celiac disease definition

Celiac disease (celiac sprue) is a genetic disease that results when the intestinal lining becomes inflamed as a result of someone eating protein gluten (as found in wheat products, rye, barley and often corn and oats).  Prevention of the inflammation is attained by not eating grains containing gluten.  The disruption of nutrient absorption can occur with celiac disease due to the inflammation and wasting away of the intestines.  This lack of absorption of nutrients can cause tremendous strain on the body and result in a number of symptoms. Because celiac disease is caused by someone unable to properly break down protein gluten, many people who have celiacs disease are able to consume properly fermented organic whole wheat sourdough bread because the fermentation process breaks down the protein gluten.  Thus, consuming the bread is no longer a problem for the intestines to digest.