Celiac Disease

Table of Contents

Other names

Coeliac Disease
Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy
Non-Tropical Sprue
Gluten-Induced Enteropathy

Synopsis

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine lining. Specifically, the immune system attacks the villi, tiny finger-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients from food. Over time, this damage leads to malabsorption of nutrients, resulting in a variety of gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms.

Celiac disease can present at any age and affects people of all backgrounds. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions, and increased risk of certain cancers like intestinal lymphoma.

Types of Celiac Disease:

  • Classical Celiac Disease: Marked by gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, and malabsorption.

  • Non-Classical Celiac Disease: Presents with non-GI symptoms like anemia, fatigue, joint pain, or skin disorders (e.g., dermatitis herpetiformis).

  • Silent (Asymptomatic) Celiac Disease: No noticeable symptoms, but intestinal damage occurs and is typically discovered through screening.

  • Potential Celiac Disease: Positive blood tests for celiac markers without intestinal damage, but at risk for developing the disease.

Common Causes:

  • Genetic predisposition (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes)

  • Ingestion of gluten-containing foods

  • Environmental triggers (infections, gut microbiota imbalances)

  • Family history of autoimmune conditions (e.g., type 1 diabetes, thyroid disorders)

Severity Factors:

  • Symptoms vary widely, from mild discomfort to severe malabsorption and systemic complications.

  • Some individuals may only experience mild bloating, while others suffer from chronic diarrhea, significant weight loss, and nutrient deficiencies.

  • Long-term complications can include osteoporosis, neurological issues (like peripheral neuropathy), and increased cancer risk.

When to See a Doctor:

  • Persistent digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation

  • Unexplained weight loss or growth issues in children

  • Chronic fatigue or anemia that doesn’t respond to iron supplementation

  • Skin rashes resembling dermatitis herpetiformis

  • Family history of celiac disease or other autoimmune conditions

  • Unexplained infertility or recurrent miscarriages

Natural Remedies

Strict gluten-free diet: Eliminate all sources of wheat, barley, rye, and derivatives. This is the primary and only effective treatment.

Monitor cross-contamination: Use separate cooking utensils, toasters, and surfaces to prevent gluten exposure.

Eat naturally gluten-free foods: Include fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, and gluten-free grains like quinoa, rice, millet, and buckwheat.

Supplement nutrient deficiencies: With guidance from a healthcare provider, focus on correcting deficiencies in iron, calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and zinc.

Probiotics: Support gut health and restore intestinal flora balance.

Stress management: Engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation to help manage symptoms triggered by stress.