Q. What is Celiac Sprue, or Celiac Disease?

A. Celiac disease is an inflammatory condition of the small intestine precipitated by the ingestion of wheat in individuals with certain genetic makeups.

Q. How does one contract Celiac Disease?

A. Celiac Disease has its incipience genetically, in other words, it runs in families. However, the disorder can be asymptomatic for many years, then a stressor can trigger the disease, causing the patient to experience symptoms including bouts of diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain when exposed to foods containing gluten. Also, while typically common in very young, (approximately age two), people who have recently had wheat introduced to their diet, or young adults, (approximately third or fourth decade), celiac disease can begin anytime in life.

Q. What are the symptoms of Celiac Disease?

A. The symptoms range depending upon the severity of the case, overall health of the afflicted individual, and other factors. In extreme cases one may experience severe symptoms such as diarrhea, weakness, migraines and weight loss indicating a marked decrease in intestinal absorptive surface area involving much of the small intestine.

Q. How can you find out if you have Celiac Disease?

A. There is no test yet which is definitively diagnostic of celiac disease. Relief of symptoms in a gluten-free diet is the most convincing evidence that an individual has celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Q. Is Celiac Disease a common affliction?

A. Celiac Disease is more common than heretofore thought, as it turns out. Recent studies indicate that almost 15% of the population may be afflicted with full – blown Celiac Disease, with an additional 25% who exhibit some gluten sensitivity. In fact, you may have gluten sensitivity and not even know it, according to a study published in the April 23 issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Q. How is Celiac Disease treated?

A. According to Ivor D. Hill, M.D., a pediatric gastroenterologist and expert on celiac disease at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, treatment of Celiac Sprue is not difficult "By following a gluten-free diet, patients will experience no symptoms and lead healthy, normal lives." This may be easier said than done, "However, patients have to diligently find ways to prepare foods without these products. It's a matter of knowing what is good for you and incorporating it into your diet."

Q. Are High Country Mixes good for people who have Celiac Disease?

A. High Country Mixes are excellent for those who have Celiac disease, are Gluten – Sensitive, or are trying to diminish the amount of gluten in their diets. All of High Country Mixes products are formulated to contain only gluten - free grains and sweeteners, and are manufactured in controlled, gluten – free environments. You will also find that they taste better than many of the products you are used to enjoying that contain gluten.