3. The Role of Diet: Gluten’s Grip on Prognosis
At the heart of celiac disease lies gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It’s this very protein that triggers the autoimmune response in individuals with celiac, leading to inflammation and damage to the small intestine. But how exactly does gluten play such a dominant role in the prognosis of this disease?
When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging the villi in the small intestine. These tiny, hair-like projections are crucial for nutrient absorption. When they’re damaged, the body’s ability to absorb nutrients diminishes, leading to various complications, from anemia to delayed growth in children.
Steering clear of gluten, thus, emerges as the most viable solution. A strict gluten-free diet becomes the cornerstone of managing celiac disease. By avoiding foods and drinks containing this protein, individuals can prevent further damage to their intestines and allow existing damage to heal. Over time, the symptoms start to recede, and the overall health outlook improves. (3)
