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Celiac Disease: Gluten-Free Diet

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Author:

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD

Betty is a Registered Dietitian who earned her B.S. degree in Food and Nutrition from Marymount College of Fordham University and her M.S. degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. She is the Co-Director and Director of nutrition for the New York Obesity Research Center Weight Loss Program.

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Medical Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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How does digestion work?

When it comes to digesting food, the human body is like a well oiled machine. Through a complex process food is broken up, the necessary nutrients are absorbed, and the waste products are excreted. A disruption in any part of this process can lead to deficiencies, diseases, or even death.

From the moment that food enters the mouth digestion begins. Food is broken up in the mouth, and moistened with saliva that also contains digestive enzymes. The food will go through the esophagus to the stomach where it is stored and mixed. It then passes into the small intestine where majority of the nutrient absorption takes place. The small intestine is a long, narrow tube that extends from the stomach to the large intestines. The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas all aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. After the nutrients have been absorbed, the remaining un-absorbed food passes through to the large intestine, also known as the colon. The primary function of the large intestine is to store waste products.

Disorders and diseases can occur throughout the digestive tract. Some of the common digestive diseases are:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  
  
• Gastritis and ulcers
  
  
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  
  
• Inflammatory bowel disease - this includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
  
  
• Celiac disease
  
  
• Diverticulosis

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is also known as celiac sprue, nontropical sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy. The exact cause of celiac disease is not clear, however, the outcome is well established. This disease effects the small intestine and its ability to absorb nutrients, resulting in deficiencies and health complications. For more, please read the Celiac Disease article.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. When you have celiac disease your body reacts to gluten as if it were toxic. This reaction occurs in the small intestine and ends up damaging the mucosal surface (the inner lining of the small intestine). When the mucosal surface is damaged the small intestine is not able to absorb nutrients properly. These nutrients include vitamins, calcium, carbohydrates, protein, and fats.