Celiac disease
Creating balance. Restoring function.
Diagnosing Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Functional Medicine
At Balance Functional Medicine, we specialize in providing personalized care for your celiac disease to improve your quality of life. Our approach focuses on uncovering the root causes of your symptoms and offering tailored solutions to restore balance and health.
What is it?
Celiac disease is a disorder that causes the immune system to react improperly to gluten. This reaction can damage the villi, the small finger-like in the intestinal lining (villous atrophy). This process reduces nutrient absorption, increased inflammation and intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Even after stopping gluten, complications can arise. While adopting a gluten-free diet can help alleviate various digestive symptoms, there is no cure for celiac disease, and lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet is essential.​
Symptoms of Celiac disease
Celiac disease causes an immune reaction in the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Over time, this can harm the intestinal lining, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. Symptoms often include, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, and anemia, and if left untreated, can result in serious complications. While there is no definitive cure, adhering a strict gluten-free diet can significantly alleviate symptoms and promote healing of the intestines.
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The symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly from person to person. They also may be different in children and adults. Digestive symptoms for adults include:
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Diarrhea.
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Fatigue.
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Weight loss.
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Bloating and gas.
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Belly pain.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Constipation.
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More than half of adults with celiac disease experience symptoms that extend beyond the digestive system. These can include:
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Anemia, usually from iron deficiency due to decreased iron absorption.
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Loss of bone density, or softening of bones (osteomalacia).
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Itchy, blistery skin rash, called dermatitis herpetiformis.
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Mouth ulcers.
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Headaches and fatigue.
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Numbness and tingling in the feet and hands, possible problems with balance, and cognitive impairment.
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Joint pain.
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Elevated liver enzymes.
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Children
Children with celiac disease are more likely than adults to have digestive problems, including:
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Chronic diarrhea.
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Swollen belly.
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Constipation.
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Gas.
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Pale, foul-smelling stools.
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Not being able to absorb nutrients may cause:
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Failure to thrive for infants.
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Damage to tooth enamel.
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Weight loss.
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Anemia.
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Irritability.
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Short stature.
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Delayed puberty.
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Neurological symptoms, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, headaches, lack of muscle coordination and seizures.
Causes of Celiac disease risk factors
Celiac disease may develop from a combination of genetic predispositions, gluten consumption, and other contributing factors, though the exact cause remains unclear. Factors such as infant feeding practices, gastrointestinal infections, and gut microbiome may play a role, but these have to be definitively proven. The disease can also manifest following surgery pregnancy, childbirth, viral infections, or significant emotional stress.
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When the immune system mistakenly reacts to gluten in food, it damages the small intestine'si—tiny, hairlike structures responsible for nutrient absorption. If the villi are compromised, nutrient absorption is hindered, regardless of food intake.
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Risk Factors
Celiac disease is more prevalent among individuals who have:
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A family history of celiac disease or dermatitis heriformis.
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Type 1 diabetes.
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Down syndrome, Williams syndrome or Turner syndrome.
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Autoimmune thyroid disease.
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Microscopicitis.
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Addison's disease.
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Functional testing for celiac disease
How is celiac disease diagnosed?
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Beyond standard testing, there are various advanced functional medicine that can help pinpoint the underlying causes and triggers of celiac disease, potentially preventing other symptoms from arising. These tests may include:
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- Specific blood markers for celiac disease
- Microbiome and stool
- Assessment of digestive function and nutrient absorption
- Inflammation markers, IBD, SIBO, or leaky gut indicators
- Detection of pathogenic parasites
- Testing for food sensitivities and allergies
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Functional medicine support for Celiac disease
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Balance Functional offers support for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, including those who they may have it. We take a comprehensive look at your overall health and wellbeing, aiding your recovery from the effects of celiac disease. Our support typically:
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Uncover additional hidden immune issues: Individuals with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity often experience higher rates of allergies and other autoimmune disorders, such as lactose intolerance We will order allergy testing to identify any additional foods you may to eliminate from your diet.
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Restoring Digestive Health and Immune Function: We implement a customized gut repair protocol, incorporating soothing herbal remedies and probiotics. A in 2019 study that highlighted specific probiotic strains positively impacted immune cell related to celiac disease. Herbs like glutamine, slippery elm, and aloe vera support gut repair, while echinacea and nettles enhance immune function and nutritional status.
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Treat Nutritional Diciencies: Individuals with celiac disease often experience deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals due to malabsorption, particularly iron, Vitamin B12, calcium, and Vitamin D. We will recommend testing to monitor nutrient levels, as well as advise you on foods to avoid.
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Ongoing Personalized Support: Celiac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, but with appropriate support, individuals can thrive. We understand that autoimmune disorders can flare up due to stress,, or childbirth. Balance Functional Medicine is committed to supporting you and your family throughout your celiac disease journey, ensuring healthy and fulfilling gluten-free life.
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