Celiac Disease is a chronic disease or disorder of the digestive system. It adversely affects the small intestine and renders it incapable to allow proper absorption of dietary nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates and proteins. This reduced nutrition absorption leads to further problems and ailments. In children, it results in stunted growth. Gluten acts as a triggering agent for this disease. It is a type of protein present in barley, rye, wheat and in hybrids like triticale and kamut. Bread, cookies, pasta and other similar items contain gluten. It is should be borne in mind that Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease and not a simple food allergy. It can not be cured completely, still a number of natural home remedies for Celiac Disease have been found effective in controlling and reducing it to some extent.

Causes and Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease can be triggered by a variety of reasons like viral infection, pregnancy, severe emotional stress, physical injury or after a surgery. The exact cause of the disease is not known till date but it has been found that Celiac Disease can be caused due to a genetic predisposition. It can be associated with Dermatitis, Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases, Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Addison’s disease, Type-1 Diabetes and other such diseases.

Celiac Disease can be characterized by a variety of symptoms which can be mild or severe depending on the patient. In some cases, the patient may not come across any symptoms at all. But when the symptoms do manifest themselves, they are likely to do so in the form of gastrointestinal symptoms or symptoms of malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Gastrointestinal symptoms include symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, and steatorrhea. In patients with prior lactose intolerance, these symptoms may worsen and induce abdominal pains. Malnutrition encourages symptoms like anemia weight loss, nerve damage fluid retention, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, bruising, and infertility. Other symptoms include depression, irritability, fatigue, mouth sores and skin rashes.

Remedies for Celiac Disease
There is no cure for celiac disease, but it can be effectively managed through dietary changes. In order to prevent a worsening of the symptoms and to prevent complications, certain foods must be avoided. Foods containing gluten such as barley, rye, semolina, wheat and bulgur should be excluded from the diet. Doctors generally refer patients to a dietician so that a gluten-free, healthy diet can be formulated. As soon as gluten is eliminated from the diet, the inflammation in the small intestine is reduced. Most individuals start feeling better within just a few weeks, but proper healing of the villi may take a lot longer. Complete healing may occur in some months or may take up to a couple of years. Children experience faster healing of the small intestine as compared to adults. In case a gluten food is accidentally consumed, there may be stomach pain and diarrhea. Some people may not suffer any symptoms, but the damage to the villi may still take place. Gluten in trace amounts can also adversely affect the small intestine.

Individuals who suffer from severe nutritional deficiencies due to celiac disease may be prescribed nutritional supplements. The levels of nutrients such as folate, calcium, iron and the vitamins B12, D and K may have to be increased. These supplements are usually prescribed in the form of tablets. But they may also be given in the form injections if the digestive tract is not able to absorb them in tablet form. In order to treat the inflammation in the intestines, doctors may prescribe steroidal medications.

There are some natural remedies that are known to provide relief from celiac disease. Yogurt is known to help in healing of the digestive system. Fish oils are believed to help restrict intestinal inflammation. Several herbs are known to be beneficial in managing the symptoms of this disease. Golden seal has a strengthening effect on the immune system as does olive leaf extract. Chamomile and slippery elm also serve as good natural remedies for celiac disease. Horsetail tea has anti-inflammatory properties and consuming the tea at least thrice a day can help to reduce intestinal inflammation and it also strengthens the digestive system.