A Functional Medicine Approach to Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects 1% of Americans. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, their immune system attacks the small intestine, damaging the villi lining and flattening them out. This prevents the small intestine from properly absorbing nutrients.
Common Symptoms:
Our functional medicine doctors use specialized testing to uncover the root causes and contributing factors of celiac disease for each individual patient. By utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and comprehensive assessments, we can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying factors that may be contributing to your condition. These may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Anemia
If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, malnutrition, and even long-term complications such as osteoporosis, infertility, and other health issues. This underscores the importance of seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider.
What Causes Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition, meaning that a person's genetics can make them more susceptible to developing the disorder. However, having a genetic predisposition does not guarantee that an individual will develop celiac disease.
Potential Triggers
Gluten exposure
Consuming gluten triggers an immune response in those with celiac disease, leading to damage in the small intestine.
Intestinal traumas
Surgery, infections, or repetitive damage from NSAID pain relievers can compromise gut lining integrity, allowing gluten peptides to cross the epithelium and activate an immune response.
Viral infections
Certain viral infections may trigger the autoimmune response in genetically susceptible individuals.
Toxins
Exposure to environmental toxins, including heavy metals, mold, pesticides, and chemicals, can burden immune system function and contribute to the development of autoimmunity.
Gut microbiome imbalances
Consuming gluten triggers an immune response in those with celiac disease, leading to damage in the small intestine.
Emotional and mental patterns
Consistent negative thinking and unresolved traumas can keep the body in a state of stress, aggravating autoimmune conditions like celiac disease.
A Holistic Approach to Managing Celiac Disease
At Internal Healing & Wellness MD, we take a functional medicine approach to celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. This means we go beyond merely eliminating gluten from the diet and focus on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of the autoimmune response.
While the mainstream treatment for celiac disease is adhering to a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, this fails to address the root causes of why the immune system is attacking itself in response to gluten. It simply manages symptoms rather than treating the underlying issues.
Root Cause Investigation
Our functional medicine doctors use specialized testing to uncover the root causes and contributing factors of celiac disease for each individual patient. By utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and comprehensive assessments, we can gain a deeper understanding of the underlying factors that may be contributing to your condition. These may include:
- Food sensitivity testing
- Intestinal permeability assessments
- Micronutrient testing
- Gut microbiome analysis
- Genetics
- Comprehensive stool analysis
By obtaining objective data on a patient's unique imbalances and deficiencies, we can develop targeted treatment plans that address the specific needs of each individual. This data-driven approach allows us to create customized protocols that go beyond symptom management and focus on promoting long-term healing and wellness.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Based on the results of the specialized testing, our practitioners create customized protocols that go beyond just a gluten-free diet to:
- Heal leaky gut
- Remove triggers
- Calm the autoimmune response
- Reduce inflammation
- Rebalance the microbiome
- Support nutrition
Key components of these personalized plans may include an elimination diet, targeted supplementation, probiotics and prebiotics, stress-relieving therapies, dietary therapies like bone broth and collagen, and follow-up testing to monitor progress.
By taking this comprehensive approach, we aim to provide our patients with the tools they need to achieve lasting wellness, not just symptom management. Our goal is to give patients their health back using the power of natural medicine and functional medicine principles.
Finding Relief from Celiac Disease: Your Journey Starts Here
At Internal Healing & Wellness MD, we understand the challenges of living with celiac disease and the frustration of seeking lasting solutions. Managing a strict gluten-free diet can be difficult and socially limiting, and it often fails to address the underlying causes of the condition.
We recognize that each patient's journey with celiac disease is unique, and that's why we take a personalized approach to care. Our functional medicine doctors are committed to working collaboratively with you to uncover the root causes of your condition and develop a sustainable treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
The Power of Partnership
Our functional medicine approach emphasizes the importance of the patient-practitioner partnership. We take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your medical history, and assess your unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. By working together, we can create a comprehensive plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
We believe that with the right approach, it is possible to improve symptoms, heal the gut, and restore overall well-being. Our functional medicine protocols have helped countless patients achieve lasting relief from celiac disease and reclaim their health.
Whether you are newly diagnosed with celiac disease or have been struggling with the condition for years, we are here to support you every step of the way. With our personalized approach, advanced testing, and evidence-based protocols, we can help you navigate the path to healing and achieve the vibrant health you deserve.
Take the First Step Toward Healing with Internal Healing and Wellness
If you're ready to take control of your health and find lasting relief from celiac disease, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our functional medicine doctors at Internal Healing & Wellness MD.
Don't wait another day to start your journey toward better health. Contact us now to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward finding lasting relief from celiac disease
Contact Us
Start Your Holistic Wellness Journey Today
In search of a functional medicine doctor in The Woodlands? Dr. Khan and his experienced team are at your service, ready to help you make life-changing strides toward your health and wellness goals.
Contact Info
Our Location
255 Ed English Dr
Suite A
Shenandoah, TX 77385
Our Schedule
9AM-5PM Monday - Friday
Get In Touch
For functional medicine inquiries, contact our experienced functional medicine doctors. We take a holistic approach to improving health and well-being.