Celiac disease; It is a permanent or lifelong sensitivity of the small intestine to gluten, which is found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and oats. It is also called gluten enteropathy.
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It causes the deterioration of the villus structure on the inner surface of the small intestines, which provides food absorption. Nutrient absorption is not healthy and damage occurs in the small intestines.
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Celiac is a genetic disease. It can occur at any period of life. Although the reason why the gene is triggered is not clearly known; Stress, emotional trauma, medical trauma, excessive consumption of floury foods, and viral infections can bring the disease to light.
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It is thought that there are between 250 thousand and 750 thousand celiac patients in Turkey, and only 10 percent of them are affected. It is known that the diagnosis has been made.
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Symptoms are: weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, edema in the body, increase in infections and development in children. is backwardness. Its symptoms are often confused with other diseases.
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The diagnosis process is difficult. Special blood tests (AGA and EMA) and small bowel biopsy should be performed. For this, gastroenterology clinics should be consulted.
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There is only one treatment for celiac disease; Following a gluten-free diet for life. Sometimes other intolerances may develop as a result of severe damage to the intestines. For example, lactose intolerance... In this case, it should be excluded from the diet in those groups.
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So; Grains such as wheat, barley, rye and oats and any food made from these grains or added to them, even in small amounts, are excluded from the patient's diet. Even cross contamination should be prevented. Ready-made foods whose contents are not clearly known should be among the prohibitions. Cosmetics, personal cleaning materials and medications used by celiac patients should also be chosen carefully.
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Instead of the foods removed, foods such as rice, potatoes, corn, chickpeas, beans, lentils, soy, hazelnuts and chestnuts should be consumed. and their flours are added. Foods produced as gluten-free can be consumed. In our country, products such as gluten-free bread, pasta, biscuits and chocolate are sold. Even providing gluten-free food service Cafes have started to appear, albeit rarely.
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In addition, vitamin and mineral supplements should be given from time to time for celiac patients. Especially iron, calcium, vitamin D... Importance should be given to natural foods. A regular, scheduled and adequate lifestyle should be provided.
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