Definition:
Celiac disease is usually caused by intolerance to gluten. Gluten is a protein
found in a variety of grains. These are oats, wheat, rye, and barley.
This intolerance to gluten produces severe irritation to the mucosal
lining of the small intestine. Gradually the tissue of the small
intestine is destroyed, causing a variety of symptoms, none pleasant.
It is estimated that 1 in 5,000 people have this condition. In many
cases it is very often misdiagnosed. Physicians will often interpret
the symptoms of celiac disease as being either irritable bowel or
spastic colon. Celiac may affect both children and adults.
Symptoms:
The first signs of this disease are diarrhea, weight loss, and nutritional
deficiencies. Malabsorption usually occurs, along with destruction
of the intestinal mucosa, which leads to the appearance of multiple
food allergies. Other symptoms are nausea, abdominal swelling, large,
and frequently pale and/or light-yellow-colored foul smelling stools,
depression, fatigue, anemia, muscle cramps, joint pain, and persistent
stomach discomfort.
Holistic Treatment Plan:
The first step to recovery is to remove all gluten grains and food
from the diet. The next is to provide healing nutrients for the
small intestine. In long term cases total detoxification of the
body to promote healing and improve the patients feeling of wellness.
Most importantly you MUST remove all forms of gluten from the diet!
References:
Crowe, S., and Perdue, M. AGatrointestinal Food Hypersensitivity Basic Mechanisms
of Pathophsiology@. Gastroeterology, Sept., 1992, Vol. 103, (3);
1075-95
AIntestinal Permeability: Gamma Oryzanol@ Townsend Letter, Jan.
1993
Disclaimer:
All information given here is for educational purposes only. For a proper diagnosis and
treatment plan you must consult your health care practitioner.
