Celiac Disease

Managing Your Symptoms

Unfortunately, there are no medications to treat celiac disease. If you are living with celiac disease, it is imperative that you commit to following a gluten-free diet. This will relieve your symptoms and protect your future good health. If you are living with celiac disease and continue to ingest gluten, you risk damaging the absorptive surface of the small intestine which may result in malnutrition, anemia, increased risk of autoimmune diseases, and some cancers.

It is important that you continue to eat a gluten-free diet even once your symptoms disappear. If you don't, those debilitating symptoms and health risks will return once gluten is re-introduced.

You don't have to avoid social situations because you have celiac disease. Be open with friends and family. They can help you eat gluten-free if they understand the disease and the importance of your remaining gluten-free. Many restaurants and stores now offer gluten-free foods. Don't be shy to ask a waiter or associate if they have gluten-free options. In instances where gluten-free eating is simply not possible, you may want to eat before going out or bring gluten-free snacks with you.