Celiac Disease: What It Is, How It Affects You, and What You Can Do
When you have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten that causes damage to the small intestine. Also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, it’s not a food allergy or a choice—you’re literally harming your own gut every time you eat wheat, barley, or rye. Your immune system attacks the lining of your small intestine, flattening the villi that absorb nutrients. That’s why people with celiac disease often feel tired, bloated, or lose weight—even if they’re eating enough.
This isn’t just about stomach upset. Untreated celiac disease links to osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle, because your body can’t absorb calcium and vitamin D properly. It also raises the risk of anemia, a shortage of healthy red blood cells, and even certain types of intestinal cancer. And while many people think gluten-free means just skipping bread, the truth is hidden gluten shows up in sauces, medications, supplements, and even some cosmetics. That’s why knowing what to look for matters more than ever.
People often confuse celiac disease with gluten intolerance, a non-autoimmune reaction to gluten that causes discomfort but doesn’t damage the gut. The difference? One is life-long and dangerous without strict avoidance. The other? You might feel better cutting back—but you won’t risk permanent damage. Blood tests and a biopsy are the only real ways to tell them apart. And if you start a gluten-free diet before testing, you can mess up the diagnosis. That’s why self-diagnosing is risky.
Managing celiac disease isn’t about fancy superfoods or expensive supplements. It’s about consistency. Even a crumb of bread can trigger inflammation. That’s why cross-contamination in kitchens, restaurants, and even shared toasters matters. But here’s the good news: once you go fully gluten-free, your gut starts healing. Most people feel better in weeks. After a year, the villi often recover. And yes, you can still eat rice, potatoes, quinoa, meat, veggies, fruits, and plenty of naturally gluten-free snacks.
The posts below cover what you need to know beyond the basics. You’ll find how celiac disease connects to osteoporosis, why some medications contain hidden gluten, what to ask your doctor about nutrient deficiencies, and how to spot fake gluten-free labels. There’s no fluff—just real, practical info from people who’ve lived with this, and the science that backs it up.
