Turning to alternative medicine for help, a new study will examine the potential efficacy of mind-body techniques to treat Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a condition whereby adults and children suffer from digestive problems and cannot tolerate gluten (i.e., gluten allergies). Eating gluten can damage the small intestines and as a consequence, interfere with digestion and proper nutrient absorption. Even a small amount of the protein can incur damage, regardless of whether or not there are symptoms.

The bright side is that if someone is able to successfully eliminate gluten from their diet, not only will the symptoms stop, but the damage done to the intestines will heal, resulting in the restoration of proper digestive metabolism.

Thus, in order to heal the injuries that stem from Celiac disease and prevent further problems, patients must resign themselves to a lifetime of avoiding gluten. This entails consultation and training from a health professional in order to learn what foods they can or cannot eat, as well as how to identify and avoid the protein in their meals.

This is a difficult task due to the fact that gluten protein is virtually ubiquitous and is found in product that range from medicines, vitamins, lip balms, and a countless number of food products. The protein can be hard to trace because certain additives derived from wheat, including modified food starch, preservatives, and stabilizers can contain gluten. Furthermore, gluten contamination can occur in corn and rice products that are produced in the same facility.

In light of all this, one can imagine the challenges involved, and the struggle to avoid gluten can result in a great deal of stress, frustration and anguish. Even meals eaten at restaurants and at a friend’s houses can present people with difficulties, and the end result is that it can significantly compromise a person’s quality of life.

To address these difficulties, researchers are enrolling subjects in a Celiac disease and mind-body study. The goal will be to see whether mind/body techniques will help subjects better cope with the rigors of gluten-free diet.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in damage to the small intestines when a person consumes gluten. Though the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be inherited. There is no cure, but the disease can be effectively managed with proper diet and lifestyle choices, which include avoiding gluten and proper nutrition.

Gluten is a protein found in many grains, including wheat, barley, rye, and a any wheat products. Grains that do not contain gluten include amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa, though the possibility of gluten contamination is an important consideration.

If you have questions or concerns about Celiac disease or gluten, speak to you physician, or visit the websites for the National Institutes of Health and Celiac.org.