Wissenswertes

Celiac disease: Causes, symptoms & histamine

Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that not only affects the intestine but can affect a wide variety of organ systems. This is why it is often referred to as "the invisible" disease. Those affected by celiac disease have a lifelong autoimmune reaction to the protein gluten. This is found in, among other things, cereal grains such as wheat, rye, spelt, and barley.

Diverse symptoms: How celiac disease manifests

The symptoms of celiac disease can be very varied. However, one thing is the same for everyone – consuming gluten triggers inflammation of the small intestinal mucosa in those affected. As a result, the villi of the small intestine die off over time. This leads to a deficiency of essential nutrients in the body.

Villi: a brief overview

Intestinal villi are very small protrusions of the intestinal wall that are responsible for absorbing nutrients. The positive aspect is that once the intestinal villi are destroyed, they can recover. Recovery naturally varies depending on the degree of damage. In general, however, it can be said that recovery can take about 12 months.

The most common symptoms of celiac disease

Because symptoms are often not clear, celiac disease is often diagnosed very late. The condition does not only manifest through gastrointestinal complaints. In children, it can also manifest through developmental delays that only become apparent relatively late. Psychological symptoms such as depression are also possible. If other family members are already affected by celiac disease, a diagnosis is usually reached faster because it is possible to inherit celiac disease.

Celiac disease diagnosis

Upon first suspicion of celiac disease, it is best to have a blood test performed by a trusted doctor to determine the celiac antibodies in the blood. In most cases, a so-called antibody test is sufficient to complete the diagnosis. Final confirmation, however, is provided by a small intestine biopsy. When undergoing the biopsy and the antibody test, it is important to perform them before giving up gluten in order to obtain a clear result.

Celiac disease diagnosis: What to consider

Immediately after diagnosis, it is highly recommended to seek professional nutritional counseling to ensure that all sources of gluten are excluded from the diet. Even small traces can cause severe inflammation and symptoms. A gluten-free diet therefore means a very clear separation of gluten-free and gluten-containing products. If the affected person lives in a mixed household, it is even recommended to have their own cutting board, their own toaster, etc. for the affected person. Because even the smallest traces like crumbs from gluten-containing products can lead to an overreaction. Especially with children, it is therefore important to inform the daycare, school, etc. about the disease.

Fortunately, gluten-free does not mean you have to give up a tasty snack. Our Organic Oat Cookies Coconut & Blueberry are gluten-free and at the same time suitable for a low-histamine and low-fructose diet. Perfect for a little break in between or as a sweet snack on the go.

4,43 (42)

Organic Oat Cookies Coconut & Blueberry

A low-histamine snack for on the go or a short break.

5,30 € 5,58 €

66,25 € / kg

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Lieferzeit: 2-3 Tage

Vollständige Details anzeigen

Histamine and celiac disease: Is there a connection?

People with histamine issues often suffer from a disrupted balance of intestinal bacteria. This can lead to them not being able to metabolize gluten-containing foods very well, or potentially even other intestinal diseases occurring. In general, wheat is less well tolerated by those affected, even though it contains little histamine. In conclusion, one can say that those affected by histamine issues often simultaneously suffer from a gluten intolerance, which does not immediately mean that celiac disease is present.

Living gluten-free: Suitable types of grain and shopping tips

The following types of grain are suitable for a gluten-free everyday life:

Corn
Rice
Amaranth
Millet
Buckwheat
Quinoa
Teff

The following types of grain are less suitable for a gluten-free everyday life:

Spelt
Einkorn
Emmer
Barley
Green spelt
Kamut
Rye
Triticale
Wheat

Shopping tips

When shopping, it is particularly important to pay attention to the ingredients of the products. Gluten hides in many products where you would not expect it. Examples of this include frozen vegetables, sweets, convenience sauces, or other ready-made products. Since gluten is frequently used as a binding agent, it is contained in many products. It is also important to pay attention to the terms in the ingredient list, as gluten often hides behind other terms.
For this reason, here is a brief list of ingredients you should pay special attention to, as they contain gluten:

Gluten
Wheat / Wheat starch
Barley / Barley malt / Barley malt extract
Rye
Oats
Spelt
Green spelt
Einkorn
Kamut
Bulgur
Emmer
Triticale
Wheat protein / Wheat gluten
Seitan

Often, the phrase "may contain traces of gluten" can also be found on products. This means that the product is manufactured in the same production process as a product that contains gluten. However, the product itself does not contain gluten. Those affected by celiac disease should, however, also avoid these products, as contamination with gluten-containing products cannot be ruled out.

For many products, a close look at the ingredients is therefore worthwhile. If you are looking for an uncomplicated gluten-free alternative, our Organic Grain Bread is ideal for your everyday life: It is gluten-free and at the same time suitable for a low-histamine and low-fructose diet.