What is Celiac disease

CELIAC DISEASE Meaning

The word celiac refers to the intestine. Celiac disease therefore refers to a condition of the intestines. It basically refers to a type of food allergy to a component of food called ‘gluten’. Gluten is a type of protein found in grains. Allergy to gluten causes stomach discomfort such as bloating, gas, pain, diarrhea, etc.¹

Due to allergy to gluten, eating causes an immune response in the small intestine. After some time these immune responses lead to damage of the lining of the intestinal wall and prevents absorption of nutrients (therefore causing a malabsorption).^1,2

As per Ayurveda, the symptoms of celiac disease resonate with a condition described as as ‘Grahaniroga’. Grahani is the term given to the base of body’s digestive fire (agni).³ Due to many factors causing a weakened digestive fire (agni), the ingested food material does not get absorbed properly and results in irregular bowel movement, food aversion, vomiting, dizziness, acidic belches, etc.⁴

Any person, who does not adapt to practices of food (basis time, place, and season), and suppresses natural urges will be at risk of weakened digestive power. Stress levels affect the food habits and lifestyle. Ayurvedic treatment mainly focuses on increasing Agni (digestion power) that promotes the healthy functioning of the gut.⁵