Gluten Intolerance & Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a disorder caused by the body's reaction to proteins (gluten) found in wheat, rye, barley and other grain products made from them. Parts of the small intestine that help absorb nutrients from food (villi) get damaged when people with celiac disease eat gluten. When the villi are damaged, your body can't get nutrients it needs to stay healthy. For many people living with celiac disease or gluten intolerance the initial help that is needed relates to getting an accurate diagnosis. This is done with a blood test. Once the diagnosis is made the bigger concern for many people is dealing with the feelings of how to lead a “normal” life while not eating foods containing gluten. Consequently, some of the support that is needed is related to getting over the feelings that come up at first with having this particular restriction and then where and what to do next.