Celiac Disease: Gluten-Free Diet

Author: Betty Kovacs, MS, RD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD

• How does digestion work?
• What is celiac disease?
• What are the symptoms of celiac disease?
• What are the dietary restrictions for celiac disease?
  • Foods containing gluten
• Are there any dietary deficiencies associated with celiac disease?
• What foods are safe to consume with celiac disease?
  • Gluten-free foods
• What are resources for a gluten-free diet?

How does digestion work?

When it comes to digesting food, the human body is like a well oiled machine. Through a complex process food is broken up, the necessary nutrients are absorbed, and the waste products are excreted. A disruption in any part of this process can lead to deficiencies, diseases, or even death.

From the moment that food enters the mouth digestion begins. Food is broken up in the mouth, and moistened with saliva that also contains digestive enzymes. The food will go through the esophagus to the stomach where it is stored and mixed. It then passes into the small intestine where majority of the nutrient absorption takes place. The small intestine is a long, narrow tube that extends from the stomach to the large intestines. The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas all aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. After the nutrients have been absorbed, the remaining un-absorbed food passes through to the large intestine, also known as the colon. The primary function of the large intestine is to store waste products.

Disorders and diseases can occur throughout the digestive tract. Some of the common digestive diseases are:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  
  
• Gastritis and ulcers
  
  
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  
  
• Inflammatory bowel disease – this includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
  
  
• Celiac disease
  
  
• Diverticulosis

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Celiac Disease - Learn about celiac disease (sprue) symptoms such as diarrhea, foul smelling flatulence (gas), abdominal pain, fatty stools, weight loss, anemia, easy bruising, and more. Celiac disease is an immunological (allergic) reaction within the inner lining of the small intestine. Source:MedicineNet Osteoporosis - Get information on osteoporosis causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment (drugs), prevention (diet, weight-bearing exercise), statistics, risk factors (hereditary) and research. Source:MedicineNet Obesity - Medical explanation produced by doctors regarding obesity and being overweight; includes health risks, causes, factors associated with, diagnosis, surgical and non-surgical treatments, medications, and review of popular weight loss diets. Source:MedicineNet Read 6 more Celiac Disease: Gluten Free Diet related articles ... Health Tip: Traveling During Pregnancy Health Tip: Keeping the Caregiver Healthy Lowering Dietary Fat May Help Prevent Prostate Cancer Acne Drug Prevents Tissue Damage From Emphysema Hot Flashes Reduced by Neck Injection Health Highlights: May 15, 2008 Embryonic Pathways Induce Stem Cell Traits New Laser Approved to Treat Psoriasis Genes Play Part in Prostate Cancer Among Races Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Dry Dog Food