Celiac disease is the result of the immune system reacting abnormally to a protein contained in wheat, oats and other grains, called gluten. When gluten is eaten by susceptible people it triggers an immune response that causes inflammation, and damage to the lining of the small intestine.

The overreaction to this protein by the body causes damage to the small finger-like projections found along the wall of the small bowel. When these projections are flattened and inflamed, it prevents the absorption of nutrients from food by the small intestine.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Damage to the intestines often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating nausea, and vomiting.

Most people with celiac disease are never aware that they have it. Researchers believe that as few as 20% of sufferers ever get a correct diagnosis. The damage to the intestines is very slow, and symptoms are often quite varied, so it can be years before a diagnosis is made. Continue reading →

Grave’s Disease is an autoimmune disease. In Grave’s disease the immune system creates antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland. This causes the gland to enlarge and produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones.

Grave’s disease is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism). The release of excessive thyroid hormone speeds up the body’s metabolism and some of its processes, such as heart rate. This can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing.

Although many different conditions can trigger an overactive thyroid, the most common cause is Grave’s disease. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential as this condition can have a wide ranging and significant influence on the body.

For some people symptoms can be mild. For the majority of sufferers it escalates and causes havoc in many areas of their lives. Continue reading →