What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of the protein gluten. Gluten causes chronic inflammation and damage to the intestinal cells lining the small intestine. The inflammation and damage to the intestinal cells prohibit nutrient and vitamin absorption leading to malabsorption. People with celiac disease may have symptoms that are not related to digestion and there is a large percentage of people who do not have any symptoms but upon testing are found positive for celiac disease. Check out our previous post on celiac disease for more interesting facts!

Here is a list of the Top 5 things you did not know about celiac disease:

1. A 100% gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease, meaning there are no drugs needed for the treatment of celiac disease. Other treatments may involve therapies to repair intestinal damage and replenish any nutrient deficiencies.
2. Celiac disease can lead to infertility. Couples having a hard time conceiving, may consider getting tested for celiac disease as it may be contributing to fertility issues.
3. An estimated 1 in 133 Americans or about 1% of the population, has celiac disease.
4. There is a strong correlation of people diagnosed with IBS, also found to have celiac disease (Verdu, 2009).
5. There are over 300 Celiac Symptoms known symptoms of celiac disease, including non-digestive related symptoms. Digestive symptoms are more common in children and infants.

Dr. Heintze states that “Celiac disease is more than just going gluten-free.” This is so true. Not only is it a change to do what she calls “the gluten-free switch” but successfully implementing new lifestyle habits is key as well as repair of any absorption issues.

If you think you may have celiac disease or a family member has celiac disease and you would like to get proper testing, please give Dr. Heintze a call today, (425) 686-4498.

Dr. Heintze at Starting Point Acupuncture and Wellness specializes in digestive health and has helped many people with “unexplained” digestive health issues find the root cause of what is going on. She has had advanced training in celiac disease and food allergy diagnosis. As a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Heintze is able to do a full health intake and exam as well as order any blood tests, celiac testing, or food allergy testing, if indicated. To schedule a consultation please call (425) 686-4498.

Source:

www.celiaccentral.org

www.celiac.org

Verdu EF., et al. Between celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome: The “No Man’s Land” of gluten sensitivity. Am J Gastroenterol (2009) June: 104 (6): 1587-1594.