Digestive Health and Nausea Products

Probiotics are naturally occurring, live microorganisms in our bodies. Specifically, probiotics are "good" bacteria in our digestive systems that help us digest foods, supply certain vitamins and fend off "bad", disease-causing bacteria. They are found naturally in fermented foods, may be added to other foods, and are available as dietary supplements.

Probiotics found in foods and dietary supplements may balance or replenish gut flora. Some research shows that probiotics may help improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reduce the risk of diarrhea caused by infections and antibiotics. Note that this research and studies on using probiotics for other reasons are preliminary. Results have been inconclusive, and not all probiotics are the same.

The naturally occurring probiotics already present in the gut help our bodies work well. Probiotics in supplement form are still being studied for their potential health benefits. Before you take probiotics, talk with your health care provider to learn if probiotics are right for you.

For people with certain health conditions, such as weakened immune systems, infections and serious complications have been reported with probiotic use. Before you take probiotics, talk with your health care provider to learn if probiotics are right for you.

Probiotics found in foods and dietary supplements are believed to work similarly to the naturally occurring probiotics in our bodies, and therefore, help us digest foods, provide vitamins and destroy disease-causing microorganisms. However, while probiotics are intended to have health benefits, studies have been inconclusive so far. There is still much to learn about probiotics. It's also important to note that not all probiotics are the same.

If your health care provider recommends probiotics, ask them when, how often and how much of the probiotic you should take.

Note that not all probiotics are created equal. Many available probiotic products lack evidence-based studies supporting their effectiveness and safety. How long a probiotic takes to work varies based on the strain and brand of the probiotic and the reason you're taking it. Ask your health care provider how long it should take for the probiotic you’re taking to work.

Most healthy adults can safely add foods that contain probiotics to their diets. If you are considering taking a probiotic supplement, check with your health care provider to be sure if they're right for you.

Yes, probiotics can cause mild stomach problems, including diarrhea, especially during the first few days you take them. These symptoms tend to improve as your body gets used to the probiotics.

Foods that contain probiotics can include fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, kefir and aged cheeses. Certain non-dairy products can also contain probiotics, including sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh and cultured non-dairy yogurts.

Yes, probiotics can cause mild stomach problems, including gas, especially during the first few days you take them. These symptoms tend to improve as your body gets used to them.

Some research shows that probiotics can help improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including constipation. If you have constipation due to IBS, ask your health care provider if probiotics can help you.

At this time, constipation doesn’t appear to be a known side effect of probiotics. However, probiotics can cause mild stomach problems, including diarrhea, gas, bloating and stomach upset, especially during the first few days you take them. If you experience constipation while taking probiotics, talk to your health care provider.

Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery stools that occur three or more times per day.

Diarrhea can occur for many reasons. Causes of diarrhea can include:

• Bacteria, viruses or parasites
• Food intolerances or sensitivities
• Digestive tract problems, including Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Medicines, such as antibiotics, cancer medications or antacids containing magnesium
• Side effects of surgery of the appendix, gallbladder, large or small intestine, pancreas, liver, spleen or stomach

Yes. Diarrhea is watery, loose stools that happen three or more times per day.

Common causes of diarrhea include infections, food intolerances or sensitivities, digestive tract problems, long-term use of certain medications and side effects of abdominal surgeries.

Acute diarrhea is short-lived, and usually resolves within a few days. Chronic diarrhea lasts at least four weeks and may be continual or may come and go. This type of diarrhea may be caused by a chronic health condition.

Diarrhea is not typically a sign of early pregnancy. However, if you make sudden changes to your diet during pregnancy, you may have an upset stomach or diarrhea. Diarrhea in early pregnancy may also be caused by hormonal changes. Late in pregnancy, diarrhea may be a sign that labor is near.

Acute diarrhea is treated by replenishing lost fluids, including water, broth and juice, to prevent dehydration. In some cases, over-the-counter (OTC) anti-diarrheal medications, such as loperamide and bismuth subsalicylate, can help treat diarrhea. However, if diarrhea is due to a bacterial or parasitic infection, OTC medicines can make diarrhea worse. If you have diarrhea for these reasons, you may need medication to treat the infection. See your health care provider if you have diarrhea for more than two days.

Chronic diarrhea treatment depends on the specific cause. Your health care provider may recommend dietary changes, medications or probiotic supplements. Talk to your provider before trying any OTC products, including probiotics.

OTC anti-diarrheal products may not be safe for babies and young children. Talk to your health care provider before giving your child any medication for diarrhea. If your child has diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours, see their health care provider.

