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Valleyfield: 450-371-0321
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Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a chronic, autoimmune health condition triggered by the ingestion of gluten. It affects approximately 1% of Canadians. Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, such as wheat and barley. When digested by a person with celiac disease, the immune system recognizes this protein as a danger and triggers an inflammatory immune reaction, which damages the cells of the intestine.
Since gluten is the trigger, people living with celiac disease must avoid it for life. Following the gluten-free diet can be difficult, especially in the early stages of illness; gluten can hide in different foods and even in everyday products, such as lipstick!
Meeting with a registered dietitian can help you implement the gluten-free diet, but also manage other concerns related to this disease, such as failure-to-thrive and rapid weight loss or gain, always ensuring that your nutritional needs are met, despite the dietary restrictions and nutrient malabsorption that the disease entails.
