Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Celiac disease most frequently occurs in first-degree relatives of people with the disease. In susceptible people, the ingestion of gluten results in an immune response in the intestine. This causes damage to portions of the small intestines which inhibits the absorption of important nutrients. One symptom of celiac disease is weight loss.
Celiac disease is treated by eliminating gluten from the diet.
Once gluten is eliminated, symptoms improve within days. The intestinal mucosa usually recovers within 2-3 months. Adherence to a strict gluten-free diet can be difficult because cereal products are a common ingredient in many prepared foods. There are organizations that can help by providing dietary information and support to people affected. Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest milk sugar.