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Dads and Celiac Disease

  • Andrew Howlett
  • May 10
  • 4 min read

I thought I understood celiac disease when I learned about it in medical school more than twenty years ago. In truth, I didn’t fully appreciate how significant this condition can be.


At the time, I mistakenly grouped celiac disease with lactose intolerance. While both can cause digestive symptoms, they are fundamentally different.


Lactose intolerance occurs when the small intestine produces less lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. The result can be abdominal pain, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea for a few hours after consuming dairy products.


Celiac disease is entirely different.


Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In people with celiac disease, even a small amount of gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction. This reaction damages the lining of the small intestine—flattening the microscopic villi that are responsible for absorbing nutrients.


The consequences can be far-reaching.


Symptoms may include:

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Abdominal pain and bloating

  • Fatigue

  • Brain fog

  • Weight loss

  • Mood changes


If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to:

  • Iron deficiency anemia

  • Osteoporosis

  • Vitamin deficiencies

  • Depression

  • Infertility

  • Poor growth in children



Why Fathers Should Pay Attention

Celiac disease affects approximately 1% of Canadians, though many people remain undiagnosed for years.


For fathers, this condition is especially relevant for several reasons:

  1. It can affect fertility and sexual health.

  2. It often goes unrecognized.

  3. It runs in families.

  4. Managing it requires significant lifestyle changes.

If you have celiac disease, your children and other first-degree relatives have a higher risk of developing it as well.



Could You Have Celiac Disease?

Some people experience classic digestive symptoms. Others have more subtle signs such as fatigue, low iron, infertility, or depression.


A simple blood test—tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA)—is usually the first step in diagnosis. If the test is positive, a gastroenterologist may recommend an upper endoscopy with small bowel biopsies to confirm the diagnosis.


Important: You should continue eating gluten until testing is complete. Starting a gluten-free diet beforehand can lead to false-negative results.



Living Gluten-Free: Easier Said Than Done

The only proven treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD).

That sounds straightforward, but in practice it requires constant vigilance.


A gluten-free lifestyle means:

  • Reading labels carefully

  • Asking questions at restaurants

  • Preventing cross-contamination at home

  • Planning ahead for social events

  • Paying more for specialty products

Even small amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms and intestinal damage.



What a Strict Gluten-Free Diet Requires

A successful GFD involves:

  • Avoiding all foods containing wheat, barley, and rye

  • Watching for hidden gluten in sauces, seasonings, and beverages

  • Using certified gluten-free products

  • Maintaining balanced nutrition (gluten free products are not necessarily fortified and may contain more sugar, salt and fat)

  • Meeting with a dietitian experienced in celiac disease


Naturally gluten-free whole grains include:

  • Quinoa

  • Buckwheat

  • Millet

  • Sorghum

  • Amaranth

  • Certified gluten-free oats



The Emotional Side of Celiac Disease

Managing celiac disease can feel isolating.


People may worry about:

  • Eating out with friends

  • Attending family gatherings

  • Traveling

  • Explaining their dietary needs to others


Some men feel self-conscious or dismiss the diet as inconvenient. Others encounter pressure from friends or coworkers to “just have a little.”


These social challenges are real and can affect mental health.

Support groups, counseling, and practical planning can make a major difference.



Male-Specific Considerations

Untreated celiac disease in men has been associated with:

  • Reduced fertility

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Hormonal changes

  • Low energy

The encouraging news is that these issues often improve after adopting a strict gluten-free diet.



Practical Advice for Fathers

If you have celiac disease:

  • Keep gluten-free snacks available.

  • Research restaurants before social events.

  • Host gatherings at home when possible.

  • Involve your family in meal planning.

  • Be open about your health needs.


Managing celiac disease is not about perfection. Accidental exposure happens. What matters is learning, adjusting, and staying committed over time.



My Recommendations

  • If you have ongoing digestive symptoms, fatigue, brain fog, anemia, or fertility concerns, ask your healthcare provider about celiac testing.

  • Use reputable resources to assess your risk including this questionnaire.

  • If diagnosed, see a dietitian with expertise in celiac disease.

  • Take advantage of online resources and apps for the best recommendations for food products and restaurants.

  • Ask your doctor about screening for complications such as iron deficiency and bone loss.

  • Stay up to date with vaccinations, including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines if recommended.

  • Focus on a healthy, balanced gluten-free diet rather than relying on processed products.

  • Seek support if managing the condition feels overwhelming.



Final Thoughts

Celiac disease is much more than a sensitive stomach.


For many men, it affects energy, mood, fertility, and overall quality of life. It also requires a meaningful shift in how they eat, socialize, and care for themselves.


The good news is that with the right diagnosis, education, and support, men with celiac disease can feel dramatically better and live healthy, active lives.


As fathers, taking care of our health is one of the best ways we can show up for our partners, our children, and ourselves.



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