Recently, our son was diagnosed with celiac disease. Here is the textbook definition: "Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Two and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications." "When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. These attacks lead to damage on the villi, small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine, that promote nutrient absorption. When the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body." Bottom line for victims like my son? These are the things that can happen: • Anemia, usually resulting from iron deficiency • Loss of bone density (osteoporosis) or soften...
I am a stroke survivor. My blog is about my recovery, family, and possibilities.