Some two million Americans must make vital diet changes every year after being diagnosed with celiac disease-a condition in which the body cannot properly digest the proteins found in breads and specific foods. Many Americans are making the choice to go gluten free without the diagnosis of celiac disease, hoping it will prevent them from developing the disorder at some point in life. Yet, is there really any preventative measure to protect us from this digestive illness?
Research suggests no, according to an article on CBSnews.com. If anything, celiac disease is on the rise, becoming more prevalent generation after generation. Through blood samples, scientists have discovered that one percent of American adults have celiac disease, making the disease four times more common today than it was during the 1950s. This means 1.8 million Americans have the disease and 1.4 million of them have not had an official diagnosis yet.
Now that scientists have an estimate of how many Americans are living without proper identification of celiac disease, it is important that you get a check-up from our doctor if you have symptoms that include:
- Intermittent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
Other minimal symptoms of celiac disease can be easily looked over such as:
- Irritability or depression
- Anemia
- Stomach upset
- Joint pain
- Muscle cramps
- Skin rash
- Mouth sores
- Dental and bone disorders (such as osteoporosis)
- Tingling in the legs and feet (neuropathy)
Article Referenced:
Gluten-free diet fad: Are celiac disease rates actually rising? -CBS News