Celiac Disease: Protecting Your Health
Adjusting to life in Hawaii means discovering new environments, experiences, and foods. However, if you have been feeling persistently unwell after eating, or if you have a known history of food sensitivities, understanding how your body processes certain foods is vital to your academic success and personal well-being.
The Relationships & Family Development (RFD) office provides this guide to help you manage your physical health. Maintaining a healthy body supports your capacity to succeed at BYU–Hawaii, cultivate strong interpersonal relationships, and build a vibrant future.
What is Celiac Disease (CD)?
Celiac disease is not a food allergy or a temporary food intolerance. It is a lifelong autoimmune disorder.
When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestine.
- This causes severe inflammation that damages the villi—the tiny, finger-like projections lining the small intestine that absorb nutrients from food.
- When the villi are damaged, they flatten out and cannot properly absorb vitamins, minerals, and calories.
- Left untreated, this nutrient malabsorption can lead to serious health issues, including chronic vitamin deficiencies, anemia, chronic fatigue, and weakened bone health.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a specific protein found naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. While it is completely safe and healthy for most people, it acts as a trigger for those with celiac disease.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Because celiac disease manifests differently from person to person, symptoms can easily be mistaken for standard stress, homesickness, or changes due to a new climate. Common signs include:
Digestive Distress
Frequent nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, or diarrhea after meals.
Nutrient Malabsorption
Unexplained, excessive weight loss or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
Systemic Fatigue
Chronic exhaustion, joint discomfort, or brain fog that interferes with your studies and daily activities.
Secondary Deficiencies
Conditions like anemia (low iron), lactose intolerance, or unexpected skin rashes.
If you consistently experience these symptoms after eating wheat- or grain-based foods, it is highly recommended that you consult a medical professional for a proper celiac disease screening before removing gluten from your diet entirely.
Currently, there is no medication or cure for celiac disease. The only way to manage the condition and allow your small intestine to fully heal is strict, lifelong adherence to a gluten-free (GF) diet.
Eliminating obvious sources of wheat, rye, and barley is the first step, but navigating a new food culture as an international student requires extra vigilance.
Watch Out for Cross-Contamination
Shared Appliances
Shared Condiments
Buffet Lines & Bulk Bins
Hidden Ingredients
Local & Spiritual Resources for Support
BYU–Hawaii & Local Resources
BYU–Hawaii Health Center
Food Services
Kahuku Medical Center
Church & Spiritual Resources
Church Mental Health Resources
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides comprehensive, gospel-centered guidance on emotional health, overcoming compulsive behaviors, and understanding body image.
Additional resources are available through the Church's mental health site
BYU–Hawaii Devotional Insights
Continue your study by reading Elder John C. Pingree Jr.'s BYU–Hawaii devotional.
If you are looking for guidance on how to strengthen communication within your family or roommate circles regarding healthy boundaries and self-worth, our doors are always open to you at the Relationships & Family Development office.