Surprising Cause of Illness

More than 2 million Americans may have a gluten intolerance, a condition that is also known as celiac disease. Most of them don't even know they have it. When such a person eats gluten-found in wheat, rye and barley-the small intestine becomes inflamed and nutrients are not absorbed properly. Classic symptoms include itchy skin rash, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and other intestinal problems.

But: Some celiac disease patients have anemia, headaches, hair loss, joint pain, liver inflammation and/or seizures. These people should be tested for a gluten intolerance.