SERIOUS SYMPTOMS
In people with celiac disease, the antibodies produced in the body
from the consumption of gluten interfere with the absorption of nutrients from
food by damaging a part of the small intestine called the villi. Damaged villi
make it nearly impossible for the body to absorb adequate nutrients into the
bloodstream, leading to malnourishment and a host of other problems, which may
include anemia, bone disease, other autoimmune diseases and increased risk of
certain types of cancer.
Celiac disease has nearly 300 signs and symptoms and
can affect multiple systems of the body. It is diagnosed by a blood test and
properly screened by a gastroenterologist or GP. Common symptoms include:
abdominal bloating or pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, irritable bowel
system (IBS), nausea, vomiting, weight loss or weight gain. Non-intestinal
symptoms include anemia, osteopenia and osteoporosis, dental enamel defects,
depression, failure to thrive (children), fatigue, headaches, itchy skin rash,
joint pain, pale mouth sores, unexplained infertility or miscarriage.
Celiac disease is the only autoimmune disease that has
a known trigger. The good news is, eliminating gluten will eliminate the
symptoms and allow the body to heal and thrive.
NON-CELIAC GLUTEN SENSITIVITY
Some people experience similar symptoms as those with celiac disease but test
negative for celiac disease. This condition is known as non-celiac gluten
insensitivity (NCGS). It differs from celiac disease as it is not an
auto-immune response. However, sufferers experience similar symptoms including
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and sometimes headaches or migraines, joint
pain, tiredness, mental fogginess, depression and anxiety. A gluten-free diet
can often help relieve these symptoms.
INCIDENCE OF CELIAC DISEASE
Currently, there is no statistical information
regarding the number of sufferers of celiac disease in Singapore. Researchers
from countries such as the UK, Australia and America publish reports claiming
as many as 1 in 100 people suffer from it. It is a known fact that the genes
for celiac are lower in Southeast Asia than in the West. However, they are
still present in the population, and the incidence of celiac disease is
expected to rise as diets become more westernised.
NO-NO FOODS
People diagnosed with celiac disease must adhere to a
strict gluten-free diet and exclude everything that contains wheat, barley, rye
and oats. Wheat flour is commonly found in foods such as bread, pizza, biscuits
and cakes. Wheat hybrids such as bulgur, spelt, semolina, durum and kamut all
contain gluten and must be avoided. Most soy sauce contains wheat and is
off-limits. Gluten can be hidden in other places such as gravies and sauces, salad
dressings, seasonings and soup broth, just to name a few. It is also found in
drinks such as barley water, beer, Milo and malt-containing beverages.
PERMITTED FOODS
All fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, meats, fish, eggs
and dairy products are great choices for sufferers of celiac disease. There are
many great gluten-free variations of traditionally gluten-containing products,
too. These include wheat-free tamari, which can replace soy sauce, rice crumbs
that can be used instead of breadcrumbs, and a gluten-free flour blend that can
be used in place of wheat flour.
GLUTEN-FREE FOODS ARE LIBERATING
The increasing availability of packaged gluten-free options makes the lives of
celiac disease sufferers easier and more
convenient.
“It is important for us to maintain our health by
sticking to our diets, but we don’t want to make our diet the centre of
attention,” said Karen Horan, Branch Director of Gluten Intolerance Group of
Singapore. “It is especially important for celiac children to fit in with their
peers and be able to eat things that look similar to their friends and taste
just as good.”
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP
Gluten Intolerance Group of Singapore (GIG of SG) is a volunteer organisation that provides support for gluten-free living in Singapore. Coffee mornings are held once a month. Anyone interested in the
gluten-free diet is welcome to join. Find out more
at
www.SingaporeCeliacs.com. GIG
of SG is a branch of Gluten Intolerance Group of North America. Find out more
at
www.gluten.org.
With thanks to our contributors:
Karen Horan and Tabitha Millington
Branch Director
Gluten Intolerance Group of Singapore
Bridget Marr
Dietitian and Nutritionist
Gluten Intolerance Group of Singapore