What does it mean to have celiac disease? my aunt wants to know.

Gluten poisoning: Gluten in wheat acts as a toxin on your small intestine. The damage leads to a marked decrease in the ability to absorb nutrients in any food that you eat. The immediate result is abdominal distension, pain, bloating & diarrhea. The long term effects is weight loss, muscle wasting & weakness - in fact, all of the symptoms of starvation.

Gluten sensitivity: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease where the body reacts to proteins found in various grain products - principally in barley, rye, wheat, spelt. In children we can see failure to thrive, rashes and abdominal complaints. Recognition in adults has been increasing and can include various abdominal/gi complaints in addition to anemia, weakness and many other issues.