Autoimmune Conditions
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, causing the immune system to attack the small intestine lining. This leads to villous atrophy, malabsorption of nutrients, and systemic inflammation. Functional medicine goes beyond gluten avoidance to heal the gut, restore nutrient status, and address cross-reactive foods.
Common Symptoms
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Celiac Disease
Chronic diarrhea or constipation
Abdominal pain and bloating
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Anemia (iron deficiency)
Bone pain and osteoporosis
Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
Headaches and brain fog
Depression and anxiety
Infertility and miscarriage
Root Causes
Understanding what drives Celiac Disease
Genetic predisposition (HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8)
Gluten exposure triggering immune response
Intestinal permeability
Gut dysbiosis
Early childhood infections
Stress and trauma
Cross-reactive foods (dairy, corn, oats)
Celiac Diagnosis and Gut Assessment
We confirm celiac disease and assess the extent of intestinal damage and nutrient deficiencies.
Tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG-IgA)
Endomysial antibodies (EMA)
Total IgA levels
Genetic testing (HLA-DQ2/DQ8)
Endoscopy with biopsy (if needed)
Comprehensive nutrient panel (iron, B12, folate, vitamin D, zinc)
Bone density scan
Food sensitivity testing (cross-reactive foods)
Gut microbiome analysis
Gluten-Free Gut Healing Protocol
Our approach eliminates gluten, heals the intestinal lining, and restores nutritional status.
Strict gluten-free diet (eliminate wheat, barley, rye)
Eliminate cross-reactive foods (dairy, corn, oats initially)
Gut healing supplements (L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, DGL)
Digestive enzymes
Probiotics and prebiotics
Nutrient repletion (iron, B12, folate, vitamin D, zinc)
Anti-inflammatory diet
Address SIBO if present
Stress management
Regular monitoring of antibody levels
Expected Outcomes
Resolution of digestive symptoms
Normalization of antibody levels
Healing of intestinal villi
Restoration of nutrient levels
Improved energy and mental clarity
Weight normalization
Reduced risk of complications