7 things you may not know about celiac disease — a disorder that forces you to cut out gluten

If pizza upsets your stomach, there may be cause for concern.HBO

• Celiac disease affects about 1% of the population and its treatment, a gluten-free diet, is nearly mainstream.
• But there's a lot of misinformation about the condition, like that you must have symptoms to be diagnosed and that gluten-free eating is always healthier.
• Here are seven facts about the illness you may not know.

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that can damage your small intestine if left untreated. It is triggered by a diet that includes wheat, rye, and barley products. Although some people may choose a gluten-free diet for other reasons, it is imperative for the health of celiac disease sufferers, who make up about 1% of the population.

Since the Celiac Disease Foundation recognizes over 200 separate symptoms that can indicate the disease, it can be tricky to diagnose. Still, starting treatment as soon as possible is critical in order to avoid even more serious health complications such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Read on to learn more, and be sure to talk to your doctor about your concerns.