Long-term Dangers of Celiac Disease

Lots of people have celiac disease and don’t even realize it. With celiac disease, your body reacts to gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. The reaction creates a toxin that causes many problems for your health.

When you have celiac disease it can manifest in different ways. Some people have digestive problems. Others get an irritating rash. Still others suffer from neurological issues, like memory problems and balance problems.

Celiac disease can also put you at higher risk of devastating diseases like hypothyroidism and stomach cancer.

New research finds that celiac disease also increases your risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. People with untreated celiac disease have up to five times the risk of developing this form of cancer than people without celiac disease.

Researchers aren’t certain what the relationship between lymphoma and celiac disease is, but it does seem clear that catching celiac disease early and treating it helps reduce risks.

If you suffer regular stomach upset, like gas and bloating… or if you develop unexplainable rashes… or if you experience sudden changes in your balance, memory, vision, or mental clarity, you might have celiac disease.

The first step is to go see your doctor. He can do a quick blood test for certain antibodies to determine if you might have celiac disease. If the test comes back positive, he’ll do further tests to confirm your condition.

If you have celiac disease, you’ll need to commit to a gluten-free diet. Enlisting the help of a dietician is a good idea—gluten shows up in unexpected places sometimes. For example, many processed foods contain dextromaltose, which contains gluten.

Choosing a gluten-free diet is difficult at first, but if you have sensitivity to gluten, it can make an incredible difference in your long-term health and significantly reduce your risks of many diseases.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace