CELIAC DISEASE

Gluten intolerance or celiac disease is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the small intestine.  When celiacs ingest gluten, their immune system attacks and damages the villi of the small intestine.  Normally, the villi absorb the food nutrients that are released in digestion into the bloodstream.  For people with gluten intolerance, the villi become inflamed and unable to absorb the nutrients.  Celiacs suffer from weight loss, abdominal bloating and pain, diarrhea, constipation, and malnutrition.  Eating a well-balanced gluten free diet allows the small intestine to heal and alleviates the symptons.