Our body may look like a single unit and may also function like a single unit. However, the reality is that our body is made of up many sub components that constantly interact with each other for proper functioning. The body functions properly only if all its constituent parts function properly. Even the slightest imbalance in the functioning of a single part can impair the functioning of the body as a whole.
Gluten enteropathy, also known as celiac disease, is an example of how a condition in your small intestine can lead to severe problems including cancer of the lymph glands, intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain and weight loss.
Gluten enteropathy is the reaction of the inner lining of the small intestine to certain proteins known as gluten which are commonly found in wheat, barley and rye. Oats sometimes cause a reaction too, possibly due to production contamination. What causes this condition – and why is this found in some people but not in all – is still not known. The cause of this disease is probably genetic and hereditary. However, the end result is that the inner lining of the small intestine gets destroyed. This, combined with allergic reactions, leads to many other complications.
Hence, an unknown factor causes a reaction between gluten and the small intestine and this upsets the delicate balance of the body. This disease is not restricted to adults alone. In fact, there is a growing recognition that this celiac disease or gluten enteropathy is the most under diagnosed problem in America.
The primary reason why this disease is not identified very quickly is that it shares its symptoms with many other problems. Symptoms like weight loss, osteoporosis and muscle weakness are often misdiagnosed as symptoms of other complications. By the time all other complications are eliminated and the doctors realize that the patient is suffering from gluten enteropathy, a lot of damage would have already taken place.
The best way to counter this disease is to know more about it. Today, 1 in every 133 American is suspected to suffer from this disease. While panicking at minor symptoms is not advisable, it does not make sense to have an “it will never happen to me” attitude either. Regulate your wheat, rye, barley, and oats consumption and try determining whether there is any correlation between your cereal consumption and illnesses.
Further, be frank enough to express your opinion and fears to your doctor. It may lead to your doctor paying more attention to the symptoms and may lead to quicker diagnosis.
As on date, the only cure for this complication is to completely avoid gluten. While this may lead to significant changes in your life style, it certainly is a better option as compared to suffering from the long term consequences of this disease, which includes increased susceptibility to cancer.
You should keep an eye out for gluten enteropathy related symptoms in your children. Identifying the disease early and restricting the consumption of gluten is the best way to avoid serious damage to your small intestine.
