Dr. David Israel, Pediatrician, Vancouver, BC

Celiac disease and Crohn's disease are both diseases related to inflammation of the intestines. Crohn’s disease is more common in people who have celiac disease.

Research has shown that exercise can improve the body's anti-inflammatory response by activating its sympathetic nervous system. During exercise, the body releases hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, which activate immune cells.

People with celiac disease need to follow a gluten-free diet for life. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. In people with celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine. Over time, the lining of the small intestine is damaged and is unable to absorb certain nutrients.

Celiac disease is linked to heredity, so if you have a relative with the disease, your risk is higher.

Studies have found that people with celiac disease may have an increased risk of developing depression. This may be related to the stress of managing a chronic disease; and/or the inability to absorb certain nutrients such as the essential amino acid tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood.