ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Gluten-sensitive enteropathy

Gluten-sensitive enteropathy is also known as celiac disease. It is a sickness that can happen to someone when they eat foods that contain gluten, which is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley.

When someone with gluten-sensitive enteropathy eats gluten, their body reacts in a bad way. The gluten causes damage to the small intestine, which is a part of the body that helps digest food and take nutrients from it. This damage makes it hard for the body to absorb the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Some common symptoms of gluten-sensitive enteropathy are tummy pain, being very tired, being sick or throwing up, having diarrhea or constipation, and being bloated or having gas. Sometimes people with this sickness might have other symptoms like changes in their mood or having trouble concentrating.

The good news is that people with gluten-sensitive enteropathy can still enjoy plenty of foods that don't have gluten. Some examples of foods that are okay to eat include fruits, vegetables, meats, and things like rice, corn, and potatoes. It's important for someone diagnosed with gluten-sensitive enteropathy to work with their doctor or dietitian to make sure they're getting all the nutrients their body needs to stay healthy.