Courtesy of Cy-Fair Hospital
Whoever first said that bread is the staff of life didn’t know anyone with celiac disease. A person with celiac disease can’t consume foods with wheat, barley, and rye because they contain a substance— called gluten—that leads to damage in the small intestine. While many people have never heard of celiac disease, it’s fairly common, affecting about one in 133 people in the U.S.
What Is It?
Celiac disease is a genetic disorder. When a person with celiac disease eats a food containing gluten, the immune system reacts by causing damage to the lining of the small intestine. Over time, this makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food, causing malnutrition.
Celiac disease can eventually lead to other medical problems, including fertility issues, intestinal cancer, and osteoporosis.
Who Is At Risk?
Celiac disease tends to run in families. Even though some people are born with the potential to develop celiac disease, it may not become active until adulthood. Sometimes celiac disease can be triggered by surgery, pregnancy or childbirth, severe stress, or a viral or bacterial infection.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of celiac disease can be vague and similar to those of other diseases. Symptoms can also vary from person to person, making the disease difficult to diagnose. They include:
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Diarrhea or gas
• Muscle cramps
• Bone or joint pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Itchy, blistering skin rash
• Tooth discoloration
• Irritability (especially in children)
Could you have celiac disease or do you know someone who suffers from these symptoms? Join Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital for a free seminar to help you understand your condition and the nutritional needs associated with celiac disease, to learn how to live gluten-free, and to discover gluten-free products and food choices that are available. A complimentary gluten-free meal will be provided.
Featured speakers:
Vivian Asamoah, M.D., Gastroenterologist
Sheila Chandra, M.B.A., R.D., L.D., Dietitian
Michele Thornhill, M.S., R.D., L.D., Dietitian
Thursday, May 31, 6 p.m.
Cy-Fair Hospital Professional Building 1 Classrooms, 11302 Fallbrook Drive
Call 800-240-8081 today to reserve your spot at this free seminar.