You must have gone gluten free thinking that the protein is giving you all the gastrointestinal issues. However, it could also be a sign of celiac disease. Gluten sensitivity or intolerance can be of different types which depend on the kind of gluten ingredient or food that your body is sensitive. Celiac disease is an advanced form of gluten intolerance. You are sensitive to most gluten foods if you have celiac disease. While the degree of intolerance varies, it can be diagnosed with a series of food tolerance tests. According to nutritionist Deepshikha Agarwal, here s how to know if you need to book an appointment with your doctor for Celiac disease.
1. You are deficient of vitamin B12 or folate, and iron: Celiac disease damages parts of your intestine where the vitamin and iron are absorbed. So if you are deficient in iron and folate, get the test done.
2. You have a family history of Celiac disease: You should also get yourself tested for gluten sensitivity even if you have a family history of the Celiac disease. You must get a test done even if you are a first-degree relative of the patient. Here are 5 healthy options for gluten sensitive people.
3. You have common gastrointestinal symptoms: Also, get yourself checked if you have chronic GI symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea and weight loss. You could also be suffering from acidity and constipation. You can repeat the tests after every 3-5 months to check the variations in the degree of tolerance.
Diet restrictions to consider
Living with celiac disease would mean having severe diet restrictions because any foods containing even small quantities of gluten can cause trouble. This means that you must avoid bread, chapattis, pasta, biscuits, chocolates and other staple food items that are an integral part of the Indian diet at all cost. These are the hidden sources of gluten that will shock you.
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