Celiac Disease, or gluten-intolerance is a digestive disorder induced by the ingestion of wheat products (durum, semolina, and spelt) - rye, barley, oats, and related grain hybrids such as triticale and kamut.  That has been deemed heredity and is prevalent in Caucasians of European descent.  A recent study has discovered that 80% of Americans are gluten-intolerant and aren't aware.  Many individuals go a long time without knowing they have it because the symptoms often mimic other diseases such as irritable bowel, gastric ulcers, and anemia.

If left untreated, it can be serious.  When a Celiac ingests gluten, the small intestine responds with an immune system attack, whereas there is swelling and irritation in the lining of the stomach and small intestine.  As a result, malabsorption occurs, impairing the body from absorbing essential nutrients and in extreme circumstances malnutrition.  Some of the disorders as a result are osteoporosis, pancreatic disease, impairment of the central and peripheral nervous system, infertility, birth defects.  Kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, and sarcoidosis have been associated with Celiac Disease.

Symptoms included are diarrhea, constipation, gas/bloating, nausea, nutritional deficiencies, irritability, depression, fatigue, irregular stools, and weight loss.  There is a blood test to diagnose whether you are gluten-intolerant.