Do body spasms/tremors occur with celiac disease?

Celiac is a digestive disease, which can cause severe damage to a person’s intestines. This disease interferes with the absorption of nutrients present in food, by the body. People who suffer from celiac are normally gluten intolerant. If a person suffering from celiac consumes gluten in any product, like wheat, rye or barley, it could eventually result in damage to the villi present in his intestines.

Celiac disease could be one of the root causes of tremors. Cases have been reported, where people who suffered from hand tremors suspected Parkinson’s disease. However, after going through a series of tests and examinations, they were diagnosed with celiac, by the medical experts. People suffering from celiac could also experience severe spasms in the stomach, upon consumption of any product that contains gluten. Therefore, once celiac is diagnosed and treated correctly the spasms and tremors caused by it can be controlled, by following a special diet and using certain medications, which are free of gluten.

The symptoms normally associated with celiac disease are muscle cramps, weight loss, diarrhea, anemia, fatigue, abdominal swelling, depression, and pain in the joints. Children suffering from celiac may show other symptoms of the disease like stunted growth, vomiting, mouth ulcers, anemia and inflammation of the skin. Some toddlers show intolerance towards the protein in cow’s milk, and show signs of celiac disease, even without being given gluten. Unfortunately, Celiac is not always recognized easily, because its symptoms are similar to those noticed in other diseases. Celiac can be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon. Tests that could be conducted, for a proper diagnosis are - a blood test, an intestinal biopsy, dermatitis herpetiformis, screening, genetic testing and a home test.

Celiac disease should be treated without any delay, as it could lead to infertility, pancreatic disease, internal hemorrhaging, miscarriages, damage to the nervous system, bone diseases, intestinal lymphoma, gynecological disorders and several other problems. In order for the treatment to be effective, it has to be supplemented with the right diet.

Foods that contain gluten should be avoided strictly.

White flour and sugar should be consumed in small quantities. Therefore, sweets, chocolates, sodas and junk food should be avoided as far as possible.

Fiber plays a very important role in the diet of people suffering from celiac.

The diet should be nourishing, which includes fresh vegetables and fruits. Meat should be avoided.

As soon as gluten is removed from a celiac patient’s diet, immediate improvements should be visible, which includes a reduction of tremors and spasms.

answered by G M