A friend online asked that we call our representatives in Washington, regarding the CELIAC SAFETY ACT. I immediately offered to write about this condition.
DEFINITION: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. When a person with this disease eats gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, the small intestine is often damaged. Such damage causes malabsorption, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and fatigue. The basic treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.
Though symptoms can vary widely, they often include digestive issues, unexplained anemia, osteoporosis, or an itchy rash (dermatitis herpetiformis). In children, the condition may cause stunted growth and delayed puberty. Left untreated, it can lead to malnutrition and other autoimmune conditions.
- Blood Tests: Screening for specific antibodies (such as the tTG-IgA test).
- Endoscopy: If blood tests are positive, a gastroenterologist performs an endoscopy to take a tissue sample (biopsy) from the clients’s small intestine to confirm the damage and thus the condition: Celiac Disease. .
Currently, the only gluten ingredient required to be listed on labels is wheat, because it’s also a major food allergy.
But people with Celiac (which is a condition that can severely damage the small intestine) are sensitive to all gluten — so not only wheat, but also barley and rye, and a long list of ingredients derived from those things (e.g. brewer’s yeast, malt, farro, graham flour, some soy sauce and “natural flavors”).
If the SAFETY ACT passes, it would mean all gluten would have to be declared — a real game-changer for folks with Celiac. Everyone should be able to EAT without worrying the food is destroying their body.
Please read and consider helping. Look up your reps and write to them. And thanks for reading, because when this reaction occurs, patients frequently experience a wide range of gastrointestinal and non-digestive problems, including
- Digestive issues: Abdominal pain, bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Malabsorption can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, low vitamin B12, and calcium deficiencies.
- Bone and joint pain: Long-term poor absorption can lead to weak bones, osteopenia, or osteoporosis.
- Dermatitis herpetiformis: An intensely itchy, blistering skin rash that often appears on the elbows, knees, and buttocks.
- Systemic and mental symptoms: Chronic fatigue, headaches, depression, anxiety, and in some cases, infertility
6 Responses
I have several friends with this condition. It sounds challenging, to say the least. How nice of you, Beth, to join in and help with the cause.
Thanks, Laurie. Hope you have a great week.
Funny you should write this up today. I have been having GI issues, but not celiac. Still, my doctor wants me to be GF for a while.
I think that is rather normal as we age and things change. When we moved from LA back to Chicago I went through some changes, and thus had a workup done. Nothing wrong with the old body…maybe just a change in water, timing who knows. What I do know is that we get amazing heath care in this country and I am forever grateful.
This is not a fun issue to navigate. Thanks for sharing info. It’s helpful
Pennie, so glad that it IS helpful. Thinking of you, Beth