In individuals with celiac disease, the digestive process of gluten differs significantly from that of individuals without the condition due to an abnormal immune response triggered by gluten consumption. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives, contains specific amino acid sequences that are recognized as foreign invaders by the immune system in people with celiac disease. Imagine these sequences looking like a lot of ninja stars glued together.
When gluten is ingested by individuals with celiac disease, the immune system mounts an inflammatory response in the small intestine, leading to damage to the intestinal lining. This immune reaction is characterized by the production of antibodies, such as anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) and anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA), which target the gluten peptides and the intestinal tissue, respectively. Essentially, these multifaceted ninja stars don’t break down and travel through the intestinal tract, shaving down the villi.
The resulting inflammation and damage to the intestinal villi impair the absorption of nutrients, leading to various symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. Over time, if left untreated, celiac disease can cause long-term complications such as osteoporosis, infertility, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Therefore, individuals with celiac disease must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet to prevent symptoms and long-term complications associated with the condition. This involves avoiding all sources of gluten, including wheat, barley, rye, and any products containing derivatives of these grains. Fortunately we are resilient, in avoiding the intake of gluten our bodies can repair the damage and function properly!
