When you have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the small intestine in response to gluten. Also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, it’s not just a food preference or mild sensitivity—it’s a serious condition that can cause long-term damage if ignored. Every time someone with celiac disease eats gluten—found in wheat, barley, and rye—their immune system mistakes it for a threat and launches an attack on the lining of the small intestine. This destroys the tiny finger-like projections called villi, which are responsible for absorbing nutrients. Over time, that leads to malnutrition, even if you’re eating enough food.
This isn’t just about stomach upset. gluten intolerance, a broader term that includes non-celiac gluten sensitivity is often confused with celiac disease, but they’re not the same. One is an autoimmune reaction; the other is an unclear sensitivity with no intestinal damage. People with celiac disease can develop anemia, osteoporosis, nerve damage, and even certain cancers if they keep consuming gluten. It’s also linked to other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes and thyroid disease. If you’ve been told you have "IBS" but nothing helps, celiac disease might be the real culprit.
gluten-free diet, the only proven treatment for celiac disease isn’t a trend—it’s a medical necessity. That means avoiding not just bread and pasta, but hidden sources like soy sauce, medications, lip balm, and even some vitamins. Cross-contamination matters too. A crumb from a shared toaster can trigger a reaction. The good news? Once you cut out gluten, your gut starts healing. Many people feel better in weeks. Others take months or even years, especially if the disease went undiagnosed for a long time.
Diagnosis isn’t simple. Blood tests look for specific antibodies, but they only work if you’re still eating gluten. A biopsy of the small intestine is the gold standard. Many people go years without a proper diagnosis because symptoms vary so much—some have diarrhea and weight loss, others have fatigue, joint pain, or skin rashes. Kids might fail to grow properly. Women might have fertility issues. That’s why it’s so important to get tested before going gluten-free.
The posts below cover real-world issues people with celiac disease face: how medications interact with gut health, why some supplements can be dangerous, how other conditions like thyroid disease or osteoporosis show up alongside it, and what to watch for when managing multiple health problems. You’ll find practical advice on navigating drug labels, spotting hidden gluten in prescriptions, and understanding how celiac disease affects your body beyond the digestive system. This isn’t theory—it’s what people actually deal with every day.
Celiac disease can cause elevated liver enzymes and fatty liver, often before gut symptoms appear. A strict gluten-free diet reverses most liver abnormalities in 12-18 months, but processed gluten-free foods may worsen fatty liver. Screening is key for early intervention.