Don't ignore these signs! You may be celiac and not know it!
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects about 1 percent of the world's population, but many suffer from it without realizing it. Failure to recognize the signs could lead to serious long-term health risks, including nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, infertility, and even an increased risk of some cancers. If you have noticed strange and persistent symptoms, it may be time to look into it-your bodymay be telling you something important.
Many symptoms of celiac disease are sneaky or easily confused with other conditions, such as irritable bowel or stress. The variety of complaints it can cause often makes it difficult to identify at first glance. However, there are some alarm bells that deserve attention. Let's find out about them together!
1. Gastrointestinal disorders.
Celiac disease often manifests itself with problems in the intestines. One of the most common signs is diarrhea, caused by inflammation of the small intestine that prevents the body from absorbing food well. It is often accompanied by abdominal bloating and belly pain, especially after eating foods containing gluten. These symptoms, if persistent, are a red flag and require a visit to the doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
2. Changes in weight
Weight disturbances are an often underestimated red flag in celiac disease. They can manifest either as unexplained weight loss, due to nutrient malabsorption, or as weight gain, related to water retention caused by intestinal inflammation. The variability of symptoms makes a thorough medical evaluation even more important.
3. Skin problems
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin disease closely related to celiac disease. It manifests as a rash characterized by itchy blisters and redness, often located on the elbows, knees, back, and scalp. These skin lesions are caused by an autoimmune reaction triggered by the ingestion of gluten.
4. Chronic fatigue
Celiac disease, by damaging intestinal villi, impairs the absorption of essential nutrients such as iron and vitamins. This deficiency can lead to anemia and chronic fatigue often mistaken for simple fatigue or depression. Importantly, fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of celiac disease, especially in adults.
5. Neurological symptoms
Hand or foot tingling, frequent headaches, and difficulty concentrating (so-called 'brain fog') are neurological symptoms that could indicate undiagnosed celiac disease. These manifestations, although less well known than typical gastrointestinal complaints, are caused by the chronic inflammation induced by gluten intolerance, which can also affect the nervous system.
6. Hormonal and reproductive disorders.
Chronic inflammation caused by celiac disease can lead to a range of gynecological complications, including irregular menstrual cycles, unexplained infertility, and recurrent miscarriages. Gluten intolerance, in fact, can alter the absorption of nutrients essential for reproductive health, causing hormonal imbalances and damaging the endometrium.
What to do if you suspect you have celiac disease?
If you suspect you have celiac disease, it is essential to pay attention to the signals your body is sending you. Early diagnosis not only helps identify the problem, but is critical to preventing long-term complications, such as nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis, and other autoimmune diseases. Becoming aware of your condition allows you to significantly improve your quality of life. Don't wait: talk to your primary care physician, who will be able to direct you to the tests you need to get a firm diagnosis and embark on the most appropriate course of treatment.
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