Final answer:
Patients with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet, as gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine and leads to various health complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients with celiac disease must avoid foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and some other grains, which causes an autoimmune reaction in people with celiac disease, resulting in damage to the microvilli of the small intestine.
This damage interferes with nutrient absorption, leading to various health issues such as malnutrition, anemia, digestive distress, and more severe symptoms like osteoporosis and an increased risk of certain cancers over time. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet, which helps in healing the intestinal damage and managing symptoms.