Yes, diarrhea can be a sign of labor. Diarrhea is a way that some women’s bodies prepare for labor. It may occur right before or a couple weeks before labor.

Yes, diarrhea can be contagious when it's caused by an infection.

In some cases, diarrhea can cause a burning sensation. When diarrhea occurs, the digestive process speeds up, keeping foods, stomach acids, bile and digestive enzymes from breaking down completely. This means stomach acids, bile and digestive enzymes may be present in diarrhea, which can cause burning.

Yes, in some people, stress can cause stomach troubles, including diarrhea.

Yes, diarrhea can cause dehydration. This means the body doesn't have enough fluids to work well, which can be serious.

No, dehydration doesn't appear to cause diarrhea, but diarrhea can cause dehydration.

Yes, antibiotics can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Diarrhea due to antibiotics tends to be mild and goes away within a few days of finishing treatment with the antibiotic. Tell your health care provider if you have diarrhea during or after taking antibiotics. In some cases, they may switch you to another antibiotic.

Diarrhea after eating can occur for several reasons. It may happen due to a food intolerance or sensitivity, such as lactose intolerance, or because of a digestive tract problem, such as Crohn's disease.

Traveler's diarrhea refers to diarrhea caused by drinking contaminated food and water when traveling, usually when visiting developing countries.

No, the flu is a respiratory virus, and doesn't typically cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea. However, some people may experience diarrhea when they have the flu, but it's more common in children than adults.

If you have acute diarrhea, you may lose your appetite for a short time. Strive to take in plenty of fluids, including water, broth and juice, while you have diarrhea to reduce the risk of dehydration. Gradually add low-fiber and semi-solid foods to you diet, such as crackers, toast, rice, chicken or eggs. Avoid dairy products, fatty foods, heavily seasoned foods and high-fiber foods for a few days.

If you have certain causes of chronic diarrhea, such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance, your health care provider may recommend making specific changes to your diet to help ease symptoms.

Bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is filled with air or gas.

Bloating can be caused by eating foods that produce more gas. It can also be caused by lactose intolerance, constipation, overeating, weight gain or menstruation. Swallowing too much air when chewing gum, smoking or eating too fast can also cause bloating. Certain medications and health conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, bowel or bladder blockage and some types of cancer, are also linked with bloating.

Foods that produce gas, such as cabbage, turnips, Brussels sprouts, beans and lentils, can make you feel bloated. The artificial sweeteners sorbitol and fructose, which are often used in sugar-free foods and drinks, can also cause bloating. Dairy products and carbonated beverages can also lead to bloating in some people.

Foods that produce gas, including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, turnips, beans and lentils, can cause bloating and gas. Certain artificial sweeteners, including fructose and sorbitol, can also cause bloating and gas. Dairy products and carbonated drinks are also linked with bloating and gas.

Gas pain may feel like pain, cramps or knots in your abdomen. Gas can also cause you to feel bloated or like there is a sense of fullness or pressure in your stomach.

Gas-X contains the medication simethicone, which works by breaking up gas bubbles in the gut.

Yes, Tums can help with gas. Tums are used to relieve indigestion, heartburn and sour stomach.

Yes, probiotics can cause mild stomach problems, including gas, especially during the first few days you take them. These symptoms tend to improve as your body gets used to the probiotics.

Over-the-counter (OTC) products, including alpha-galactosidase (Beano, BeanAssist), lactase supplements (Lactaid, Digest Dairy Plus), simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta Gas Minis) and activated charcoal (Actidose-Aqua, CharoCaps), can help with gas. Note that reducing the amount of high fiber foods, dairy products, artificial sweeteners, fried and fatty foods and carbonated beverages you consume can also help with gas.

Beans contain fiber, which can cause gas.

People with lactose intolerance experience unpleasant digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas and diarrhea, when they consume products that contain lactose. This is naturally occurring sugar in dairy products, like milk and cheese.

Lactose intolerance occurs due to the body not producing enough of the enzyme lactase. This enzyme is needed to break down lactose found in milk and dairy products. As a result, the body cannot digest all of the lactose consumed.

Signs of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, a "growling" stomach or vomiting. Symptoms tend to come on within a few hours of consuming milk products, and they can range from mild to severe depending on how much lactose you had.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance are similar to those of other health conditions. See your health care provider if you believe you have lactose intolerance. Your provider will ask about your symptoms, eating habits and medical history. They may ask you to stop eating dairy products for a short time to see if your symptoms improve. Your provider may also do a hydrogen breath test to check how well your body digests lactose.

Yes. Most infants are able to digest lactose, but many people experience a reduced ability to digest lactose as they get older.

