Living with celiac disease: adapting to gluten-free

What is celiac disease? An autoimmune disease related to gluten

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects about 1% of the global population.

For those affected, the consumption of gluten—a protein found primarily in wheat, rye, and barley—triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This reaction can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and cause various symptoms, ranging from minor issues to unbearable abdominal pain or severe nutritional deficiencies.

The diagnosis and acceptance of celiac disease

Diagnosis can be a long and complex process. It often begins with vague and/or nonspecific symptoms.

You may be asymptomatic or have suggestive symptoms. Yes, that too!

Various symptoms that can complicate diagnosis

For your information, anemia, canker sores, rashes, bloating, diarrhea, dermatitis herpetiformis, neurological disorders such as depression, migraines, chronic fatigue, gynecological issues, or rheumatological problems can also be suggestive symptoms related to celiac disease.

This is not an exhaustive list.

Essential tests to confirm the diagnosis

Consult your general practitioner. After a clinical examination, they will prescribe a blood test initially and refer you to a gastroenterologist.

Reminder! Only a blood test (serology) and a biopsy of the small intestine can confirm the diagnosis.

Why should gluten not be stopped before tests?

Caution! Do not stop consuming gluten before undergoing the blood test and biopsy to avoid skewing the results.

Regarding the blood test, immunoglobulins (Ig) need to be tested.

On one hand, those related to mucosal surfaces: IgA
On the other hand, IgG
For each of these classes of immunoglobulins: we will test for the same disease-specific autoantigens: transglutaminase and endomysium.

If one of these tests is positive: then this initial diagnosis must be confirmed by a biopsy of the small intestine.

Caution! Some individuals are deficient and do not produce IgA. This can lead to a negative test result—which would be a false negative—while the person truly suffers from celiac disease.. Performing a total IgA test in addition to the previous two will allow you to know if the production of IgA is functional or not!

Accepting a new gluten-free daily life

For many, this diagnosis will be a "relief" if one can say so. It provides an explanation for years of discomfort, sometimes of medical wandering, contempt, and misunderstanding.

For others, the diagnosis also comes with a sense of loss and frustration, as the only "cure" is to follow a strict gluten-free diet for life.

Accepting this new reality can be difficult and often requires support from family, friends, and experts in the field.

Adopting a gluten-free diet: a major daily change

Switching to a gluten-free diet is the cornerstone of managing celiac disease..

This means eliminating not only obvious sources of gluten (bread, pasta, pastries) but also hidden ingredients found in many processed foods, sauces, and condiments.

Careful reading of labels thus becomes second nature. Vigilance is essential when dining out or being invited to friends' homes.

You are never safe from cross-contamination and the severe symptoms that accompany it!

The impact of celiac disease on social and psychological life

Celiac disease is not limited to a simple diet! It goes well beyond that. You will notice...

It has a profound impact on the daily and social lives of individuals.

Dining out, vacations, and family meals can become sources of stress and anxiety, and that's perfectly normal.

You need to explain and sometimes explain again your condition and ensure that your dietary needs are met.

Sometimes even some people do not know the term celiac..

So sometimes you feel very alone...

The psychological aspect of the disease should not be overlooked. The feeling of being "different" or "apart" can affect self-esteem. Additionally, the constant fear of cross-contamination can lead to excessive vigilance and chronic stress.

Living with celiac disease: adaptation and resilience

Despite the challenges, many people with celiac diseasefind ways to live their lives fully and healthily.

Education is essential. Understanding the ins and outs of the disease and the gluten-free diet will help you manage your condition better: by seeking support or guidance, and sharing your experiences, among other things.

As you can see, living with celiac diseaserequires continuous adaptation. But with determination and resilience, good resources, and the right support, you can lead a fulfilling life.

The key is to stay informed, remain positive, not hesitate to seek help, and surround yourself with understanding and supportive people!

Celiac disease: turning a diagnosis into a new beginning