
December 17, 2003
Celiac
Question from Tuftonboro, New Hampshire, USA:
I have been told that celiac has no treatment. I am not looking for a long-term treatment (although it would be nice.) For lactose-intolerant people there is a pill to counteract their reactions so they can have lactose. Is there any sort of pill to counteract celiac? I would love to enjoy my favorite foods again.
Answer:
Celiac is treated by removing gluten (wheat) from the diet. It helps with the disease, but there is no true cure. See a good nutritionist and gastroenterologist.
LD
Additional comments from Dr. David Schwartz:
For people who are lactose intolerant, it is easy to provide the enzyme supplement lactase with intake of food. These are over-the-counter. Brand names include Lact-Aid and Dary-Ease. There are others. Ask you pharmacist.
DS