CELIAC 101
THE NO-BULLSH*T GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR LIFE BACK
“I wish someone had just explained it to me straight when I was first diagnosed.”
That’s the goal of this page — science-based info that doesn’t overwhelm you, sugarcoat it, or make you feel broken.
What Celiac Actually Is (and Isn’t)
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, not an allergy or sensitivity.
Your body attacks your small intestine when you eat gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye).
The only treatment: a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.
It’s not “trendy” or “just a stomach issue.” It’s medical.
(Backed by: ACG Clinical Guidelines, NIDDK)
🧍♀️ 1 in 100 people have celiac disease worldwide
⏳ Average time to diagnosis: 6–10 years
🧬 30–40% of people carry the celiac gene, but only ~3% of them develop the disease
(Sources: Celiac Disease Foundation, NIH, ACG)
Over time, those villi flatten, meaning your body can’t absorb food properly.
That’s why symptoms go way beyond the stomach — because your whole body feels the nutrient loss.
WhO IT AFFECTS?
Celiac can affect anyone, at any age.
It runs in families, is more common in people assigned female at birth, and often overlaps with other autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease or type 1 diabetes.
Symptoms Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Symptoms Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Digestive
bloating
nausea
diarrhea
constipation
pain
Vs.
Whole-BODY
fatigue
brain fog
anxiety
depression
anemia
infertility
skin rashes
bone loss
Many people have no gut symptoms at all — and that’s why it goes undiagnosed for years.
(Source: NIDDK, Mayo Clinic)
How It’s Diagnosed
Blood Test — tTG-IgA (and total IgA) while still eating gluten.
Endoscopy — confirms intestinal damage (biopsy).
Genetic Test — HLA-DQ2/DQ8: rules out celiac if negative.
⚠️ Don’t start a gluten-free diet before testing.
(Source: ACG 2023)
First 6 Months Post-Diagnosis
Get a follow-up with your GI within 3–6 months.
Recheck your tTG-IgA levels and nutrient panels (iron, vitamin D, B12, etc.)
Book a dietitian who actually understands celiac (not just “GF fad” talk).
Ask about bone density scan and pneumococcal vaccine (important for immunity).
(Sources: ACG 2023; SSCD 2024)
What Gluten-Free Actually Means
-
Only if they’re certified gluten-free or purity-protocol.
-
Almost all are. Check DailyMed or your pharmacist
-
Distilled spirits = safe. Beer must say gluten-free, not “gluten-removed.
MYTH
“A crumb won’t hurt.”
“You’ll outgrow it.”
“Gluten-removed beer is fine.”
“No diarrhea = no celiac.”
Myth Or BS? Let’s Find Out.
FACT
Even tiny traces trigger immune damage.
Celiac is lifelong.
Not safe for celiacs.
Wrong — it can be silent.
Even on a strict gluten-free diet, your body might still be telling you something. Here’s when to stop scrolling and call your doctor.
RED FLAGS (WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR, LIKE… NOW)
⚠️ Red Flag
Persistent stomach pain or bloating?
Fatigue, brain fog, or mood swings?
Weight loss or no weight gain?
Positive bloodwork (tTG still high) after 12 months gluten-free?
Bone pain or fractures?
Fertility struggles?
New symptoms you didn’t have before?
Could signal ongoing inflammation or hidden gluten exposure
Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, vitamin D) are common
Possible malabsorption or other gut condition
Indicates ongoing exposure or refractory celiac (rare)
Might mean low bone density — time for a DEXA scan
Celiac can affect hormone regulation — needs workup
Could point to overlapping autoimmune issues
💬 Why It Matters
Okay… SO YOu’ve GOt Celiac. NOw What?
Because this is mOre than a diet — it’s a lifestyle shift, and yOu’re nOt dOing it alone.
Getting diagnosed isn’t the end of something — it’s the start of finally understanding your body.
You’ve learned the science, spotted the red flags, and figured out how to advocate for yourself.
Now it’s about living, not just avoiding gluten.
Rebuilding trust with food, finding your people, and learning to enjoy eating again is part of the healing.
You’re not fragile — you’re finally informed.
You deserve to feel strong, confident, and completely at home in your body.
| 🌮 | Gut Diaries | Read my story, symptoms, and healing journey.
| 👯♀️ | Community | Meet others who actually get it — and find your support system.
| 🛒 | Resources & Brands | Gluten-free products, guides, and tools I personally trust.