What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, that affects how your body handles certain gluten containing grains such as wheat, barley, rye and spelt. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of their small intestine. The small intestine is essential for absorbing nutrients from the food that we eat. Once the small intestine is damaged it
can lead to various health issues.
Common Symptoms
The symptoms of celiac disease can vary widely among individuals, which sometimes makes it tricky to diagnose. Some common symptoms include:
1. Digestive Issues: These can range from bloating and diarrhea to constipation and stomach pain.
2. Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak even when you've had enough rest.
3. Skin Problems: Some people may develop a rash called dermatitis herpetiformis, which is itchy and can appear on the elbows, knees, abdomen or buttocks.
4. Weight Loss: Unintended weight loss, even when eating enough calories.
5. Mood Changes: Irritability or feeling anxious or depressed.
6. Nutritional Deficiencies: Since the intestine is not absorbing nutrients properly,
deficiencies in vitamins like B12, D, and minerals such as iron and calcium can occur.
Diagnosing Celiac Disease
If celiac disease is suspected, a simple blood test can be taken to look for specific antibodies that your body produces in response to gluten. If these tests suggest celiac disease, the next step is a biopsy of the small intestine. During this procedure, a small piece of tissue is taken from your intestine to check for damage caused by the disease.
Treatment and Management
The primary treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods that contain wheat, barley, spelt and rye. Many processed foods, sauces, and even some medications can contain hidden gluten, so it's important to read labels carefully and ask questions when dining out. Gluten contamination of household goods may need to be investigated as well.
In addition to dietary changes, supplements may be required to help correct any nutritional deficiencies caused by celiac disease. For some people, symptoms may improve within a few weeks of starting a gluten-free diet, while for others, it may take several months to feel better.
If you are experiencing any symptoms listed above, further investigation to the root cause may be warranted. If you would like to investigate these issues, book an initial appointment with me. Together we can better understand what is causing these issues and develop personalized diet and lifestyle strategies to help you feel your very best.
Warmly,
Dr. Michele Black, ND
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