Celiac disease results from an immune reaction in the small intestine to a protein called gliadin, which is found in gluten.   Gluten is found in foods containing wheat, barley or rye.  Individuals with Celiac disease who eat foods containing gluten develop inflammation in the small intestine. This can result in a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss.  

Some individuals, the symptoms may be more subtle - instead they may experience problems with fatigue.    Dermatitis herpetiformis is a rash that can be associated with gluten sensitivity as well. 

Individuals with Celiac can also develop vitamin deficiencies because nutrients in the small
intestine are not absorbed properly due to the inflammation.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Celiac disease.  The only  treatment for this disorder is a gluten-free diet.  Grains which contain gluten and that should be avoided are barley, rye, and wheat.

• Foods that contain barley may include: pastries, pie crust, pizza dough, pumpernickel bread.
• Foods that contain rye may include: breakfast cereal, rye bread
• Foods that contain wheat may include: bagels, bread, cookies, couscous, muffins

Some not so obvious foods that may contain gluten include potato chips, salad dressing, sauces, sausages, soups.

What are some examples of gluten free foofds:

These foods do not contain gluten:

• Beans (but be careful of what's added in baked beans)
• Buckwheat
• Corn
• Egg
• Flax
• Fruits (fresh)
• Cow milk
• Nuts
• Potato
• Rice
• Soybean
• Tapioca
• Vegetables (fresh)

Where can I get more information on Celiac disease?

The Celiac foundation is a good place to start.

Celiac.com has a lot useful information on Celiac disease as well,  just watch out  for all the ads everywhere as you navigate the site.