As many as 1 in 133 Americans may have celiac disease and an
estimated 2 million people remain unaware that they are affected
by it. Celiac disease relates to gluten, a protein compound
found in most grains, breads, and cereals. Contrary to popular
belief, celiac disease is not an allergy to wheat but a genetic
autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack itself when
gluten is ingested. Chicago Healers Practitioner Dr. Ian Wahl,
DAc, LAc, says celiac disease is difficult to diagnose without
an accurate blood test and many people are misdiagnosed because
it presents as such a wide range of seemingly common symptoms,
which include: - Bloating after gluten ingestion - Chronic
fatigue - Chronic weight loss Although there is no cure for
celiac disease, sticking to a gluten-free diet will make life
much better for those diagnosed. Most supermarkets carry gluten-
free products as do specialty stores, online stores and most
restaurants. Dr. Wahl provides these tips for going gluten-free:
- When baking, there are