Celiac Disease:

Celiac disease (CD) also referred to as gluten sensitive enteropathy (GSE), gluten intolerance, or celiac sprue. It is considered to be the most under-diagnosed common disease today, affecting 1in every 170 to 250 people in the USA. It is a chronic, inherited disease, and if untreated can ultimately lead to malnutrition. Gluten intolerance is the result of an autoimmune system response to the ingestion of gluten (from wheat, rye, and barley) that damages the small intestine. Nutrients then quickly passed through the small intestine, rather than being absorbed. To develop celiac disease (CD) three (3) things must be present: 1) you must inherit the gene, 2) consume gluten, and 3) have the gene triggered. Common triggers include stress, trauma (surgeries, pregnancy, etc.), and viral infections. Approximately 10% of first-degree relatives could have CD triggered in their lifetime. The disease is permanent and damage to the small intestine will occur every time you consume gluten, regardless if symptoms are present.

Bibliography:

The above information was copied, verbatim, from the web page of the "Gluten Intolerance Group of North America."  Please visit their website for more information on Celiac Disease.  www.gluten.net

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