English
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SpanishCeliac disease (also referred to as celiac sprue, non-tropical sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is a serious, genetic autoimmune disorder triggered by consuming a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye.
ABOUT DISEASE
When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, the protein interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food by damaging a part of the small intestine called villi. Damaged villi make it nearly impossible for the body to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, leading to malnourishment and a host of other problems.
One out of every 133 Americans has celiac disease, equivalent to nearly 1% of the U.S. population. Unfortunately, 83% of the 3 million Americans living with celiac disease remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Celiac disease is a genetic disorder, meaning that it passes from parent to child via DNA. In some cases, stressful events such as pregnancy, surgery, infection, or severe emotional distress can trigger the onset of the disease.
SYMPTOMS
+ The most common but not all include: (300+ symptoms)
+ Nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, Anemia, Anxiety, infertility, Irritability, Itchy skin rash, bloating/gas, constipation, delayed growth in children, depression, diarrhea, discolored teeth, fatigue/tiredness, headaches/migraines
+ Joint pain, liver disease, pale mouth sores, poor weight gain, thin bones, tingling/numbness, and inability to absorb nutrients/vitamins.
YOUR POINT OF CONTACT
Ashley Wallis
ABOUTÂ | I’m Ashley Wallis, an Army wife of 6 years and mom of three girls. My oldest, Lillie Grace was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at the age of 2, and it has been my goal in life to educate and help people so no one begins this diagnosis alone. My beautiful life is what I like to call a hot mess with a big scoop of structure & organization. I’m an advocate for CD, Endometriosis, & Hyperemesis.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES | Mom to a Celiac Disease daughter
SPECIALISTS
+ Gastroenterologist
+ Allergist
+ Immunologist
BLOOD TESTS
+ Total IgA
+ IgA-tTG
+ IgA-EMA, if IgA is deficient, it is recommended that IgG/IgA-DGP also be ordered. At the discretion of your doctor, IgG-AGA can also be ordered
MEDICATIONS
Depending if you are deficient from any nutrients/vitamins(iron, ferritin, calcium,magnesium, zinc, vitamin A,B,E,D,K,L-glutamine, pro & prebiotic, and curcumin) you may need supplements to help your gut heal and get back on track.
METHODS OF HEALING
When Celiac Disease goes undiagnosed and without knowing you continue to damage the villi in your gut, a gluten free diet will not fix all of your symptoms. You gut is at a state of neglect & is not absorbing nutrients. Your goal is to heal your gut completely which may take some time depending on how damaged it is.
Of course, a gluten free nutrient is needed, but some other things to help you on your way to healing would include:
+Pre & Probiotic- just a probiotic alone may not be enough to help your body absorb nutrients due to the damage. Prebiotics are compounds in food that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The most common example is in the gastrointestinal tract, where prebiotics can alter the composition of organisms in the gut microbiome.
+Essential oils- can help with a leaky gut and stomach discomfort, (Ginger, Fennel, Coriander) or help aid in digestion,(Peppermint, Tarragon, Anise, Digize, and Caraway -Tummyize for children). They can also help aid in motion sickness, nausea, indigestion, heartburn, and many others digestive issues.
Look into an anti-inflammatory diet. It can cut down the inflammation also in the gut.
AUTOIMMUNE RESOURCES
Here are some great websites, authors, podcasts and other resources to help you navigate your Autoimmune Disease.
AUTOIMMUNE STORIES
These are the women that have shared their autoimmune journey with us. Please take a moment to read some of their brave, honest and revealing stories about their diagnosis, successes, hardships and their lives.
