It is estimated that 1 in every 133 Americans has a condition known as Celiac Disease, while only 1 in 1,000 or so are actually diagnosed. For those people who have it a gluten free diet is highly recommended. Recently, our local NPR radio station (WLRN) devoted and entire hour to celiac disease and its debilitating effects on those who have it - many who suffered for years before knowing what was causing their problems.
What is it?
"Celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, which is found in bread, pasta, cookies, pizza crust and other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. Oats may contain gluten as well. When a person with celiac disease eats foods containing gluten, an immune reaction occurs in the small intestine, resulting in damage to the surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients from food.
"Eventually, decreased absorption of nutrients (malabsorption) can cause vitamin deficiencies that deprive your brain, peripheral nervous system, bones, liver and other organs of vital nourishment, which can lead to other illnesses. This is especially serious in children, who need proper nutrition to develop and grow.
. . .
"No treatment can cure celiac disease. However, you can effectively manage celiac disease through changing your diet." from the Mayo Clinic web site
Most people with the disease have general complaints such as intermittent diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. The symptoms of celiac disease can be like those of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, Crohn's disease, parasite infections, anemia, skin disorders or a nervous condition. They can even include irritability or depression, stomach upset, joint pain, muscle cramps, skin rash, mouth sores, dental and bone disorders, and tingling in the legs and feet. (see a more detailed description here.) When in doubt consult a physician.
Some signs of malabsorption include: Weight loss, Diarrhea, Abdominal cramps, gas and bloating, General weakness, Foul-smelling or grayish stools that may be fatty or oily, including stools that float, Stunted growth (in children), Osteoporosis. Even some forms of dermatitis are a sign of celiac disease.
The medical profession considers celiac disease incurable, but recognizes that dietary changes can relieve it's symptoms. While I cannot guaranty to treat your celiac condition, I believe that a raw vegan diet, free of gluten, is a great option for a gluten-free life style and can help cleanse the colon and reverse the potential malnutrition from the disease.
The majority of VeggieMunn meals are completely gluten-free. A few - for example those made with tabbouleh, contain wheat. If you have celiac or other allergy to gluten please let me know so that I can supply you with ONLY gluten-free dishes.