Celiac disease (sometimes spelt Coeliac) is a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten (e.g. from bread). This damages your gut (small intestine) so you are unable to take in nutrients. An estimated 1 in 133 Americans – approximately 1% of the population – has celiac disease. However, recent screening studies point to a potentially higher prevalence than 1% in the United States.
Coeliac disease can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating. It is an autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation in the gut. As there are a huge number of cannabinoid receptors in the gut (and altered expression of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the gut in celiacs), phytocannabinoids can be used to treat inflammation that arises from celiac disease.
