Celiac disease is a growing problem in this nation and in the world. It is becoming more and more common but is still surrounded by an air of mystery. Many people don’t know what celiac disease is even when they have it. It is under-diagnosed and often misdiagnosed as other digestive problems. Once diagnosed, however, it is completely normal to wonder about celiac disease and working out and how the two may affect or inhibit one another.
Celiac disease is a sensitivity to gluten in food products. Symptoms of the disease are fairly common to many digestive disorders and include bloating, fatigue, pain and cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and weight loss. It is easy to see why this condition is often misdiagnosed as IBS or more common ailments. The problem lies when the small intestine is damaged because of this sensitivity. Once diagnosed, people who suffer from the disease must overhaul their diet eliminating all things with gluten including all wheat, barley, and rye products. Next, they must concern themselves with how everyday activities have been affected by the disease. This includes looking at the relationship between celiac disease and working out.
Celiac disease and working out doesn’t have to be a problem. However, there are a few things that should be considered. As this short piece from eHow points out, years and years of living with the disease without a diagnosis can damage bone density due to malnutrition. Because of this, high impact fitness may not be a good idea if you have suffered for years with the disease. Things like running and jumping could put unnecessary stress on your joints.
Exercise is crucial to overall health, however, and even people with celiac disease need to stay active. Speak with your doctor about fitness and more than likely he will echo that even once diagnosed with celiac disease, fitness is important. Celiac disease and working out do not have to be independent of one another.
If you find yourself with symptoms of the disease that seem to be more troublesome in the morning, try working out in the evening instead. Tailor your exercise regimen to your disease. Many people live comfortably with the disease once their symptoms are brought under control. During this time, with the consent of your doctor you can pair celiac disease and working out together as a normal healthy adult.
For additional information on celiac disease, check out this article: What is celiac disease and why is it on the rise?
Jul 23, 2009 @ 12:11:27
Several of us blog about our experiences with exercise and Celiac. I blog about training for iron-distance triathons and marathons at ironceliac.blogspot.com.
Feb 24, 2010 @ 15:04:40
My wife has been diagnosed with Celiacs disease will she be able to resume working
Mar 01, 2010 @ 14:21:34
Hi Pat, you wife should be able to resume working out. I would recommend that she talks to her doctor about the type of exercise she will be doing and ask for a diet plan that will be suitable for her and her condition.
-Mike
May 27, 2011 @ 10:23:44
I was finally diagnosed with Celiac in March. I have spent half of January in the hospital and half of February on bed rest due to serious complications from colon and intestine infections (the doctors now believe that my intestines and colon were all jacked up because of the Celiac) I feel better now! WOO HOO! I am starting to work out. I have dropped over 60 lbs since January, my goal is not weight loss at this point. I am 5 foot 2 and weigh 110 lbs. I just want to tone up. My fear is that I will get sick again! I can’t drink the whey shakes that everyone says is helpful. Is there anything else that Celiacs can take to help with their workouts? I eat fish and rice at least 4 times a week. My diet is limited as I am scared to eat new foods!!!