Anyone here ever heard of Celiacs Disease??

Sciolist

Senior member
Jun 20, 2001
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Celiac disease is inheritable, and is common in Europeans. It is so common among Italians (~1 in 250) that in Italy all children are routinely tested for it. Also, it is present among Irish people at about 1 in 300.

It is often undiagnosed in this country; Americans have a supposed rate of ~1 in 4700 but recent studies indicate that the actual incidence is much higher, it just has been underdiagnosed.

People with this disorder can't tolerate gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. If they do eat gluten, their immune system destroys their intestinal vili, and they are unable to absorb nutrients from food. However, if you substitute potato, rice, soy or bean flour for the forbidden wheat flour, you can usually have a pretty normal seeming diet.

If you suspect celiac disease (symptoms include abdominal bloating and pain, diarrhea, weight loss, etc.) try going on a gluten free diet. If you see symptom relief in a week or so, it is a good indication that your problem was celiac disease. (But it takes 3-6 months for vili to regenerate completely for young people, and up to two years in older adults.)

As always, confirm any medical information found on a forum on the Internet with your personal physician. ;)