Celiac Disease is an autoimmune and digestive disorder that can harm the small intestine. It is a disease that is triggered by gluten. There are many people who suffer from Celiac disease but are unaware of the fact due to their lack of knowledge about its symptoms. It is important to understand the symptoms in order to detect them at an early stage and consult a doctor at the right time.
Diarrhea
More than forty percent of people with Celiac disease experience diarrhea. It is one of the first signs of Celiac disease and should not be ignored. Watery stools can be avoided by following a strict gluten-free diet. Studies show that people who follow gluten-free diets experience less watery stools than those who do not. Despite being one of the most common symptoms, diarrhea cannot be presumed to be caused by Celiac disease. Watery stools can also be caused by various food intolerances and intestinal issues, so it is best to visit a doctor before self-diagnosing.
Fatigue
Have you been feeling low in energy lately? This can be a warning sign of Celiac disease. Fatigue after excessive physical activity or sleep deprivation is nothing to be worried about, but if you are suffering from high levels of fatigue, it could potentially be caused by Celiac disease. If Celiac disease is not treated in time, it can damage the small intestine and create mineral and vitamin deficiencies in the body.
Weight Loss
Around 29 percent of children that have Celiac disease tend to have a low body weight and a low BMI (Body Mass Index). This is because Celiac disease disrupts the body’s function of absorbing nutrients from foods which can often cause weight loss and even malnutrition. Once treated patients tend to gain a lot of weight, and if a gluten-free diet is followed BMI also increases over time.
Digestive Issues
There are several digestive issues that act as signs and symptoms of Celiac disease. One of the major signs is constipation. Due to the damage caused to intestinal villi, it can become hard for the intestines to absorb nutrients. As a result, they end up absorbing extra moisture from the stool, which creates a hardened stool that does not pass easily and causes constipation. However, even when following a gluten-free diet constipation can still be a problem as many foods containing gluten are high in fiber. Cutting the consumption of foods containing gluten also reduces fiber consumption. People with Celiac disease can also suffer from excessive gas. According to one study, more than forty percent of people with Celiac disease suffer from increased gas. Bloating is another digestive issue that can be considered a sign of Celiac disease and should not be ignored. Inflammation caused in the digestive tract by Celiac disease can lead to digestive issues like bloating.
Depression
Physical symptoms are generally paid much more attention to than psychological, but this does not mean that they are not worth noticing. Depression is a common sign of Celiac disease. People with Celiac disease are more likely to suffer from anxiety, eating disorders, and depression than those who do not have the disease. When Celiac disease goes untreated, it can lead to depression, affecting the quality of life of a patient and disrupting their dietary adherence. This is why it is extremely important to value mental health as much as physical health and no symptoms of psychological issues should be dismissed at any point in time.
Celiac disease, like any other disease, can interfere with daily life activities of a patient and even lead to a poorer quality of life. The best way to deal with the disease is an early diagnosis. Once Celiac disease symptoms are observed, you should visit a health practitioner to get tested.