Celiac disease is a disorder caused by an intolerance to Gluten, a protein found in all forms of wheat (including durum, semolina and spelt), rye, oats, barley and related grains hybrids such as triticale and kamut.

When gluten is eaten, it damages the absorptive villi lining in the small intestine, which prevents the absorption of important nutrients.  Because ciliac disease impairs digestion, other food allergies may also appear.

Celiac disease affects both children and adults, and can appear at any age.  There are various symptoms associated with this disease.  The first signs are usually diarrhea, weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia.  Because of this, it is often misdiagnosed.

Celiac disease affects roughly 1 in 133 Americans, though only around 1 in 4700 are ever diagnosed. 

For more information on this disease, go to www.celiac.org

If you are interested in joining a Celiac Awareness and Support group, please contact us through our web site.