disease?

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that has troubling digestive symptoms, but there are positive benefits of this condition that shouldn't be overlooked. Celiac disease is caused by a sensitivity to the gluten protein, which can be found in wheat, rye, and barley, and can cause damage to the inner lining of the small intestine when consumed. Currently, the only method of managing celiac is to adhere to a strict diet, free of any traces of gluten.

Although the symptoms of celiac disease can be debilitating, going gluten-free can be the impetus for making other healthy lifestyle choices. The strict diet limits certain unhealthy and processed food options, encouraging people to turn to clean sources of nutrition. Additionally, the focus often goes beyond what is just eliminated and centers around adding in fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean sources of protein.

Going gluten-free has also been known to reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can benefit individuals with conditions like arthritis, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome. As the focus of the diet centers around eating as clean as possible, coffee, alcohol, and sugar are all eliminated as well, which also supports the overall health of the body.

Finally, people who suffer from celiac disease have often developed a closer relationship with food and the diet during their journey. The level of mindfulness and awareness involved with making sure there is no cross-contamination with any traces of gluten is good for the body, mind, and spirit. Celiac disease can feel overwhelming, but the positive benefits should not be overlooked.