Do you know how some diseases and illnesses have the same symptoms? Why you need to get more than one opinion. When I was suffering from my gall bladder stones(for 5 years before a proper diagnosis)I went to 6 different doctors and it wasn't until I was totally almost incapacitaded in my abilities before the last doctor decided to give me an ultrasound. Simple, yet overlooked. It could have meant the difference between just getting medication to pass stones to actually having to get my gall bladder removed.
Often times we take medication for symptoms of one illness or another, only to find out the situation worsens or there is no effect at all. Some people go through their entire lives with pain and never get a name put to it. They just learn to live with it.
The following article brought a new disease to my attention and I realized that I may know some people who could have this and would have never been tested for it. Most of the medical problems I have had in my life I have had to research myself and ask the doctor to check me for it. Needless to say,(although I am a cynic when it comes to this)I don't trust doctors.

Diet changes involved with Celiac Disease
Copyright 2005 Andy Casasanta

Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance

As discussed in my previous article, I cover the basics of
Celiac Disease, which include the effects of Celiac
Disease, symptoms and possible treatments. In this
article, I will go into more detail of the life of a Celiac
sufferer.

When I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, I was told that a
major lifestyle change was in order. Fast foods were out,
pizza, breads, pastas, most alcohols, especially beer, were
excluded from my diet. I became a label reader. You would
be surprised at what your are eating once you start reading
labels. Here is a little tutorial in label reading. The
list starts with the item that takes up the most weight,
and continues in order of content down to the smallest part
of the food. I stumbled across a great Website on foods to
avoid and foods that are allowed,
www.celiac.ca/egfdiet2.html#avoid.

Even family and friends have made adjustments to their
meals, to accommodate my allergy, when I am invited to
dinner. I am on first name basis with the health food guy
at my supermarket(Claudio). I now see this as a positive
thing in my life, because it has forced me to eat healthier.


Diagnosing Celiac Disease:

Recognizing Celiac Disease is difficult because some of its
symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. If a
doctor suspects a person has Celiac Disease, he or she will
probably order a blood test as a first step in diagnosing
the disease. Perhaps the best way to diagnose Celiac
Disease is by taking a biopsy, or a sample of tissue and
sending it to a lab. This is done through a procedure
called an Endoscopy. If you decide to stay awake through
this procedure, like I did, you will get to see your
stomach, stomach acids, and interesting things like that.

Feeling tired and lethargic all the time:

Celiac's will experience fatigue, more than someone without
the disease. Celiacs have a hard time digesting certain
vitamins due to the resulting damage of the small
intestine. When the villi are damaged, (villi are the tiny
hair-like projections in the small intestine) the body is
unable to absorb certain vitamins and fatigue sets in.
Talk to your Doctor about a supplemental vitamin program.

Symptoms of celiac disease:
Extreme fatigue
Abdominal bloating and pain
Gas
Chronic diarrhea
Weight loss
Foul-smelling stool
Anemia or low count of red blood cells

How Common Is Celiac Disease?
This number varies as expected but generally in the U.S. 1
out of 250 people have Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease is
also quite common in Italy, Ireland, Sweden and Austria.

In closing and some final advice:

If you have just been diagnosed with Celiac Disease and you
fear that you will not be able to live on a gluten free
diet, it is not as difficult as you think. Most major
grocery stores have a good range of gluten free products
found mostly in the Organic Food section. Sticking to the
regimen below, has been a big help to me, and I think you
will agree.

No fast foods. Certain fast food chains use bread crumbs in
their burgers and usually, the clerk cannot tell you what
is in the burger itself. Do not pick up the phone for
take-out, do not drink grain based alcohols, and be careful
of certain sauces and gravies. Wheat flour is used to
thicken them and rarely is there a substitute available. Do
not try unmarked foods to casually eat such as candy in a
dish. Pack your own lunch if you have to. Even salad
dressings may contain wheat or wheat products. These
simple guidelines have helped me tremendously. For a
complete list and diet advice talk to your doctor, and
listen to what they say!

What is the alternative? You may experience Iron
deficiency, Anemia, Vitamin deficiencies, and other food
sensitivities. This, in a nutshell has been my experience
with Celiac Disease. I might have left out some details, as
I am not a doctor. However, I am a Celiac sufferer and I
know what Celiac's go through. The information in this
article is for information purposes only. If you are
experiencing any or all of the symptoms mentioned please
see your doctor. The author cannot be held responsible if
you do not seek the advice from your health care
professional.


----------------------------------------------------
Mr. Andy Casasanta Has devoted a portion of his life to
health and well being for himself and others. All the
subjects of his articles has effected his life in one way
or another. Which has inspired him to create a tremendous
health and pharmacy website. In this site you will find up
to 70 health articles and growing. Please visit: his site
http://www.medheadquaters.net






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