Gluten-Free 101: A Child's Guide To Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is caused by gluten, a protein in some cereals, including wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is present in all foods, from pizza to grain. Celiac disease is not a food allergy. It is an autoimmune disease that is inherited. Thus it runs in families.
According to Children's National, roughly 1 in 100 children have celiac disease. The effects of celiac disease on children vary substantially depending on their age. However, the symptoms can be addressed by adopting a gluten-free lifestyle.
Why do some young toddlers get celiac disease? Is it an unknown problem? Let's learn all about gluten-free & celiac disease.
What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a genetic disorder that affects the immune system's response to gluten. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, which can lead to malabsorption of nutrients.
Celiac Disease Science: What's Happening Within Your Body?
When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system produces antibodies that attack the lining of the small intestine. This attack damages the villi, which are finger-like projections that line the small intestine and are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food.
Causes:
Celiac disease is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Family history of celiac disease is a significant risk factor
- Other risk factors include gastrointestinal infections, surgery, and stress
Symptoms and Signs:
- Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, and weight loss
- Children with celiac disease may also experience delayed growth and puberty
- Symptoms can vary from person to person and some people may not experience any symptoms at all
