What is the Celiac Disease which Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu has been battling?

It was not long ago when India wholeheartedly celebrated the win of Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu, who made us proud and brought back the Miss Universe crown in India after 21 years. For this, the Indian people have showered their love and praise upon Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu.

A few days back when people saw that the same Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu had gained some weight, the same people started fat-shaming her on social media. For this Miss Universe, Harnaaz Sandhu hits back at these nasty trolls in an interview. Harnaaz Sandhu said that she loves herself the way she is and she believes in body positivity, in a recent interview. Harnaaz Sandhu also stated that she never cares what people talk about her. Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu also shared that she is suffering from a rare disease called Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a condition in which a person is allergic to proteins, particularly gluten.

Celiac disease is caused by the immune system's reaction when we eat gluten (Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, barley, and rye). When celiac disease sufferers ingest gluten, their immune response launches an attack on the small intestine.

These attacks cause damage to the villi, which are small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine and aid in nutrient absorption. Once the villi are affected, nutrients cannot be perfectly absorbed by the body. Celiac disease is inherited, which means that it tends to run in families.

People who have a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, or sibling) have a one-in-ten chance of developing celiac disease. Celiac disease can appear at any age once people begin eating gluten-containing foods or taking medications. Celiac disease, if left untreated, can lead to other serious health issues.

The common symptoms of celiac disease could even differ greatly between children and adults. Adult digestive common symptoms include:

• Diahorrea
• Exhaustion
• Loss of weight
• Gas and bloating
• Pain in the abdomen
• Vomiting and nausea
• Constipation

• Anemia
• Osteoporosis or Osteomalacia (Loss of Bone Density or Bone Softening)
• Itchy, blistering skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Headaches and exhaustion
• Nervous system damage, including numbness or tingling in the feet and hands, potential balance issues, and cognitive impairment
• Joint discomfort
• Spleen function is impaired

• Vomiting and nausea
• Diarrhea that persists
• Swollen abdomen and Constipation
• Gas
• Stools are pale and stink.

• Infants who do not thrive
• Tooth enamel damage
• Loss of weight
• Anemia
• Irritability
• petite stature
• Puberty is delayed.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, headaches, lack of muscle coordination, and seizures are examples of neurological symptoms.

The precise cause of the celiac disease is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by our genes, gluten-containing foods, and other factors. Breastfeeding practices, gastrointestinal infections, and gut bacteria may all play a role. Celiac disease can manifest itself after surgical procedures, pregnancy, childbirth, a viral infection, or a period of extreme emotional stress.

Whenever the immune system of the body overreacts to gluten in food, it causes damage to the small intestine's tiny, hairlike projections (villi). Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are absorbed by vili from the food you eat. You won't get enough nutrients if your villi are damaged, no matter how often you eat.

Celiac disease is much more prevalent among people who already have:

• A member of the family suffers from celiac disease or skin rashes.
• Diabetes type 1
• Turner syndrome or Down syndrome
• Thyroid autoimmune disease
• Colitis that is microscopic (lymphocytic or collagenous colitis)
• Addison's disease

The majority of celiac disease patients are unconscious of their illness. Two blood tests could really aid in the diagnosis:

• Serology testing examines your blood for antibodies. Increased levels of specific antibody proteins reveal an immune response to gluten.
• Celiac disease can be ruled out using Genetic Screening for human leukocyte antigens.


• Before attempting a gluten-free diet, it is critical to be tested for celiac disease. Eradicating gluten from one's diet may cause blood test results to look normal. When any test findings show that you have celiac disease, your doctor will most likely instruct one of the following tests:
  
  Endoscopy: One such test involves inserting a long tube containing a tiny camera into your mouth and passing it down your throat (upper endoscopy). The camera allows your doctor to examine your small intestine and collect a small tissue sample (biopsy) to check for villi damage.
  
  Capsule Endoscopy: This test takes pictures of your entire small intestine using a tiny wireless camera. The camera is contained within a vitamin-sized capsule that you swallow. The camera takes thousands of pictures as the capsule travels through your digestive tract, which is then sent to a recorder.
  
  If one’s doctor diagnoses you have dermatitis herpetiformis, he or she may take samples of skin tissue to look at under a microscope (skin biopsy).

   

The only approach to treating celiac disease is to follow a rigorous gluten-free diet for the rest of one's life. Gluten-containing foods, in addition to wheat, include:

• Barley, Bulgur, Durum, Farina Grass-fed flour, Malt, Rye, Semolina, spelled (a form of wheat), Triticale


• A celiac disease nutritionist can assist you in developing a gluten-free diet that is healthful. Even minute levels of gluten in your diet can be harmful, even if you don't experience any indications or symptoms.
  
  Gluten can be found in a variety of meals, pharmaceuticals, and non-food items, including:
• Preservatives and food stabilizers, as well as modified food starch
• Medication, both prescription and over-the-counter
• Supplements for vitamins and minerals
• Herbal and dietary supplements
• Lipstick items
• Mouthwash and toothpaste
• Wafers for Communion
• Glue for envelopes and stamps


• Eliminating gluten from your diet will progressively reduce inflammation in your small intestine, making you feel better and finally recover. Kids heal relatively quickly than adults.