Celiac disease and acid reflux are related. If you have celiac disease, you are more likely to experience heartburn. At least there is a remedy to this type of heart burn.
It is normal to have heartburn occasionally. But when it happens several times a week or more, you need to take a closer look.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, or heartburn, is caused by stomach acid that goes partially up the esophagus. It can find its way to the top of the esophagus,.
Acid reflux feels like a burning sensation around the breastbone and/or near the heart. You may also taste bile at the back of your throat when it is more severe.
If acid reflux occasionally, you can ignore it as an inconvenience. When it happens regularly, it is called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). This is when it requires medical attention.
Acid Reflux and Celiac Disease
If you have celiac disease, you are more likely to experience acid reflux on a regular basis. In other words, if you are more likely to have GERD.
One study found that 19% of celiac disease patients had GERD, compared to 8% without celiac.
One may assume that if you have GERD, you have an elevated chance of having celiac disease. If I can find some information about that, I will let you know.
Acid Reflux and Gluten Allergy
If you have a gluten allergy, acid reflux may be a symptom. I’m not aware of any studies looking at this, but it is something to watch out for.
If you have a gluten allergy rather than celiac disease, the next section may still apply to you.
Acid Reflux Remedy
If you have celiac disease, then your GERD symptoms should disappear when you go on a gluten free diet. At the very least, they should be reduced. If it is possible to have GERD without celiac disease, then it is possible that a gluten free diet will not completely eliminate heartburn if you have celiac disease.