Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine caused by intolerance of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye). Upon exposure to gluten, antibodies attack the villi in the small intestine, affecting nutrient absorption. Over time, a reduced ability to absorb nutrients can cause you to be malnourished and fatigued, and can lead to depression and even more serious consequences such as osteoporosis. Signs and symptoms vary greatly and may include pale, loose and greasy stool, plus fatigue, abdominal cramps and bloating, anemia, chronic diarrhea or constipation, joint pain, skin rashes, mouth sores, nerve damage, poor growth (in children), and dermatitis herpetiformis (an itchy skin disease that affects the elbows, knees and buttocks).
Your doctor will, most likely, recommend a gluten free diet and advise nutritional counselling. This will help give the villi in your small intestine a chance to heal and allow for normal absorption to occur. Experimental treatments such as using enzyme supplements are being attempted, and in severe cases an immune system suppressant may be suggested where a diet change fails.
You might also consider naturopathic medicine to get your system balanced, and acupuncture and TCM can help speed the healing of your small intestine, reduce stress, improve your energy levels, and reduce symptoms such as bloating and gas. Yoga as well as massage therapy can help reduce your stress and help you sleep, both important qualities in healing from celiac disease.
Contact us for a FREE consultation on how natural therapy can help you improve your health and manage the symptoms of celiac disease.
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