Celiac Disease
Only 1 percent of the population is affected by the autoimmune disease known as celiac disease. Like irritable bowel syndrome, research has yet to discover what causes celiac disease, but it is known that when individuals diagnosed with this disease consume a protein called gluten, which is found in rye, barley, or wheat, they cause an adverse reaction. This often leads to symptoms like painful diarrhea, bloating, nausea, fatigue, gas, weight loss, and constipation.
The best way for those with the autoimmune disease to avoid flare ups is to go on a gluten-freed diet. Patients with celiac disease are urged to change their diet, because the long-standing effects of the disease are too troubling. Repeated flare ups can lead to a damaged lining around the intestine, anemia, and difficulty absorbing essential vitamins and nutrients. Fortunately, once someone with the disease removes all gluten from their diet, they should see their symptoms subside within days, including the diarrhea.