If you think you might have lactose intolerance, see your health care provider. Your provider will ask you questions about your symptoms and may perform tests to help diagnose lactose intolerance or to check for other health problems.

Yes, lactose intolerance can be genetic in some cases. Genes play a role in lactase non-persistence (when the small intestine makes less lactase, an enzyme needed to digest lactose, after infancy) and congenital lactase deficiency (when the small intestine makes little to no lactase starting at birth). Both conditions are linked with lactose intolerance.

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, happens when the contents of the stomach flow backwards from the stomach to the esophagus. Stomach acid that touches the esophagus can cause heartburn (a painful, burning feeling in the chest or throat), or you may taste regurgitated food or stomach acid at the back of your throat and mouth. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious and persistent form of acid reflux.

Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach) weakens or relaxes when it shouldn't. This allows stomach contents to flow back up the esophagus. Smoking, inhaling secondhand smoke, having increased pressure on the abdomen due to being pregnant or overweight, or taking certain medications, such as medicines used to treat asthma, high blood pressure, allergies, pain, depression and sleep, can weaken or relax the lower esophageal sphincter. GERD can also be caused by a hiatal hernia. In this condition, the opening in the diaphragm lets the upper part of the stomach move up into the chest. This lowers pressure in the esophageal sphincter.

If you have acid reflux, you may taste regurgitated food or stomach acid at the back of your throat and mouth. You may also have heartburn, a painful, burning sensation in your chest and throat. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bad breath, trouble or painful swallowing, wearing away of tooth enamel and breathing problems.

Lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating smaller meals, not eating late at night and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms, can help acid reflux. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors, may also help reflux symptoms. In some cases, GERD is treated with prescription medications, surgery or other procedures.

No, milk is not a recommended treatment for acid reflux. While it may buffer stomach acid for a short time, the fat and other nutrients in milk may actually cause the body to produce additional acid.

An episode of acid reflux or heartburn can last from a few minutes to more than two hours.

Certain foods and beverages may make acid reflux worse. However, specific triggers vary between people, and what bothers one person won't necessarily bother another. Keep a food and symptom journal to try to identify the foods that trigger your acid reflux. Chocolate, coffee, greasy or spicy foods, tomatoes and tomato products, peppermint and alcohol can aggravate acid reflux in some people.

Eating a whole-foods (foods as close to their natural form as possible) based, varied diet is best for your overall health and managing acid reflux. Be mindful to avoid foods that set off your acid reflux symptoms.

Antacids are medications used for short-term relief of heartburn symptoms. They reduce the effects of acid in the stomach and are available over-the-counter (OTC).

Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acids that cause heartburn symptoms.

H2 receptor antagonists or H2 blockers are medications used to relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or reflux) and treat peptic or stomach ulcers. These medicines work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. H2 blockers are available OTC and by prescription.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications used to ease symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or reflux) and treat duodenal or stomach ulcers and damage to the lower esophagus caused by reflux. They are stronger than H2 blockers and work by blocking acid production. PPIs are available OTC and by prescription.

Both PPIs and H2 blockers work to treat heartburn and acid reflux. H2 blockers usually start working within an hour, while PPIs can take a few days to work. However, PPIs tend to work longer than H2 blockers. PPIs often work well when heartburn isn't resolved by H2 blockers or antacids. Long-term use of PPIs can lead to significant adverse reactions. Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist to determine if prolonged use of PPIs is right for you.

Antacids and H2 blockers work quickly, within about an hour, and provide short-term relief. PPIs often take a little longer to kick in, but the effects last longer. Most forms of PPIs start to ease symptoms within a few days.

Antacids provide short-term relief. There are many different forms and brands of antacids. Read the directions on the product carefully or talk to your pharmacist to learn how long the antacid works and when to take another dose.

Laxatives are medications that can help relieve and prevent constipation.

There are several different types of laxatives, and how quickly and well each laxative works varies between people. Before taking a laxative, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the best type for you, and ask how long it will take for the laxative to work.

No, while coffee may have a laxative effect in some people, by stimulating the bowels, coffee is not a laxative.

There are many types and brands of laxatives, with each type lasting in the body for a different length of time. Read the directions on the laxative packaging carefully or talk to your pharmacist to learn how long the laxative lasts and when to take another dose.

There are several forms of laxatives, and each type works differently. Common forms of laxatives include:

No, laxatives are used to treat constipation. They should not be used for weight loss. However, some people mistakenly believe laxatives will move food out of the body before it's absorbed leading to weight loss, which isn't true. Laxative abuse is dangerous and can have life-threatening consequences. Be sure to talk to your health care provider before taking a laxative and follow the directions on the package carefully.

