First it was called “wheat allergy”, then “gluten intolerance” and now it’s been given a spiffy new name, “Celiac disease”. What is Celiac disease, you cry? It sounds bloody horrible. Well, it’s not actually that bad. In the Russian roulette of diseases, winding up with Celiac disease is more of an inconvenience than a disease. Other diseases, you don’t even get to eat food, let alone gluten free food.

Where’d The Funky Name Come From?

Celiac, or coeliac, is Greek for “abdominal region”. A nice vague name for a nice vague disease. So, sorry – there is no Dr. Celiac we have to thank or blame for the name of this one. (“Oh, Celiac, you’re breaking my heart/ You’re shaking my confidence daily…”)What is Celiac disease sufferers called? Celiacs. The pains normally felt by Celiacs cover pretty much the entire abdominal region. However, symptoms differ from person to person. Some people can have Celiac disease and never show any symptoms whatsoever. Creepy, huh?

It Is Rare?

What is Celiac disease? It’s a more common affliction than you might at first thought. Over three million Americans alone have it. In reaction to this, there are many food products and cookbooks available specifically for Celiacs. You still need to go see the doctor to be sure you are getting the right treatment. Some of the more usual symptoms mimic that of other diseases or conditions such as dermatitis herpetiformis.

How Do You Get It?

As of this writing, it is easier to answer the question “What is Celiac disease?” rather than “What causes Celiac disease?” No one knows. Since some children get it when they begin eating solid foods, it is thought that it might be genetic. Others develop it in their twenties, so then it might be the body reacting to overdoses of gluten, much like the body rebels with overdoses of other chemicals.

Why Not Leave It Alone?

You do not want to ignore Celiac disease, or any of these symptoms that happen to you for over two weeks and don’t respond to any over the counter medication: bloating, diarrhea, painful gas, sudden joint aches, fatigue, osteoporosis, sudden weight loss even if you are not on a diet and strange rashes.

What is Celiac disease? It is a potential killer if it is totally ignored. Your digestive system is totally disrupted, making the digestion of any food difficult. If you can’t digest you’re food, you’re like a car with out gas – you’re not going to go anywhere. Your body will then get ill, cannibalizing the bones and muscles in order to get the nutrition it needs to survive. The body’s immune system doesn’t have any energy to sustain itself and goes out of business.

What is Celiac disease? It is manageable, if you are determined to manage it and not the end of the world.