What causes celiac disease?

Celiac disease is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that is triggered by gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of their small intestine. This damage can lead to a number of symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, and fatigue.

The exact cause of the autoimmune reaction that triggers celiac disease is not fully understood. However, there is evidence that genetics, environmental factors, and the gut microbiome may all play a role.

Genetic factors

Celiac disease is thought to have a strong genetic component. About 1 in 100 people worldwide carry the genes that are associated with celiac disease. However, not everyone who carries these genes will develop the disease. It is thought that other factors, such as environmental factors and the gut microbiome, may also need to be present in order for celiac disease to develop.

Environmental factors

Certain environmental factors, such as stress, infection, and exposure to certain chemicals, may also play a role in triggering celiac disease. For example, it has been found that people who are under stress or who have had an infection are more likely to develop celiac disease. It is also thought that exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, can damage the gut lining and make it more susceptible to damage from gluten.

The gut microbiome

The gut microbiome refers to the community of bacteria that live in the gut. These bacteria play an important role in our health, including helping us to digest food, absorb nutrients, and fight off infection. It is thought that the gut microbiome may also play a role in celiac disease. For example, it has been found that people with celiac disease have different types of bacteria in their gut than people who do not have the disease. It is possible that these differences in the gut microbiome may make it more difficult for people with celiac disease to tolerate gluten.