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Celiac Disease, celiac sprue or gluten
sensitive enteropathy is an autoimmune disorder of the small
intestines. In our bodies, the small intestine is responsible
for the absorption of the foods we eat. When someone with Celiac
Disease ingests foods that contain gluten, the body produces
antibodies that attack the small intestines and in particularly
the villi.
The villi are tiny hair-like projections
that line the small intestine that allow nutrients to be absorbed
into the blood stream. Without healthy villi, the body is unable
to absorb the proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals
we need, regardless of how much we eat or how high the quality
foods we eat are. Without our ability to absorb nutrients, over
time, it can lead to malnutrition and/or secondary health concerns.
The cause of celiac disease is unknown
but it is thought to have a genetic association. It can appear
at any time in a person's life, but has been known to be triggered
for the first time after pregnancy, childbirth, surgery or severe
emotional stress. Because of it's potential genetic association,
it is strongly suggested that family members of individuals diagnosed
with celiac disease take a simple antibody test to rule it out,
even if they have no symptoms.
Recognizing celiac disease can be difficult
because many of the symptoms are similar to other diseases and
disorders. Because of this, it is commonly misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed.
Some common symptoms of celiac disease can include abdominal
cramping, intestinal gas, bloating, chronic diarrhea or constipation,
fatty stools, anemia, weight loss or weight gain.
Because of its interference with our body's
ability to absorb nutrition, conditions associated with nutritional
deficiencies such as anemia, osteoporosis, or vitamin K deficiency
can occur. Other more varied symptoms can include dental enamel
defects, bone or joint pain, fatigue, weakness, infertility -
both male and female, depression, irritability, behavioral changes,
muscle cramps, seizures or digestive disorders.
Although there is no cure for celiac disease
there are a number of natural and alternative health remedies
you can incorporate into your life to help restore health and
eliminate further damage to the intestinal tract.
Recommendations For
Wellness
Adhere to a gluten-free diet. Avoid foods
that contain grains, including wheat, spelt, kamut, einkorn,
faro, rye, barley and triticale. Make it a habit to read all
food labels and learn to identify ingredients that may contain
hidden gluten. When adhering to a gluten-free diet, most people
begin to experience improvements in their symptoms within a few
weeks.
Avoid milk and milk products until your
symptoms have started to clear. Individuals with celiac disease
often find themselves lactose intolerant as well. Over time,
dairy products can slowly be reintroduced into the diet.
Have your bone density checked. It is very
common for individuals with celiac disease to experience bone
loss and osteoporosis.
Take a high quality vitamin and mineral
supplement to help restore any nutritional deficiencies that
may be present. Be careful to ensure that the supplements you
are taking don't contain hidden gluten. Many companies, for example,
use wheat starch as a binding agent in tablets and capsules.
Supplementing with colostrum and other
probiotics can help to heal the lining of the intestinal tract.
Add a digestive enzyme to your health routine.
Studies have shown that people with celiac disease often do not
produce sufficient amounts of pancreatic enzymes.
Fish oils, such as those found in omega
3 oil has been shown to help reduce inflammation of the intestinal
lining.
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer
2009. All rights reserved.
Dr. Rita Louise, Ph D is a Naturopathic
Physician, founder of the Institute Of Applied Energetics and
the host of Just Energy Radio. Author of the books "Avoiding
the Cosmic 2x4" and "The Power Within", it is
her unique gift as a medical intuitive and professional clairvoyant
that enlivens her work. Let Dr. Rita assist you bringing
health, healing and wholeness back into your life. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com
or listen live online to Dr. Rita on http://www.JustEnergyRadio.com
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