Celiac Disease
An autoimmune illness that runs in families
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in response to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
The immune reaction of individuals with Celiac Disease to gluten in the diet sets off a chain of inflammation that can affect their:
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Digestive Tract
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Skin
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Nervous System (Cerebellum)
Who is at risk of getting Celiac?
Celiac Disease runs in families, as do other autoimmune illnesses. If you have a 1st-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) who has Celiac, your chance of developing it is 1 in 10.
Celiac Disease can start at any age in response to a diet that is not gluten-free. Undiagnosed Celiac Disease can lead to multiple health problems for both children and adults.
What are the symptoms of Celiac Disease?
The most common symptoms of Celiac include:
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Digestive symptoms: bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or constipation.
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Weight loss
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Malnutrition
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Chronic fatigue
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Anxiety or depression
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Itchy skin rash
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Neurological symptoms
How can I find out if I have Celiac Disease?
A functional medicine consultation will examine your health history and family history for signs and symptoms that point to Celiac Disease.
Blood testing by a functional medicine doctor to detect the presence of antibodies to the enzymes that break down gluten is often the first step toward diagnosing Celiac Disease.
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In some cases, additional testing may be necessary.
References
Al-Toma A, Volta U, Auricchio R, et al. European Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease (ESsCD) guideline for coeliac disease and other gluten-related disorders. United European Gastroenterol Journal. 2019;7(5):583-613.
Celiac.org
https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/gut-rates-celiac-disease-continue-rise-worldwide/