Supplements
Herbs
Conditions
Dosages
Therapies
Glossary

Conditions

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an illness caused by an intolerance to gluten, a substance found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. When a person with this intolerance eats these foods the reaction that results causes damage to the intestinal wall. This in turn leads to the inability to absorb most nutrients and eventually leads to malnutrition.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Nausea
  • Large stools
  • Light-yellow-colored stools
  • Foul-smelling stools that float
  • Depression
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Muscle cramps
  • Joint pain

Diagnosis:

Some people experience no abdominal symptoms but do develop signs of nutritional deficiencies. Such cases are more difficult to diagnose, but once a correct diagnosis is made, the condition can usually be managed successfully.

Advanced blood testing has made diagnosing celiac disease a little easier, however it's quite common for this condition to be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, and anemia. Once diagnosed via a blood test, a biopsy of the intestinal tissue should be done.

Since celiac disease is hereditary in nature, once a person in a family is diagnosed with it, other members of the family should be tested.

Treatment Options:

There is no cure for celiac disease however, maintenance diets and nutritional supplementation makes it possible for most people to lead a fairly normal life.

Traditional Treatments:

  • A gluten-free diet is key to managing celiac disease. Food containing gluten ­ anything made from wheat, rye, barley, or oats ­ must be eliminated or severely restricted. Deviating from the restricted diet at any time can cause a relapse. Following a gluten free diet usually relieves symptoms quickly.
  • If you have become severely malnourished as a result of celiac disease, you may need to receive intravenous nutrition to help rebuild your body. Vitamin and mineral supplements may also be prescribed if you are unable to absorb nutrients from foods.
  • If dietary restriction proves ineffective, prednisone (Deltasone) may be prescribed. This is a steroid that suppresses the body's inflammatory response. However, it also has adverse effects on immune function and the adrenal glands.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

As with conventional treatments, there are no cures to be found in alternative therapies. Instead, complementary and alternative therapies may help a person suffering from celiac disease to lead a normal life.

Nutritional Supplementation:

  • Essential fatty acids are needed to repair the villi in the intestines. Follow label directions.
  • Free-form amino acid complex supplies protein in a form readily available for use by the body. Follow label directions.
  • Glutathione can help repair the intestinal tract. Take 500 mg, 3 times daily.
  • A wheat and yeast free multivitamin and mineral complex is necessary to maintain good health ­ follow label directions.
  • Also, take an additional 15,000 IU of vitamin A.
    Warning    : Do not take more than 10,000 IU of supplement vitamin A if you are pregnant)
  • 10,000 IU of mixed carotenoids and 400 IU of vitamin E daily.
    Warning:     Consult your doctor before taking vitamin E if you are on a blood thinner.
  • Talk with your physician about possible B vitamin injections.
  • Acidophilus and bifidus supplements contribute to a healthy intestinal tract and can help improve digestion and assimilation of nutrients. Follow label directions.
  • Digestive enzymes can be helpful for breaking down complex carbohydrates before they reach the intestines. These are generally made from cow pancreas and need to be concentrated to be effective. Follow label directions.

Alternative Therapies:

  • Aloe vera, taken in small amounts, can help decrease inflammation in the intestines. Take 1 tablespoon twice a day, as needed.
  • Slippery elm is soothing to the digestive tract and can be taken in capsule or tea form.

General Recommendations:

  • Avoid any and all foods that contain gluten.
  • Be sure to chew your foods thoroughly before swallowing.
  • Do not eat sugary products.

Warnings:

  • Many nutritional supplements contain gluten ­ be sure to read the labels carefully and use hypoallergenic, wheat- and yeast-free products.
  • Vitamin E supplements should not be taken by those on blood thinners without doctor's approval.
  • Limit your intake of supplementary vitamin A to 10,000 IU during pregnancy.

Disclaimer:This information is not medical advice or diagnosis, nor is it to be construed as medical advice, medical information, medical diagnosis, or medical prescription for curing, removing, or preventing any disease, or related symptoms. Wellfx.com strongly recommends that you seek the assistance of a physician before using the products sold on this website. The statements made in this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.