Everything you need to know about gallstones

Cont. from last edition

Diagnosis

Serological testing to check TTG (Tissue Transglutaminase levels) Normal is less than 12. If more than 250 then 97% chance of celiac disease.

Endoscopy with biopsy

Genetic testing for human leukocyte antigens (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8)

Treatment

A strict, lifelong gluten-free diet is the only way to manage celiac disease. Besides wheat, foods that contain gluten include:

• Barley
• Bulgur
• Durum
• Farina
• Graham flour
• Malt
• Rye
• Semolina
• Spelt (a form of wheat)
• Triticale

A dietitian who works with people with celiac disease can help you plan a healthy gluten-free diet. Even trace amounts of gluten in your diet can be damaging, even if they don’t cause signs or symptoms.

Gluten can be hidden in foods, medications and nonfood products, including:

• Modified food starch, preservatives and food stabilizers
• Prescription and over-the-countermedications
• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Herbal and nutritional supplements
• Lipstick products
• Toothpaste and mouthwash
• Communion wafers
• Envelope and stamp glue
• Play dough Removing gluten from your diet will gradually reduce inflammation in your small intestine, causing you to feel better and eventually heal. Children tend to heal more quickly than adults.

Vitamin and mineral supplements

If your anemia or nutritional deficiencies are severe, your doctor or dietitian might recommend that you take supplements, including:

• Copper
• Folate
• Iron
• Vitamin B-12
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K
• Zinc

Vitamins and supplements are usually taken in pill form. If your digestive tract has trouble absorbing vitamins, your doctor might give them by injection.

Follow-up care

Medical follow-up at regular intervals can ensure that your symptoms have responded to a gluten-free diet. Your doctor will monitor your response with blood tests.

For most people with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet will allow the small intestine to heal. For children, that usually takes three to six months. For adults, complete healing might take several years.

If you continue to have symptoms or if symptoms recur, you might need an endoscopy with biopsies to determine whether your intestine has healed

Allowed foods

Many basic foods are allowed in a gluten-free diet, including:

• Eggs
• Fresh meats, fish, and poultry that aren’t breaded, batter-coated, or marinated
• Fruits
• Lentils
• Most dairy products, unless they make your symptoms worse
• Nuts
• Potatoes
• Vegetables
• Wine and distilled liquors, ciders, and spirits

Grains and starches allowed in a gluten-free diet include:

• Amaranth
• Buckwheat
• Corn
• Cornmeal
• Gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean)
• Pure corn tortillas
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Tapioca
• Wild rice