10 MYTHS AND TRUTHS ABOUT CELIAC DISEASE
In people with celiac disease, cutting gluten from the diet is not a matter of following the fad, but of necessity. In celiacs, ingesting this protein – found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley – damages the lining of the small intestine and can interfere with nutrient absorption. Although there is an increasing variety of products labeled “gluten free” on supermarket shelves, there is still a lot of misinformation about the disease. Therefore, it is important to know some myths and truths about celiac disease.
- CELIAC DISEASE IS A FOOD ALLERGY
MYTH. This confusion exists because both celiac disease and food allergies are a reaction of the immune system to a particular food. However, there are important differences between them. For example, the allergic reaction begins seconds or minutes after eating the food, and can cause shortness of breath and other sudden, potentially serious or even fatal symptoms. Celiac disease can be slower and more silent, with symptoms ranging from mild to intense, and manifesting for a long period of time. - GLUTEN SENSITIVITY IS THE SAME THING AS CELIAC DISEASE
MYTH. People with gluten sensitivity have symptoms similar to celiac disease, but a medical investigation may show different test results. In gluten sensitivity, the body reacts poorly to the protein, but the intestine is not damaged. - CELIAC DISEASE CAN APPEAR IN ADULT AGE
TRUTH. It is possible to develop celiac disease at any age, including the elderly. Although it appears most often in babies up to one year of age, as soon as gluten is introduced into the diet, the first symptoms often appear only in adulthood. - CELIAC DISEASE CAUSES DIGESTIVE SYMPTOMS ONLY
MYTH. Although the classic symptoms of celiac disease are gastrointestinal – such as abdominal pain, constipation, gas, nausea, weight loss and diarrhea – more than half of celiacs have signs and symptoms that are not related to the digestive system, such as:
Anemia;
Dermatitis herpetiformis (bullous lesions on the skin);
Mouth injuries;
Tiredness;
Tingling in hands and feet;
Mood changes;
Joint pain;
Irregular menstruation;
Growth problems in children.
- HAVING SYMPTOMS IS SUFFICIENT FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF CELIAC DISEASE
MYTH. The symptoms of celiac disease are very varied and can be related to many other health problems. If you think you have the disease, consult a doctor before eliminating gluten from your diet. - WHO HAS CELIAC FAMILIES IS AT GREATER RISK
TRUTH. Celiac disease is genetic and tends to affect several people in the same family. If you have first- or second-degree relatives with the condition, ask your doctor if you need tests to investigate it. In addition to family history, there are other factors that increase your chances of getting the disease, including:
Type 1 diabetes;
Down’s syndrome;
Thyroid disease.
- DESPITE THE UNPLEASANT SYMPTOMS, CELIAC DISEASE IS NOT SERIOUS
MYTH. If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to very serious complications, including:
Bowel cancers;
Malnutrition;
Infertility and miscarriage;
Osteoporosis;
Neurological problems such as epilepsy.
- CELIAC DISEASE CAN BE CURED
MYTH. As an autoimmune condition, it can only be controlled. People diagnosed with celiac disease need to completely and permanently avoid gluten ingestion. Even if the disease is under control, if the protein is re-introduced to the diet, the intestine will again suffer damage. - CELIAC CAN EAT GLUTEN IN SMALL AMOUNT
MYTH. Even minute amounts of gluten can be harmful for people with celiac disease. And you need to be very careful, because avoiding gluten means more than giving up bread, cakes, pastas and pizzas. It also hides in many other products, including salad dressings. Therefore, medical and nutritional advice is important. The professional can help identify which foods do not contain gluten and plan a healthy and balanced diet without the protein. - CELIAC SHOULD AVOID COSMETICS THAT CONTAIN GLUTEN
MYTH AND TRUTH. The gluten present in hygiene and beauty products is not a threat to celiacs, unless it is accidentally ingested. This is easiest with products near the mouth, such as lipstick, lip balm, toothpaste and mouthwash. Although it’s worth looking for gluten-free products, in these cases you don’t have to worry about makeup, shampoos, moisturizers, etc. But remember to wash your hands thoroughly after applying them to avoid any unintentional ingestion.