you use. In order to ensure you are not consuming any gluten, you must read labels and be especially careful when ordering food at a restaurant. This can be difficult in the beginning; however, there are many wonderful products on the market that are gluten free, including gluten-free breads, condiments and spices.

The digestive tract has the ability to heal itself. Most sufferers’ digestive tracts heal between six months and two years; however, there are several things that you can do to shorten the length of time it will take. Let's take a look at the top three things you can do to help heal your digestive tract and get back to a healthy life.

• Probiotics – Probiotics  are living organisms that help to balance the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Celiac patients often experience inflammation in the GI tract along with gastrointestinal issues. Probiotics help to improve GI function and decrease inflammation that causes leaky gut syndrome. 

• Digestive Enzymes – Many people suffering from celiac disease have reduced output of bile, stomach acid and digestive enzymes due to the malabsorption of nutrients, which can result in malnutrition making the body unable to produce enough enzymes to break down the foods you eat. A digestive enzyme supplies the body with the enzymes that are needed to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. 

• Detoxification – The world we live in is filled with toxins. These are found in the air we breathe due to pollution, the water we drink, the products we use and the foods we eat (pesticides and herbicides). These toxins can damage the intestinal tract and increase the risk of chronic disease and food intolerances. Following a detoxification program will remove these toxins from the body, strengthen the immune system and help to heal the gut.

A holistic nutritionist can help you with following a gluten free diet. Taking probiotics and digestive enzymes and detoxifying the gut can help to soothe the small intestines and improve gut health. Additionally, an anti-inflammatory diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids and taking a glutamine supplement will heal a damaged intestinal tract.