Could I Have Celiac Disease?

celiac word in letterpress typeCeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that interferes with the body’s ability to digest gluten.   Gluten is a protein in wheat, barley and rye.   It is an abnormal immune reaction to gluten and a disease of malabsorption.  Currently 3 million Americans have been diagnosed with celiac disease.  However, there are estimates that an additional 2.5 million more are affected but have not yet received a diagnosis.

Symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly amongst individuals.  Digestive symptoms are more common in young children and may include chronic diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and bloating and weight loss.  In adults, the following symptoms are more likely:  iron deficiency anemia, fatigue, bone or joint pain, depression, anxiety, dermatitis herpetiformis and canker sores.   Some patients with celiac disease have no symptoms.  Even if no symptoms are present, long-term complications include liver disease, malnutrition and cancers of the intestine.  Treatment for celiac disease involves eliminating all gluten from the diet.  This is a lifetime requirement.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers celiac and food sensitivity testing to her patients.   Offices are maintained in Tampa and Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.


 

Should I Be Gluten Free?

Many individuals feel better when they become gluten free and eliminate wheat from their diet.  Should you become gluten free as well?    A gluten free diet is necessary if you suffer from celiac disease; it is also beneficial if you have a wheat allergy or sensitivity.  However, physicians caution against using the diet for weight loss.  In fact, many gluten free foods actually contain more calories from fat and sugars to enhance taste.

Researchers hypothesize that most individuals who do not have a gluten dependent disorder but choose a gluten free diet feel better because they not only stop eating wheat –  they also avoid fast food, junk food, processed foods and fried foods.  Instead a healthier diet of increased fruits, vegetables and lean meats is consumed.   Additionally, gluten-free products can be expensive; on average costing 200% more than products that contain gluten.  Testing for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity is done with blood work.  For accurate diagnosis, testing must be done while consuming gluten to avoid false negative results.

Dr. Anne Hermann, a holistic internal medicine physician, offers celiac and food sensitivity testing to her patients.  Dr. Hermann is also board certified in nutrition.  Dr. Hermann maintains offices in Tampa and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.  Please contact the office at (813) 902-9559 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

This post was written by Anne Hermann. Follow Anne Hermann on Google, Facebook, Twitter & Linkedin.