What Are The Long Term Effects Of Celiac Disease?

Early diagnosis of celiac disease is very important to avoid the onset of chronic conditions later on in life.

Listed below are some of the possible long-term conditions if left untreated:

- Organ disorders (gall bladder, liver, and spleen), and gynaecological disorders (like loss of menstruation and spontaneous abortions).  Fertility may also be affected.

- Problems relating to malabsorption, including osteoporosis, tooth enamel defects.

- Iron deficiency (anemia).

- Osteoporosis.

- Vitamin K deficiency associated with risk for haemorrhaging.

- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

- Central and peripheral nervous system disorders usually due to unsuspected nutrient deficiencies e.g. abnormal or impaired skin sensation (paresthesia).

- Pancreatic insufficiency.

- Lactose intolerance.  Lactose is a sugar found in dairy products. To be digested it must be broken down by an enzyme called lactase.  Lactase is produced on the tips of the villi in the small intestine.  Since gluten damages the villi, it is common for untreated celiacs to have problems with milk and milk products.  A gluten-free diet will help to eliminate lactose intolerance.

- Greater chance of getting certain types of cancer, especially intestinal lymphoma.
Thyroid disease.

- systemic lupus erythematosus.

- Type 1 diabetes.

- Collagen vascular disease.

- Rheumatoid arthritis.

- Sjögren's syndrome.

For more information and a complete step by step action plan to help deal with celiac disease and living gluten free, visit: www.AGlutenFreeLife.com