Celiac: When food-source of human existence- becomes poison

New Delhi, July 2 (UNI) Food--the very source of human existence- becomes poison for some people.

Celiac disease can be best described by this thought, as it is a condition triggered by hypersensitivity to a protein called 'gluten' that is found in grains including wheat, oats, barley and rye.

Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.

People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate a protein called gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be found in products we use every day, such as stamp and envelope adhesive, medicines, and vitamins.

The Celiac Society of Delhi, the first of its kind in India organised an awareness programme here last evening on the disease with the screening of Oscar nominated film '' Shwaas''.

Wheat is world's most consumed grain but the existence of 'gluten' in it makes it poison that puts millions of lives at risk of severe illness and life threatening diseases. Eating foods with 'gluten' causes an immune reaction in the small intestines that can damage the lining of the intestines and lower absorption of essential nutrients leading to malnutrition.

The Celiac disease occurs globally , has no socio-economic boundaries and can occur at any age. Its symptoms may vary from typical gastro-intestinal disturbances, growth problems, anaemia to atypical ones.

People with hidden Celiac disease are prone to higher risks.

Correct diagnosis is essential as the disease may lead to other disorders. Diagnosis for it is done through blood tests and endoscopy.

Celiac disease is a permanent condition and requires life long strict restriction to gluten along with nutritional supplements to correct deficiencies.

The eminent guests present on the event were Dr S K Sarin, head of gastroenterology at the G B Pant Hospital of Delhi, Founder President of the Society Ishii Khosla and producer of the film ''Shwaas'', Deepak Chaudhari.

Dr Sarin, while giving details on Celiac disease, stressed on proper diagnosis at correct time, especially in children, as ignorance due to social myths leads to hamper their growth.

The disease has a strong genetic basis, said Dr Sarin adding that it can grow in many forms. He urged the doctors to act with a friendly attitude towards the Celiac affected patients as they are the one who have to encourage and educate people about the disease and ways to tackle it.

He asked the medical fraternity, nutritionists and food industry to work hard to find proper food excluding 'gluten' for Celiac patients while expressing concern over lack of proper diet for them and faulty labelling procedure in India.

Ms Khosla throwing light on the objectives of the Society, said it works to provide a forum to create awareness about early diagnosis and better management of the disease in India and provide psychological support to the patients as in ''our country people are still unaware about it.'' She focused on the most common problems faced by patients in India, such as restricted food options, inadequate food labelling, proper availability of required diet. She asked doctors, nutritionists, food industry to come forward and help in encourage research for new treatments and alternative foods and provide psychological support to patients and families.

The Society launched its newsletter -- ''Celiac News and Views'', to enlighten people about the disease and provide a helping hand to the affected patients and their families.

A special screening of the Oscar nominated film ''Shwaas'' was organised in the presence of its producer Mr Chaudhari, who expressed his gratitude for being invited to such noble cause.

UNI