The Importance of A Gluten Free Lifestyle

If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease 100% compliance with your lifestyle is a must. Why? Unfortunately, if you continue to ingest gluten, there are consequences and complications that will arise.

Celiac disease patients must follow a 100% gluten free lifestyle. If those with celiac disease ingest gluten, what happens? Gluten will attack the lining of the small intestine, causing damage. This damage will cause malnourishment, including vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These are vitamins and minerals that our body needs to survive and thrive. People with celiac disease that are undiagnosed or chose not to comply with a gluten free lifestyle will likely experience deficiencies in:

• Calcium

• Fiber

• Folate

• Iron

• Magnesium

• Niacin

• Riboflavin

• Vitamin B-12

• Vitamin D

• Zinc

What other medical complications can those that are undiagnosed or do not comply with a gluten free lifestyle face?

Lactose intolerance - if your small intestine is damaged and cannot digest the lactose you ingest, you might become lactose intolerant.

Nervous system disorders - when celiac disease goes untreated, you are more likely to have neuropathy. This is more likely due to the lack of vitamins and minerals, due to malnourishment.

Lymphoma - because celiac disease is an immune system condition, and your lymphocytes are part of the same system, it makes it possible that you could be at higher risk for lymphoma. This is more likely if you are diagnosed with celiac disease later in life and have significant damage in your small intestine.

Osteopenia and osteoporosis - if your small intestine cannot absorb the calcium you consume, you become at risk for brittle bones.

Fertility - studies show that women that are undiagnosed may have a harder time getting pregnant and that they are more likely to miscarry.

Failure to thrive - this is common in children that have been misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. They may also have delayed puberty, weak tooth enamel, and other medical conditions.

Stomach cancer - caused by malnutrition.

Just to name a few.

If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, 100% compliance is necessary to feel better and to lower your chances of the medical complications mentioned above. Celiac disease that is undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed without compliance can even be fatal.

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