Is it safe for celiac disease patients to eat pretzels?
Quick Answer
No
Traditional pretzels are made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. Gluten triggers harmful reactions in people with celiac disease. Therefore, it is not safe for celiac disease patients to eat regular pretzels.
What Is It?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating foods that contain gluten, like pretzels, can cause serious health complications for individuals with celiac disease.
- Damage to the small intestine’s lining, leading to malabsorption of nutrients.
- Development of other autoimmune disorders.
- Osteoporosis due to low calcium absorption.
- Infertility and miscarriage.
- Neurological conditions like epilepsy and migraines.
Safe Alternatives
Gluten-free pretzels are a safe alternative for people with celiac disease. They are made from gluten-free grains such as corn, rice, or potato flour.