Is it safe for celiac disease patients to eat beer?
Quick Answer
No
Most beers are made from barley, a grain that contains gluten. Consuming gluten can cause severe health problems for individuals with celiac disease.
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.
How to Tell
Symptoms of celiac disease can include digestive discomfort, tissue damage in the small intestines, anemia, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, and an increased risk of many other diseases.
Why It Can Be Risky
For people with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages the small intestine’s lining and prevents absorption of some nutrients.
The long-term consumption of gluten in individuals with celiac disease can lead to malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility and miscarriage, neurological conditions like epilepsy, and intestinal cancers.
Safe Method?
The only safe method for celiac disease patients to consume beer is to choose beers that are specifically labeled as gluten-free. These beers are made from grains that do not contain gluten, such as sorghum, millet, rice, or corn.
Safe Alternatives
Alternatives to traditional beer for celiac disease patients include gluten-free beer, cider, wine, and spirits distilled from non-gluten grains.