Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten will lead to damaging the small intestine. People most prone to Celiac disease are those who are genetically predisposed.
Many doctors aren’t aware nor have the experience to diagnose Celiac through proper testing. I’ve learned that this diagnosis is often missed in individuals with intestinal issues, fatigue, anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, and other symptoms.
Appropriate blood tests, drawn in my office, can diagnose this problem. Initial assessment of iron, B-vitamin, Vitamin D levels, and bone density are required for example. There is even genetic testing (cheek swab) for individuals at risk due to family history or who are on a gluten free diet and want to know if they have Celiac. Sometimes additional testing or endoscopy (examination by a GI Specialist with a tube inserted into the small intestine) is necessary.
For people who don’t have true Celiac, but have other food sensitivities, appropriate testing sent to Immunolabs and vitamin deficiency testing sent to Spectracell can be helpful in returning an individual to ideal health.
Once diagnosed with Celiac a patient must have continious follow up in order to avoid the potential consequences. Celiac Disease and related conditions mean a dramatic change in diet must take place.
I am able to successfully guide a person through the eating and lifestyle changes that are required in order to cope with the Celiac Disease.
Individuals with Celiac must avoid eating gluten which is a protein primarily found in wheat, barley, and rye. Bread, pasta, and cereals must be switched to gluten free products, and many salad dressings, soy sauce, and other food items have gluten.
About nine years ago I learned that I needed to be on a gluten free diet.