The damage gluten has done to the small intestine can range from mild to severe and can ultimately effect the way our body absorbs nutrients for the rest of our lives.
Some of us are lucky and only have intestinal issues to deal with and we can control that from avoiding any food containing even a hint of gluten. But, and here is the most dangerous part of people having the attitude that "Gluten free people are only looking for attention" as well as other misplaced sayings.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is basically the body attacking itself instead of an invader like an unfriendly bacteria or virus.
Now, for anyone without this "affliction" this may not mean much, but if I may point you to the latest information on Autoimmune Diseases and how dangerous they can be, you may change your mind and see what a huge deal this really is to those of use who have to worry about it 24/7.
From Google - autoimmune diseases
"In response to an unknown trigger, the immune system may begin producing antibodies that instead of fighting infections, attack the body's own tissues. Treatment for autoimmune diseases generally focuses on reducing immune system activity."
Examples of autoimmune diseases include
Rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system produces antibodies that attach to the linings of joints.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Multiple sclerosis (MS). The immune system attacks nerve cells, causing symptoms that can include pain, blindness, weakness, poor coordination, and muscle spasms.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Immune system antibodies attack and destroy insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Guillain-Barre syndrome. The immune system attacks the nerves controlling muscles in the legs and sometimes the arms and upper body.
Psoriasis. In psoriasis, overactive immune system blood cells called T-cells collect in the skin.
Celiac disease is a problem some people have with foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a type of protein. It's found in the grains wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a wheat-rye cross). When you have this disease and you eat food with gluten in it, the gluten triggers an immune response that is not normal.
And if that isn't scary enough here is some more information.
Gluten ataxia, a rare neurological autoimmune condition involving your body's reaction to the gluten protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can irreversibly damage the part of your brain called the cerebellum, according to practitioners who first identified the condition about a decade ago.
Here is a link for more information on GLUTEN ataxia
This is very rare but still the fact that it could even happen at all.....No gluten please!
