Celiac disease is a condition of the digestive system, which is initiated by the consumption of the protein gluten. Gluten is found in foods containing wheat, barley or rye such as bread, pasta, cookies and pizza crust. Gluten may be found in oats as well. When a person with celiac disease consumes foods that contain gluten, an immune reaction occurs in the small intestine. This causes damage to the surface of the small intestine and certain nutrients from food are no loner able to be absorbed.

In time, decreased absorption of nutrients (malabsorption) can lead to other illnesses because of vitamin deficiencies that affect the brain, peripheral nervous system, bones, liver and other organs. Celiac disease is not characterized by any specific signs or symptoms. For those who do experience some discomfort, it is usually the result of malabsorption and those symptoms can include:

• Diarrhea
  
  
• Abdominal Pain
  
  
• Bloating
  
  
• Foul-Smelling or Grayish Stools

Any signs or symptoms that may occur can mirror those of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, Crohn's disease, parasite infections, anemia, skin disorders or a nervous condition.

Celiac disease is typically the result of damaged villi in the small intestine. Villi are tiny, hair-like projections that absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from the food you eat. When villi become damaged, the body is unable to digest and absorb nutrients necessary for health and growth. Instead, these nutrients are eliminated with the stool.

The exact cause of celiac disease remains unknown. There is however evidence that supports the fact that the disease is often inherited. If someone in the immediate family of a person has the disease, there is a 10 – 20% that another person may have it as well. This disease doesn't discriminate as it appears to affect both adults and children.

For reasons unknown, the disease often times results after some form of trauma such as an infection, a physical injury, pregnancy, severe stress or surgery.

If treatment is not administered, celiac disease can lead to several complications such as:

• Malnutrition
  
  
• Loss of Calcium and Bone Density
  
  
• Lactose Intolerance
  
  
• Cancer
  
  
• Neurological Complications

The first step in treating Celiac disease naturally includes avoiding anything containing wheat, barley, oats and rye. Since many foods contain "hidden gluten", it is important to thoroughly read all food labels carefully. Instead of wheat products, try substitutes like rice, potatoes, cornmeal and soy. Food should also be chewed thoroughly before swallowing to improve the intake of nutrients. People with celiac disease should have a diet consisting of fresh vegetables, legumes, rice bran, nuts, raisins, figs, sunflower seeds and fresh berries.

Supplementing with the following can also be very beneficial:

Essential Fatty Acids (take as directed on label) - Regulate many bodily functions. Needed for the villi.

Free-form Amino Acid Complex (take as directed on label) - Supplies protein in a form that makes it easily used by the body.

Glutathione (500 mg 3 times daily) - Amino acid that’s necessary for intestinal tract repair.

Liquid Kyolic with B1 and B12 from Wakunaga (take as directed on label) - Enhances the immune system.

High Potency Multiple Vitamin Mineral Complex (take as directed on label) - Contains a host of essential and non-essential nutrients.

Vitamin B Complex Injections (2 cc weekly or as directed from a health care practitioner) - Necessary for proper digestion.

Alfalfa - Supplies the body with Vitamin K, necessary for proper bone formation and blood clotting.

Olive Leaf Extract- Helps control infection.