Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition caused by the body’s negative reaction to gluten. Millions of people are affected by this disease. It causes damage to the villi (which is located in the small intestine) and inflames the gastrointestinal tract resulting in malnutrition and poor absorption of nutrients by the body. A number of symptoms may develop that usually makes it difficult to diagnose this disease. These symptoms, however, can be addressed with alternative therapies, natural supplements and dietary changes.

There are about 2.8 million people in the United States suffering from celiac disease although a majority of them have not been diagnosed because of the ambiguity of the symptoms. Diagnostic tests for this condition include a biopsy of the small intestine and an antigen blood test.

A lot of sufferers of celiac disease show symptoms of gas, cramping, diarrhea, bloating and other gastrointestinal conditions. There are other sufferers who may show no gastrointestinal symptoms at all, but instead may manifest nerve damage, infertility, anemia, fatigue, and weight loss. Children with Celiac disease may suffer from impeded growth and have a short stature.

Celiac disease has no known cure but the symptoms may be treated by consuming a diet free of any gluten. Besides that, supplements can be taken to repair the body damaged by autoimmune reactions.

Silica – treats inflammation and shields the body from toxins and abrasions

Medicinal clay – protects the body from irritation and facilitates healing.

Multi-vitamins – to replace the minerals and vitamins that have been lost due to the disease. Make sure, however, that the supplements you’re ingesting are free of gluten.

Digestive enzymes – facilitates digestion while the gastrointestinal tract is on the mend. This boosts absorption of nutrients in the body.

Probiotics – to replenish the good bacteria in the gut needed to properly digest food. You need to find a product that is free of gluten.

Echinacea and Goldenseal – helps in strengthening the immune system due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Celiac disease sufferers can also try acupuncture to resolve Celiac disease symptoms such as bloating and stomach pain. It has been proven in studies that acupuncture treatments done on a regular basis can help treat the chronic and acute pain that often comes with the disease. Acupuncture can excellently complement gluten free diets especially if these diets do not result in the prompt improvement of symptoms.

The risk for lymphoma or gastric cancer can increase when people with Celiac disease do not switch to a gluten free diet. Diagnosing and managing this disease the right way is key to preventing the risks and the malnutrition and malabsorption caused by this condition.

Goldfarb Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center
1339 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
Phone: 973-325-8884
www.acupuncturewestorange.com