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that's naturally found in plant foods. It's an important part of a sound nutrition plan.

Fiber is naturally found in plant-based foods. The skin or peel of fruits and vegetables contains the greatest concentration of fiber. Whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils also supply fiber.

Daily fiber needs vary depending on your age and if you're male or female:

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that provides a small amount of energy for the body. While it isn't digested like other carbohydrates, fiber is important because it adds bulk to your diet and slows the speed at which food moves through the digestive system. This can help you maintain a healthy weight. Fiber also aids in digestion and helps ward off constipation. It may also help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, and it may reduce blood sugar levels after meals, which is helpful in managing diabetes.

Fiber is naturally found in plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds.

Fiber adds bulk to your diet and slows down the digestive process. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, avoid constipation and control blood sugar levels. Dietary fiber may also reduce cholesterol levels, which can help prevent heart disease.

There are two types of fiber: insoluble fiber and soluble fiber.

Insoluble fiber helps food move through the digestive system and adds bulk to stools. This can help with constipation. Whole grains, nuts, beans and vegetables, such as cauliflower, potatoes and green beans, are considered good sources of insoluble fiber.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance. It helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Oats, barley, beans, carrots, peas, apples and citrus fruits supply soluble fiber.

Women ages 50 years and younger should aim for 25 grams of fiber each day, and women 51 years and older should consume 21 grams per day. Men 50 years and younger need 38 grams of fiber each day, while men 51 years and older should strive for 30 grams per day. When adding fiber to your diet, be sure to do it gradually. Increasing your fiber intake too quickly can result in gas, cramping and bloating.

Heartburn is a painful, burning feeling in your chest. The pain tends to occur just after eating, when lying down or bending over, or in the evening. Occasional heartburn normally isn't serious. But heartburn that occurs often, more than twice per week, may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Note that you can have GERD without having heartburn.

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach).

Heartburn feels like a burning, painful sensation in the chest that usually comes on after eating, when lying down or bending over, or at night. Heartburn can also cause a bitter or acidic taste in the mouth.

Making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding foods that trigger heartburn, not wearing tight-fitting clothing, not lying down after meals, not eating too late and elevating the head of your bed, can help heartburn. Taking over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medications, such as antacids, H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors, can also help ease symptoms. Some people may need prescription medications or surgery.

Heartburn can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Certain foods and drinks can trigger heartburn in some people. These can include spicy, fatty or fried foods, onions, citrus fruits, tomato products, peppermint, chocolate, alcohol and caffeinated or carbonated drinks. Heartburn may also be worse after consuming large meals.

Heartburn is a common pregnancy complaint. Early in pregnancy, higher levels of the hormone progesterone cause the valve between the stomach and esophagus to relax, leading to heartburn. In the third trimester, heartburn is especially common because the expanding uterus puts pressure on the stomach and intestines, causing stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. If you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test or see your health care provider.

Milk can buffer stomach acid for a short time, but fat and other nutrients in milk may actually cause the stomach to produce more acid, making heartburn worse. If you choose to drink milk, have no more than eight ounces of fat-free milk at a time in between meals. Filling up the stomach too much can aggravate heartburn.

Constipation is defined as having three or fewer bowel movements per week. It often occurs when stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract and cannot be eliminated easily. This can cause stool to become hard and dry. Occasional constipation can be normal, but chronic constipation can interfere with daily life and activities.

Constipation can occur for many reasons. It may happen if you don't consume enough fiber, drink enough water or get enough exercise. Constipation is also a side effect of many medications and supplements, and it’s more likely to occur with older age, during pregnancy or when traveling. Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, switching medications or changing when or how much you eat can also lead to constipation. Constipation is also linked with certain medical issues, including:

• Celiac disease
• Parkinson’s disease and other illnesses or injuries that affect the brain and spine
• Diabetes and other metabolic diseases
• Hypothyroidism and other conditions that affect hormones
• Inflammation due to diverticular disease or proctitis
• Obstructions in the intestine
• Problems with the digestive tract

Eating enough fiber, drinking plenty of water, getting regular exercise and using the bathroom as soon as you feel like you need to have a bowel movement can help with constipation. Over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives and prescription medications can also treat constipation. In some cases, your health care provider may recommend biofeedback therapy or surgery for chronic constipation.

Not eating enough fiber can cause you to become constipated. Fatty meats, dairy products, eggs, rich desserts and other high-sugar foods are linked with constipation.

Symptoms of constipation include passing fewer than three stools each week, straining to pass stool, having hard or lumpy stool, or feeling like there's a blockage in your rectum or like you cannot empty your rectum completely. Constipation can also cause abdominal pain and discomfort.

