Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune problem. For those with celiac disease, gluten, a protein found in grains including wheat, barley, rye and spelt trigger an autoimmune response that can cause damage to the lining of the small intestine.
Over 3 million people in the US are affected by celiac disease according to the Nation Institute of Health (NIH.) This problem typically evades detection. On average, people with celiac disease go undiagnosed for ten years or more.
Why is celiac disease so difficult to diagnosis? Perhaps this is because of the wide range of celiac symptoms.
Primary symptoms include
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Secondary symptoms include
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Depression and anxiety
- Osteoporosis
- Joint pain
- Anemia
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Infertility
- Frequent miscarriages
- Tingling in the hands and feet
Non-celiac gluten intolerance is a specific kind of food intolerance. Patients suffering from gluten intolerance produce excessive IgG antibodies in response to eating wheat, barley or rye. For those who suffer from (NCGS) gluten triggers the immune system.
Symptoms of non-celiac gluten sensitivity include:
- Poor concentration
- Fatigue
- Bloating and abdominal pain
- Headache
How do I know if I have Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease?
Elimination & Provocation Test
This highly reliable test is one that you can do on your own. It requires considerable patience and 100% commitment.
- Elimination means not eating any foods with wheat, barley, rye and spelt. Even trace amounts of gluten in sauces and prepared foods can trigger celiac or gluten sensitivity.
- Keep a log of the foods you eat and your responses to what you have consumed. Do this for a minimum of 30 days, although some abstain for a full year.
- Challenge your body by reintroducing a single gluten food and record it’s impact on your health over a period of several days. If you have no negative affects, try eating that food regularly and monitor your health.
This test helps you learn if you have a problem with gluten, but it does not tell you if you have celiac disease or food intolerance.
Cell Science System Testing
Cell Science Systems (CSS) offers several tests to diagnose problems of the gut.
The Celiac, IBS and Chron’s Array (CICA) are a series of tests to:
- Evaluate genetic risk for celiac disease.
- Check for antibodies for active celiac disease.
- Check for antibodies for active chron’s disease.
- Check gut permeability of antigens that is associated with IBS.
Blood and saliva tests are utilized to make an accurate diagnosis.
The ALCAT test for food intolerance is used to diagnose non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This blood-based test measures your antigen levels in response to wheat, barley, rye and spelt. High levels of antigens indicate gluten intolerance.
Acupuncture, Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease
Frome Physical Therapy offers Cell Science Systems testing for celiac disease, Chron’s disease and food sensitivities. Accurate diagnosis and identification of the underlying food triggers are key to the elimination of digestive distress.
Acupuncture is a wonderful way to deal with the underlying causes of chronic health problems and is well suited for digestive disorders. With acupuncture we help you strengthen you constitution and improve you digestion, elimination and immune system. Additionally, we help you develop management strategies and dietary guidelines to help you restore a healthy gut.
The contents of this article are not meant to be diagnostic or prescriptive. Please consult a physician before undertaking any course of treatment.
Also Read:
Food Allergy Vs Food Sensitivity – Introducing the ALCAT Test