Celiac disease, which occurs as a result of an abnormal response to the gluten protein by the immune system, negatively affects the quality of life. Stating that the disease can occur at any age in people who are genetically sensitive, experts state that it may not be noticed for many years because some individuals do not show any symptoms for years or are very mild. For the treatment of celiac disease, which is very common all over the world, experts recommend a lifelong diet free from gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and oat grains.
Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital Internal Medicine Specialist Assist. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent made evaluations about celiac disease, which is common in the world, and shared his recommendations.
Gluten damages the small intestine tissue
Asst. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent, “This disease can occur in genetically susceptible individuals at any age. When gluten is consumed by celiac patients, the immune system reacts and damages the small intestine tissue. Losses occur on the absorption surfaces in the small intestines, and due to these losses, the absorption of vitamins and minerals necessary for the body is greatly reduced. said.
May not show any symptoms for years
Assist. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent said that celiac disease did not show the same symptoms in all patients and continued as follows:
“The disease may show no symptoms or be very mild for years in some individuals. For this reason, a person may not realize that he has celiac disease for many years. In some people, there may be many complaints that affect the quality of life since childhood when complementary foods are started. These complaints include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, growth retardation, short stature, excessive, frequent and foul-smelling stool, edema, bleeding on the skin, anemia, bone and joint pain, osteoporosis, liver disease. and biliary tract diseases, depression, anxiety, peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness in the hands and feet), menstrual irregularity in women, infertility, recurrent miscarriage, sores in the mouth, and findings affecting many systems due to the deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, K. It could be in the form.”
Celiac is very common all over the world.
Emphasizing that celiac disease is very common all over the world, Asst. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent said, “It is known that it is seen on average around 0,3-1 percent in different societies. The probability of 1st degree relatives of sick people to have celiac disease is around 10 percent. In order to diagnose celiac disease, tests that measure the level of antibodies to gluten in the blood are requested by the physician. If at least one of these antibodies is positive, biopsy should be planned from the small intestine with gastroscopy. The definitive diagnosis of celiac disease is made by small bowel biopsy. he said.
The only cure is to stay away from gluten.
Stating that the only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict diet free from gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and oat grains for life, Assist. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent, “Since wheat is added to processed foods, most of these products contain gluten. Therefore, people with gluten sensitivity should pay attention to the warnings on the back of the package before consuming such products.” said.
What foods can celiac patients consume safely?
Assist. Assoc. Dr. Ayhan Levent shared gluten-free foods that celiac patients can safely consume as follows:
- All vegetables and fruits,
- All legumes (dry beans, chickpeas, lentils, soybeans, etc.),
- All additive-free fats and oils,
- Types of sugar (powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar),
- Water, juices, coffee, black tea and herbal teas,
- Eggs, Olives,
- Honey, jam, molasses,
- Meat, fish, chicken, (these products are not additive and should not be fried and processed in an oil previously fried with flour),
- Canned varieties not dipped in flour,
- Along with foods such as corn, rice, potatoes, flour, rice pudding, pudding,
- Chestnut flour, chickpea flour, soy flour,
- Safe seasonings ground at home.
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