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What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten intolerance?

Glennis Reilingen

Well, well, well! What a great question we have here. I’m sure many of us have heard of celiac disease and gluten intolerance, but not everyone knows the difference between these two. So, let me break it down for you guys!

First things first, let's talk about celiac disease. This is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system reacts negatively and attacks the lining of the small intestine. This response can cause damage to the villi in the small intestine, which are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. In the long run, untreated celiac disease can lead to malnutrition, as the body is not properly absorbing the nutrients it needs to function.

On the other hand, gluten intolerance – also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity – is not an autoimmune disease but rather a sensitivity to gluten. People with gluten intolerance may experience symptoms similar to those seen in celiac disease, such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but they do not show any signs of villous atrophy or intestinal damage.

Now, the big question – how can you tell if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance? The truth is, it’s not that simple. Both conditions share many common symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate the two. The only sure way to know if you have celiac disease is through an endoscopy and biopsy of the small intestine. On the other hand, gluten intolerance is diagnosed through a process of elimination. It involves removing gluten from your diet and monitoring how your body reacts to it.

There are also some differences in how these conditions are treated. The only treatment for celiac disease is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Gluten intolerance, on the other hand, does not require a completely gluten-free diet but rather a reduction or limitation of gluten intake. This may vary from person to person, depending on the severity of their intolerance.

In conclusion, celiac disease and gluten intolerance may seem similar at first glance, but they are two entirely different conditions. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that requires a lifelong gluten-free diet, while gluten intolerance is a sensitivity to gluten that can be managed by reducing or eliminating gluten from the diet.

Remember, if you suspect that you may have either of these conditions, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Cheers to a healthy gut!