Debunking the Top 5 Celiac Disease Myths

Debunking the Top 5 Celiac Disease Myths

Created On
May 17 2023
Last Updated
Mar 25 2024

Don't fall for the most common celiac disease myths. Here we debunk the top five misconceptions surrounding this common autoimmune disorder.

Introduction

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine.

When people with celiac consume gluten, a protein found in select grains, their immune system reacts by attacking the small intestine’s lining. This can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Unfortunately, there are many myths about celiac that can make it difficult to understand and manage the disease.

Here we debunk the top five celiac disease myths so that you can get the facts.

Celiac Disease Is Rare

Celiac is more common than you might think. It affects approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide.

In the United States, an estimated 1 in 133 people have celiac disease. The prevalence of celiac disease is actually increasing, partly because of increased awareness and testing.

You Can "Outgrow" Celiac Disease

Another common celiac disease myth is that you can outgrow the condition.

This would be great if it were true, but celiac disease is a lifelong condition since nobody has found a cure yet.

Once you have it, unfortunately, you will always have it. While the symptoms of celiac disease can sometimes improve over time, especially with a gluten-free diet, the underlying condition remains.

Digestive Problems Are the Only Symptoms

While digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea are common in people with celiac disease, there are many other symptoms that can occur.

These include fatigue, joint pain, anemia, depression, anxiety, and skin rashes. In fact, some people with celiac disease have no symptoms at all.

Gluten-Free Diets Are Just a Fad

While gluten-free diets have certainly become more popular in recent years, they are a necessity for people with celiac disease.

Eating gluten can cause serious health problems for people with celiac disease, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, and an increased risk of digestive cancers.

Gluten-free diets are not a cure for celiac disease, but they are currently the only way to manage the condition and to live a normal life.

Celiac Disease Is Easy To Diagnose

Diagnosing celiac disease can be challenging.

Blood tests can reveal the presence of celiac disease-associated antibodies, but specialists often require a small intestine biopsy to absolutely confirm the diagnosis.

In some cases, people with celiac disease may have a negative blood test but may still have the condition.

That is why it's important to see a doctor if you think you may have celiac, even if you don't have obvious symptoms.

Celiac is a complex condition that can be difficult to understand. It's important to separate the facts from fiction when it comes to managing the condition.

By understanding the truth behind common celiac disease myths, people with this condition can advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about their health.

If you suspect that you may have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, RxHomeTest's at-home gluten intolerance genetic test can provide valuable insights into your condition without the need for a doctor’s visit.

You can order a cheek swab test to learn about the genes responsible for causing gluten allergy or a blood test to find out the antibody levels from celiac.

Our easy-to-use kits provide accurate results in as little as a few days and allow you to take control of your health with confidence. Get started today to take the first steps in managing your celiac disease or gluten intolerance.


Order an At-Home Celiac Genetic Test.


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