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IGTS

Since the launch of IGTS in 2015, the main objective has been to support training and qualification in the health sector in its various categories. The group has thus sought to provide scientific and practical expertise from the largest medical experts in the Arab world, who we were honored to be part of the IGTS family. As a result of the success achieved by the group, we have focused on expanding in areas no less important than the health sector. Among these are business management - education and guidance - mental health - human resources - and others, more that are commensurate with the needs of human cadres and with the quality of learning that is a major start for every aspiration to receive science and self-development. The most important element of the IGTS strategy was the contracting of a group of experts, all of the members of teaching bodies in the largest Arab universities in all specialties, who believed in the science they provided and sought to research and develop it, in order to transfer the greatest amount of it to the student and make it most useful, through a flexible distance-learning method and in direct contact with the lecturer.

Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Therapeutic Nutrition for Patients

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy or celiac sprue, is an immune reaction to eating gluten. In this article, we will explore celiac disease, its symptoms, causes, and the role of therapeutic nutrition in managing the condition.

- Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

- If an individual has celiac disease, consuming any food containing gluten will cause the immune system to attack the small intestine. Over time, this damages the lining of the small intestine, preventing the absorption of nutrients properly, leading to various complications. (1)

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Doctors and therapeutic nutrition specialists have identified the most common symptoms, which include:

Bloating.
Chronic diarrhea.
Vomiting.
Constipation.
Anemia due to iron deficiency.
Weight loss.
Fatigue.
Delayed growth and puberty.
Dental enamel defects.
ADHD symptoms in children.
Joint pain.
Osteoporosis.
Liver and gallbladder diseases.
Depression or anxiety.
Migraines.
Seizures.
Irregular menstruation.
Miscarriage.
Mouth ulcers.
Skin rash. (2)

Causes of Celiac Disease

Doctors and therapeutic nutrition specialists clarify that the primary cause of celiac disease is that it is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system produces antibodies that attack the small intestine, causing inflammation. Consequently, the efficiency of the small intestine in digestion and nutrient absorption decreases. (3)

5 Factors That May Increase the Risk of Celiac Disease

Family history of celiac disease.
Type 1 diabetes.
Down syndrome.
Thyroid diseases.
Addison's disease. (4)

Complications of Celiac Disease

If an individual with celiac disease does not receive proper treatment and follow a suitable diet, they may be prone to several complications, such as:

Malnutrition: Because the small intestine cannot absorb nutrients normally, leading to anemia, weight loss, and delayed growth in children.
Bone weakening: Due to poor absorption of Calcium and Vitamin D, which may lead to rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.
Miscarriage and rarely infertility: Often due to Vitamin D and Calcium deficiency.
Lactose intolerance: Feeling fatigue and diarrhea after consuming dairy products.
Small intestine cancer: Though this is uncommon.
Nervous system problems: Such as seizures or peripheral neuropathy. (5)

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Diagnosis of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is usually diagnosed through the symptoms along with some tests such as:

Serology testing: To identify antibodies in the blood; elevated levels suggest celiac disease.
Genetic testing: To look for human leukocyte antigens (HLA-DQ2/HLA-DQ8).
Endoscopy: In some cases, doctors perform an endoscopy of the small intestine. (6)

Treatment of Celiac Disease

The primary treatment for celiac disease is avoiding foods containing gluten, such as (wheat, barley, corn, semolina, bulgur).
Gluten may be found in some products like (food preservatives, certain medications and vitamins, specific types of herbs, and some cosmetic products).
If the patient suffers from anemia, they must take supplements containing iron and Vitamin B12.
Patients may need supplements containing (Vitamin D, Zinc, Vitamin K, Copper).
Doctors usually prescribe corticosteroids to treat small intestine inflammation.
Patients must strictly avoid gluten to prevent complications. (7)