What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune illness that occurs in response to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.

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The immune system of individuals with Celiac Disease reacts to gluten in the diet, setting off a chain of inflammation that can affect their:

• Digestive Tract

• Skin

• Nervous System (Cerebellum)

Who is at risk of getting Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease runs in families as do other autoimmune illnesses.  If you have a 1st degree relative (parent, sibling, child) who has Celiac Disease, your chance of developing it is 1 in 10.

Celiac Disease can start at any age in response to a diet that contains gluten. Undiagnosed Celiac Disease can lead to multiple health problems for both children and adults. An individual from a that occurs in response to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.

What are the symptoms of Celiac Disease?

The most common symptoms of Celiac Disease include:

• Digestive symptoms: bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation.

• Weight Loss 

• Malnutrition

• Chronic Fatigue

• Anxiety or depression

• Itchy skin rash

• 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.

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Blood testing to detect the presence of antibodies to the enzymes that breakdown gluten is often the first step toward diagnosing Celiac Disease.

• In some cases, additional testing may be necessary.