Health Happenings is a biweekly column published in Alamogordo Daily News as a way to provide the latest in health and wellness information, services and events. Articles for this column are submitted by Health Council partners, but do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Otero County Community Health Council.
By Susan Poore, RN, CNC, CPLC
Studies have shown that over half of all Americans experience heartburn on a regular basis, one in five of us have lactose intolerance, and colon/rectal cancers are second only to lung cancer. Gas, burping and bloating are almost acceptable habits in America. Many people assume that “that’s the way they are”. However, many people suffer from a digestive disorder called Celiac Disease. Celiac disease is when a person experiences a gluten allergy. Glutens are found in all forms of wheat and related grains and MUST be eliminated.
Our digestive system takes in the foods we eat and turns them into nutrients that support and feed our bodies. When our digestive tract is working properly, we hardly feel the digestive process. When this system is altered, we can experience a variety of symptoms that at times do not make a clear diagnosis and can cause us great harm.
Interestingly, Celiac disease is very common; however, if not diagnosed properly it can severely compromise your health on a short and long term basis. Even though a biopsy of the small intestine is the gold standard test, blood tests can be very helpful to determine gluten sensitivity. If you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease and continue eating gluten you are definitely compromising your health. The good news is that Celiac disease is very treatable with proper education on diet and avoidance of non food products which contain gluten.
Conditions that can be associated with Celiac range from a variety of autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiencies, mood disorders and neurological conditions. Typical symptoms are gastrointestinal in nature; however, there are over 200+ non-gastrointestinal symptoms which are often overlooked by individuals and their physicians.
The sooner you go on a gluten free diet and the more compliant you are, the lower your risk becomes from harming your health. Many of my clients are just relieved to know that if they follow the recommendation on avoiding the allergen, then their health and symptoms will improve.
Gluten can be found in many food and non food items, this is where it gets tricky for patients with gluten allergies. I teach my clients to read all food labels, how to cook without gluten, eating in restaurants and what to look for in medicines and cosmetics. Coping with Celiac disease can be difficult for many people. They learn of the new restrictions and what they need to do to avoid gluten and it becomes overwhelming for them. That’s when support groups can be beneficial. I encourage those needing the support to seek out these groups. Another suggestion is to seek out a professional that can help you get on the right track. There are also some great websites out there that not only teach you what to do, but lend support. Overcoming any obstacles and living life to its fullest is the kind of life we all strive for!
Article written for the Otero County Health Council by Susan Poore, RN, CNC, CPLC. Susan can be reached at (575) 491-5036 for additional questions or information about Celiac Disease.