Yes, constipation affects about half of all pregnant women. Hormonal changes, pressure from the expanding uterus, a low fiber diet, not getting enough exercise and anxiety can cause constipation during pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test or see your health care provider.

Constipation pain may be felt in the abdomen.

Eating enough fiber can help prevent and ease constipation. Foods with fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils.

Defining constipation in babies depends on how they're fed, formula-fed or breastfed, and possibly their age. Formula-fed infants usually have a bowel movement each day but can go one or two days between bowel movements. For breastfed babies less than one month old, having fewer than one bowel movement per day may mean your baby isn't getting enough to eat. Older breastfed babies may go several days or even a week without having a bowel movement. If you're concerned that your baby is constipated, talk to their pediatrician.

Chronic constipation has many causes. You may be constipated if you don't consume enough fiber, drink enough water or get enough exercise. Constipation is more likely to occur with older age, during pregnancy or when traveling. It's also a side effect of certain medications or supplements, and switching medications can also bring on constipation. Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement or making changes to your diet can also lead to constipation. Certain health conditions can also cause you to feel constipated. These can include:

• Celiac disease
• Parkinson's disease and other illnesses or injuries that affect the brain and spine
• Diabetes and other metabolic diseases
• Hypothyroidism and other conditions that affect hormones
• Inflammation due to diverticular disease or proctitis
• Obstructions in the intestine
• Problems with the digestive tract

If you have constipation during pregnancy, eating enough fiber, getting regular exercise (if your health care provider says it's OK) and drinking plenty of water can help ease your discomfort. Over-the-counter products (OTC), such as Metamucil, may also bring you relief. Talk to your health care provider before using any OTC medication during pregnancy.

Giving your child foods with fiber, encouraging them to drink enough water, and reminding them to use the bathroom often and take time to have a bowel movement can ease constipation in toddlers. Your child's health care provider may also suggest fiber supplements and stool softeners, laxatives or enemas. Do not give your toddler an OTC product to help constipation without speaking to their health care provider first.

Yes, long-term constipation can lead to fecal impaction, which can cause vomiting and pain. Fecal impaction may require emergency treatment.

No, prednisone does not appear to cause constipation. If you're taking prednisone and have constipation, talk to your health care provider.

Yes, dairy products, including cheese, can cause constipation.

Antibiotics tend to be linked with diarrhea more often than constipation. If you're taking antibiotics and have constipation, talk to your health care provider.

Yes, constipation can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in children. If stool fills up the rectum or colon and places pressure on or obstructs the bladder, then the child cannot empty their bladder completely, leaving a place for bacteria to thrive. UTIs occur when bacteria get into the urinary tract and multiply in the bladder.

Yes, opioids or narcotic medications, including tramadol, can cause constipation.

Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, barley and rye. It acts as binding agent or thickener to help food stick together and maintain its shape.

Glutenin and gliadin are the two main proteins that make up gluten.

Gluten is a group of naturally occurring proteins found in wheat, barley and rye.

Gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a glue that holds food together.

Gluten-free means a product does not contain gluten.

Gluten is found in products that contain wheat, barley and rye. It's in foods that are made from these grains, including bread, bagels, crackers, pizza and pasta. It's also hidden in many other kinds of foods, such as processed meats, vegetables in sauces, bouillon cubes, beer and much more. Gluten can also hide in non-food items, such as medications, vitamins, toothpastes and skin and hair care products. Note that gluten-free versions of these products are often available. It is the presence of gluten that people react to, not the amount.

If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can make you sick, meaning it's bad for you. For people without celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten is not harmful.

Naturally gluten-free foods include fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, nuts, beans, lentils, dairy products, eggs, corn and grains like quinoa, millet, rice, buckwheat, amaranth and more. Many packaged foods contain gluten, so if you're following a gluten-free diet, be sure to read ingredient labels very closely.

People with celiac disease have an abnormal immune system response when they consume gluten, or the proteins found in wheat, barley and rye. The reaction causes damage to the small intestine.

The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. When someone with the condition consumes gluten, their body sets off an immune response that attacks their small intestine. This harms the villi (finger-like structures in the small intestine), which prevents the body from absorbing vitamins and nutrients from foods. This immune response also sets off symptoms, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating, constipation and other gastrointestinal discomforts.

Yes, while the cause of celiac disease is unknown, it's believed to have a genetic component. You have about a 10% chance of developing celiac disease if you have a first-degree relative, such as a parent, sibling or child, with the condition.

No, at this time, there is no cure for celiac disease.

Yes, celiac disease is an autoimmune disease.