As many as 1 in every 100 Americans have celiac disease - and even more have gluten intolerance!
Celiac Disease is not a food allergy, it is an auto immune disorder.
The damage caused by reactions to gluten results in flattening of the villi in your intestinal tract. This keeps food from being digested properly.
The "Gold Standard" diagnosis of Celiac Disease is through an endoscopy after a positive result from the Celiac Blood Panel.
Celiac has been linked to depression, thought to be a result of chronic nutrient malabsorption. It is also linked to other auto immune disorders, fertility problems, autism, arthritis, migraines, and some forms of cancer.
When your gut is damaged, it may keep you from being able to handle other foods. Dairy is a common intolerance that is secondary to celiac. However, when you eliminate gluten it is very common to be able to tolerate those secondary foods again after only a few months!
There is no "cure" for Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance..
The only treatment for both is adherence to a strict gluten-free diet.