Maybe you've noticed some label changes on products at the grocery store. But do you know what "gluten-free" means, and who needs these products? 

Have you noticed the "gluten free" label on more and more packaging at the grocery store? Do you know what it is, and who needs these products?

As it turns out, more and more Americans do. Doctors believe about 1 in every 133 people has Celiac disease, and autoimmune disorder of the digestive system.

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It is triggered by the consumption of foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

In Celiac disease, the gluten attacks the lining of the small intestine.

"The most common symptoms for Celiac disease or classic Celiac disease are gastrointestinal in nature. So it includes gas, diarrhea, bloating, weight loss or nutritional deficiencies. Atypical findings for Celiac disease can present in a host of different fashion; anything from headaches, to behavioral problems, seizure disorder, abnormal pigmentation or lines in the teeth," explained Dr. Laurie Mahajan, the Director of Pediatric Gastroenterology at The Cleveland Clinic.

"You can have other thyroid problems or other autoimmune disorders. Osteoporosis or bone thinning. There are a variety of systems in the body affected."

Mia Cipriano was diagnosed two years ago at the age of 5.

"I had a lot of tummy aches," the second grader said. Her mother, Denise said doctors at first labeled Mia a picky eater, in spite of her stomachaches and low weight.

But when Mia began pushing away her favorite foods, Denise knew something else was wrong.

"She wouldn't eat, and then it got to the point where she was actually vomiting," Denise said.

A close family friend happened to have Celiac, so Denise was familiar with the disease and pushed for Mia to see a specialist.

"We took her to a Pediatric G.I. and that was one of my first questions," Denise said.

Mia first underwent a blood test, and then an endoscopy. They received the test results in two weeks, confirming Mia had Celiac disease.

And because it is often hereditary, doctors checked the rest of the family too.

Within weeks, Denise learned she had Celiac too.

The challenge for patients like Mia and Denise is that there is no magic pill to treat the disease. The only treatment is a drastic change to their diet, scrutinizing labels, and often giving up many of the foods they love.

"A gluten-free diet and compliance is very difficult and challenging for families," according to Dr. Mahajan.

Coming from an Italian family, Denise and Mia was accustomed to pastas and other baked goods.

But within a short-time of eliminating wheat, barley and rye from their diets, both were symptom-free.

"As soon as she was off the gluten, she was fine. Those moods went away, crabbiness, irritability and constantly running to the bathroom. It all stopped," Denise said, of her daughter's symptoms.

Hers were different.

 "I figured out that the food was giving me my migraines. The gluten was causing all my migraines, because since I've been diagnosed, my migraines have gone so that's a big change."

Gluten is found in hundreds of products, including but not limited to breads, cookies, pastries, pasta, soups, sauces, processed meats, spices, soy sauce, and malted drinks, like beer.

For many years, people with Celiac disease often had to make their own gluten-free dishes at home, using items such as gluten-free flour.

But in recent years, gluten-free products have been making their way to store shelves.

Stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's carry a wide variety for their shoppers with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Mandi Kelley is a marketing specialist with Whole Foods and says there is a great demand for these products.

"Our customers, they desperately need these products, because they are hard to find. We carry as many products as we can.  And as companies get on the bandwagon and create more products, you'll see more in the stores I think," Mandi said.

Whole Foods even conducts tours for patients following a gluten-free diet.

Products carry bright green tags so they stand out for shoppers. Support groups are a big help, providing recipes and resources for those with Celiac disease.

When both she and Mia were diagnosed, they joined one -- the Greater Cleveland Celiac Association.

The group meets twice a month, and Denise says it's been a huge help.

Thanks to education, their support group, and a wider variety of specialty products, going gluten-free has been relatively pain-free for Denise and Mia.  

The Greater Cleveland Celiac Association provides support and education for those diagnosed with the disease and their families.

Their website is www.clevelandceliac.webs.com.  You can also contact the group's president Cindy Koller-Kass, at glutenfree1@yahoo.com , or by phone: 440-248-6671.