Experts at the James A. Clifton Center for Digestive Diseases
diagnose and treat patients who have an intolerance to grain
products. Celiac disease is an immune disorder in which people
are allergic to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and
barley. In people with celiac disease, gluten sets off an immune
reaction that causes the destruction of the lining in the small
intestine. People with celiac disease often produce antibodies
that can be detected by blood tests. Symptoms of the disease
include diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, chronic fatigue,
weakness, malnutrition and other gastrointestinal problems. The
disease may affect other organs and systems in the body, such as
the bones, blood, the reproductive system and the nervous
system. Currently, there are no drugs to treat celiac disease
and there is no cure. By following a gluten-free diet, however,
people with celiac disease can live long, normal lives. Many
health food and grocery stores have gluten-free food sections
that make it easier for tho