-General nutritional advice for patients who present celiac disease manifestation signs: Celiac disease is known as the enteropathy gluten sensitive or celiac sprue nontropical. Is a disease of autoimmune nature of the small intestine that occurs in people with a certain genetic predisposition, can-occur in any age. The disease is characterized by periods of exacerbation and calm.



Pathogenic process is due to intolerance to gluten (the protein present in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oats), protein fraction being particularly toxic gliadin. When a person with gluten intolerance consume products that contain it (food, nutritional supplements or drugs), the host immune system to synthesize antibodies and auto-activate the antigliadin whom intestinal secret, prompting the appearance of a mucous inflammatory reaction. Changes that occur will interfere with normal function of intestinal epithelium, causing a decrease in nutrient absorption. Symptoms include: chronic diarrhea, physical and mental fatigue, and in children there is a stagnation of growth and development. The only effective treatment is completely gluten-free diet.



-Food Sources:  Gluten-free diet can be achieved by consumption:
- Fruits and vegetables (potatoes, rice, corn, peas);
- Meat of any kind;
- Dairy;
- Food specifically targeted these patients are not made from cereals containing gluten (rice, tapioca, corn flour) such as various pastas, bread, cakes and other pastries.

To increase protein and fiber content of these diets can consume more products containing soy, nuts, and dried beans.  Patients with celiac disease must completely remove the offending products to illness and worsening symptoms. These are the foods based on wheat flour, but also of certain nutritional supplements and drinks. Some products should not be in the diet of patients, are:

- Pretzels, white bread, cakes, strudels, cookies, (thus, most cereal and bakery products commercially available);
- Soups, pasta, spaghetti, pizza, pies, stuffing, sauces.  There are products containing “hidden” gluten, but once penetrated the body trigger the exacerbation of autoimmune phenomena and disease exacerbation:
- Beer, some candy
- Salad dressings;
- Croutons, grissini;
- Soy sauces.



Patients are advised to be careful with the gluten content of medicinal preparations and vitamin supplements (by reading the prospectus carefully and packaging, or by consulting the pharmacist). Also some cosmetics such as lipsticks or lip balms can in turn contain gluten.

What you must clearly understand is to avoid gluten and read carefully the prospect of each product you buy and here I am referring to food but also to cosmetics. Attention can be the key to attack this disease and escape from celiac disease manifestation signs. Despite the fact you keep a gluten-free diet, you still can consume gluten if you're not paying attention. Again, I am talking about "hidden" gluten. It's ideal to supervise your children permanently.<