Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by the intake of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Luckily there are now many tasty and nutritious gluten free foods — like Enjoy Life products — that make it easier to eliminate gluten from one’s diet.
Once thought to be a rare disorder, celiac disease is known to affect as many as 1 in 133 Americans (1% of the population). Symptoms vary in nature (such as diarrhea, skin rashes and migraines) and severity. Gone untreated, celiac disease may result in osteoporosis, infertility and anemia. It also increases the likelihood of developing other autoimmune conditions and cancers of the gut.
Celiac disease is the most under-diagnosed health condition today, often mislabeled as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, ulcers and anxiety disorder. It can be diagnosed through a blood test and biopsy of the small intestine. Talk to your primary care physician if you think you might have celiac disease. For more information, visit the resources section of our site for links to celiac disease organizations, support groups and research centers.