Diet and Lifestyle
Preventing intestinal tract damage and future symptoms
Adherance to a Strict Gluten-Free Diet
Once a diagnosis of Celiac Disease is confirmed, patients must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet for the rest of their life. This is usually effective to prevent any damage to the intestinal tract and subsequent symptoms associated with Celiac Disease. Other temporary treatments may be required to address nutritional deficiencies or osteoporosis if there was a lengthy delay in diagnosing the disease.
Dietary Recommendations for Celiacs
Complete avoidance of gluten is required. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Although gluten is most commonly found in foods, it may also be present in other products such as medicines, vitamins and lip balm. The guidance and advice of a dietician may be helpful to overcome the challenges of adhering to a gluten-free diet.
Supplementation with folic acid is recommended to help heal any damage to intestinal vili.
A temporary reduction in lactose may be required if patients show evidence of lactose intolerance due to intestinal damage. In this case, supplementation with calcium and vitamin D is also recommended.
Other Important Activities
Children with Celiac Disease should undergo regular physical examinations to assess symptoms, growth, and adherence to a gluten-free diet.
Tissue transglutaminase (TTG) should be measured six months after a gluten-free diet is initiated, and then yearly if the patient no longer has any symptoms. TTG should be measured more frequently if the patient has persistent symptoms, or if symptoms recur.
