What Is a Celiac?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune deficiency that results in severe gluten intolerance. Gluten is a common protein found in a number of food items people eat. Wheat, barley and rye all contain gluten, but the substance is present in a number of processed and unprocessed foods that many may not suspect. It may even be found in some cosmetics.
When a person has celiac disease, eating gluten damages the villi — tiny, finger-like protrusions — within the small intestines. Over a period of time, this damage leads to malnutrition due to the body’s inability to absorb nutrients. Serious health complications can result.
