Celiac Awareness in 2023

Celiac disease is a chronic immune disorder triggered by ingesting gluten. While there is no cure, there are several ways to manage celiac disease. Here are the top symptoms of celiac disease and the best ways to treat this mysterious disorder.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease

An estimated 3 million Americans have celiac disease, with an estimated 97% of cases being undiagnosed. While the exact cause of celiac disease is not known, symptoms can be seen in the digestive system or other parts of the body:

Note: Some sufferers of celiac disease exhibit no symptoms.

Effects of Celiac Disease on the Body

Celiac disease could hinder the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. This could increase the risk of the following health issues:

ADHD. Adult Attention Deficit Disorder is a common mental health condition affecting children and adults. Common symptoms include hyperactivity, short attention span, and socio-economic dysfunction.

While ongoing, some studies have shown a correlation between celiac disease and ADHD in children. Researchers note untreated patients with celiac disease and neurological symptoms such as inattention, chronic fatigue, headache, and pain could be predisposed to ADHD behavior. They also hypothesize that a gluten-free diet could alleviate many of these symptoms. [1]

Delayed puberty. Celiac disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood and has been linked to a delay in the onset of puberty in both boys and girls. Studies indicate celiac disease has other negative effects:

In girls, CD hurt pregnancy, causing a lower birth rate and shorter duration of pregnancy. In boys, celiac disease was linked to a lower level of testosterone and an increased risk of androgen resistance. This condition affects the development of the genitals and reproductive organs. [2]

Tooth enamel. Celiac disease has been shown to affect tooth enamel: A study on children between 2 and 18 years old notes a potential link between celiac disease and dental enamel defects (dental caries, aphthous-like ulcers (ALU), atrophic glossitis, geographic tongue, median rhomboid glossitis). [3]

Vitamin Deficiency. The inability to absorb nutrients can increase the risk of many vitamin deficiencies, including calcium and vitamin D. Osteoporosis is a condition frequently associated with celiac disease. This could increase the risk of bone fractures and an increased morbidity and mortality rate. [4]

Treating Celiac Disease

There is no cure for celiac disease. Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is a life-long, strict, gluten-free diet. This is believed to help improve quality of life, ameliorate symptoms, and prevent refractory celiac disease. [5]

Best and Worst Foods For Celiac Disease

Eating a strict, gluten-free diet is key to decreasing symptoms of celiac disease. The following foods are considered the best (and worst) for treating the disease.

Exercise and Celiac Disease

Celiac disease can take a toll on a person both mentally and physically over time. In addition, many who suffer from the disease tend to have less energy or desire to exercise. While exercise can’t cure celiac disease, there are several potential benefits to working out:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Improve bone health
• Decreased feelings of depression
• Blood circulation improved
• Better sleep
• Increased strength

Note: to determine which exercises are appropriate, those with celiac disease should consult a physician before starting an exercise program.

Supplements for Celiac Disease

Supplements are key for those suffering from celiac disease. To help the body obtain the nutrients it needs, gluten free supplements are often consumed. Here are the top supplements for those suffering from celiac disease. 

Systemic Formulas #617 - Extracellular Ketones 280g

Extracellular Ketones is a dietary supplement that helps support metabolic activities of the muscles and the brain. This product provides the body with ketones which are easily processed in the body into free β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) and nutrients essential to cellular function, such as sodium salts, magnesium, and elemental calcium.

Magnesium plays a key role in the proper growth and maintenance of bones. It is also vital for many other parts of the body, including nerves, muscles, and neutralizing stomach acid, which may help those suffering from celiac disease.

Systemic Formulas #619 - Ketabo-Shake

Ketabo-Shake is popular among those with celiac disease because it is rich in nutrients, while adhering to the strict diet that must be followed. This product contains the following:

• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Calcium
• B-vitamins
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Selenium
• Copper
• Biotin

In addition, it provides the body with energy for the brain and energy derived from cellular fat-burning.

Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate Chocolate Flavored 10oz

Collagen is essential for gut health in several ways:

• Helps heal stomach ulcers
• Regulates stomach acid secretion 
• Reduces gut inflammation
• Aids in digestion

Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate is a collagen-rich supplement that helps to maintain gut health. This all-natural product is also rich in amino acids, which have been shown to have a positive effect on gut integrity, growth, and health in animals and humans. [6]

In addition to delicious chocolate, it is available in a tasty vanilla flavor.

Each of these supplements are gluten-free, contain no artificial colors or ingredients, and are keto-friendly, making them ideal for those suffering from celiac disease.

Summary

Celiac disease is a mysterious autoimmune disorder that has no known cure. Fortunately, it can be maintained by eating a gluten-free diet. Celiac disease can increase the risk of malabsorption, so  care must be taken to provide the body with what it needs to function efficiently. Are you suffering from celiac disease? If so, share your experiences below. Consult with your doctor then give the tips listed here a try. Your body might thank you.

References

[1] Sonia Gaur. The Association between ADHD and Celiac Disease in Children.  Children (Basel). 2022 May 25;9(6):781. doi: 10.3390/children9060781. PMID: 35740718. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35740718/

[2] Gianni Bona, Daniela Marinello, Giuseppina Oderda. Mechanisms of abnormal puberty in coeliac disease.  Horm Res. 2002;57 Suppl 2:63-5. doi: 10.1159/000058103.  [PMID: 12065930]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12065930/

[3] Michail Zoumpoulakis, Maria Fotoulaki, Vasiliki Topitsoglou, (et al). Prevalence of Dental Enamel Defects, Aphthous-Like Ulcers and Other Oral Manifestations in Celiac Children and Adolescents: A Comparative Study.  J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2019;43(4):274-280. doi: 10.17796/1053-4625-43.4.9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31283894/

[4] Lisa Lungaro, Francesca Manza, Anna Costanzini, (et al). Osteoporosis and Celiac Disease: Updates and Hidden Pitfalls.  Nutrients. 2023 Mar; 15(5): 1089. Published online 2023 Feb 22. doi: 10.3390/nu15051089. [PMID: 36904090]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10005679/

[5] Giacomo Caio, Umberto Volta, Anna Sapone, (et al). Celiac disease: a comprehensive current review | BMC Medicine.  BMC Med 17, 142 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-019-1380-z. https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-019-1380-z#:~:text=Currently%2C%20the%20only%20treatment%20for%20celiac%20disease%20is,jejunoileitis%2C%20and%20small%20intestinal%20adenocarcinoma%20and%20lymphoma.%20Conclusions

[6] W W Wang, S Y Qiao, D F Li. Amino acids and gut function. Amino Acids. 2009 May;37(1):105-10. doi: 10.1007/s00726-008-0152-4. Epub 2008 Aug 1. PMID: 18670730. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18670730/