You have trouble with bread and pasta. Do you have celiac disease or a food sensitivity? Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. It is also used to bind processed foods together. Genetic tests can show celiac disease, and many members within a family can have celiac. About one percent of the population has celiac disease, and the vast majority don’t know they have it. People can struggle with symptoms for six to ten years before being diagnosed. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity applies to folks who feel better when they avoid gluten. They do not have celiac disease.Celiac Disease SymptomsBloating, gas or abdominal pain

Diarrhea

Constipation

General fatigue

Itchy skin

Tooth discoloration

Joint pain

Irritability

Weight loss

Delayed growth in children

Fractures and thin bones

Migraine headaches

Infertility or miscarriages

Association with other autoimmune diseases

Testing for celiac disease is inexpensive and easy. Request a test from your doctor as soon as you suspect. Better to be cautious than have side effects that cannot be undone. Listen as Dr. Marie Robert joins Dr. Mike Smith to discuss celiac disease and the importance of testing.