We're kicking off a special 5-part series all about celiac disease! And we're starting with a big question: What exactly is happening inside the body of someone with celiac disease?
You might know that celiac disease means avoiding foods like bread, pasta, and other foods containing gluten. But why? And what does gluten actually do inside the body?
First, we're heading back to the digestive system and taking a closer look at the small intestine. We'll meet the tiny, finger-like structures called villi that help our bodies absorb nutrients from the food we eat. Then, we'll bring back our immune system security team to learn what happens when it makes a mistake.
Along the way, we'll explore:
- What celiac disease is and why it's considered an autoimmune disease
- What gluten is and how it triggers an immune response
- What the villi in the small intestine do and why they are so important for nutrient absorption
- Why celiac disease is NOT a food allergy
- How food allergies and celiac disease involve different immune responses
- Why the effects of celiac disease don't simply disappear as soon as someone stops eating gluten
And here's where we'll leave you hanging: If celiac disease isn't a food allergy, then what's actually happening? How does the immune system end up hurting the small intestine?
That's what we're getting into next week!
Whether your child has celiac disease, knows someone who does, or is simply curious about what's happening inside their body, join us as we break down the science of celiac disease, one episode at a time.
New episodes every Friday, November 6 – December 4!
This series is being shared with the support of Raising Our Celiac Kids, or ROCK. ROCK is a program for kids and teens with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten disorders. It is designed to help them, as well as their parents/caregivers, to navigate their celiac journey and the experiences that are unique to this age group. Learn more at the ROCK page💡 Enjoying What’s Happening Inside Me?
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Thanks for listening, learning, and exploring what’s happening inside YOU! 🩺✨
