A Naturopathic Approach to Celiac

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated response to gluten found within the diet that triggers an autoimmune inflammatory condition. After consuming gluten (a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye), the body becomes the target of a heightened immune response. This heightened immune response causes damage to the mucosal lining of the small intestine. This ultimately leads to malabsorption of nutrients and a myriad of other gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms. The most common symptoms experienced by someone with celiac disease include abdominal bloating and pain, diarrhea, and constipation. Additional systemic symptoms may include fatigue, brain fog, joint pains, changes in skin, and weight loss. Additional nutrient deficiencies are also common. This is due to malabsorption, and levels of Vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, and iron may be lower than optimal. 

Who Can Celiac Affect?

Experts estimate that celiac disease affects approximately 1% of the population, and of that, women are more commonly diagnosed. Celiac is more prevalent in those with additional autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes. Certain genetic haplotypes are associated with a hereditary component. This means that those with a family history of celiac disease or other autoimmune diseases are at higher risk of developing celiac disease.

 

Treatment Options

The primary treatment option for celiac disease is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. This is to reduce the risk of exposure to gluten and, consequently, minimize the risk of immune system over-activation. While adopting a gluten-free diet may be challenging, it has become increasingly accessible with the development of new gluten-free products. It is essential to select foods labeled with a gluten-free certification to ensure optimal food safety and verify that the product was not packaged in a facility where cross-contamination could occur. Learning more about which foods contain gluten and familiarizing oneself with nutrition labels is essential to reducing the risk of exposure to gluten. Common gluten-containing grains to avoid include: wheat, barley, rye, malt, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, couscous, spelt, and semolina. 

 

Naturopathic Support

While adhering to a strict gluten-free diet is essential for optimal health, there are many additional supportive options that can be provided to help support someone living with celiac disease. During an initial consultation with your naturopathic doctor, you will discuss your diet, sleep patterns, and stress levels, as well as your medical history, current symptoms, and a thorough examination of your digestive system’s current state.