Celiac Disease

Conveniently located to serve Denver Metro, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs.

Functional Medicine’s Approach to Celiac Disease

Introduction

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine and causes digestive issues in response to gluten consumption. At Spire Health Pathways, our functional medicine practitioners are committed to helping individuals with celiac disease by offering personalized, holistic treatment plans. This webpage aims to educate you about celiac disease, its impact on those affected, and our unique approach to managing the condition.

Understanding Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals. When people with celiac disease consume gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye), their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine, leading to a range of symptoms and complications.

Causes and Risk Factors

Celiac disease is primarily caused by a genetic predisposition, with the presence of certain genes (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8) increasing the risk of developing the condition. Other factors that may contribute to the development of celiac disease include:

  • Family history of celiac disease or other autoimmune disorders
  • Exposure to gluten at an early age
  • Gastrointestinal infections
  • Other autoimmune conditions (e.g., type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis)

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly from person to person, but some common signs and symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain and bloating
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss or failure to thrive in children
  • Anemia
  • Joint pain
  • Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Neurological symptoms (e.g., headaches, peripheral neuropathy)

Impact of Celiac Disease on People’s Lives

Celiac disease can have a significant impact on various aspects of an individual’s life, including:
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Physical Health

The damage to the small intestine caused by celiac disease can lead to nutrient malabsorption, resulting in anemia, osteoporosis, and other health complications.

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Emotional Health

The chronic nature of the condition and the challenges of managing symptoms can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, or frustration.
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Social Life

The strict gluten-free diet required to manage celiac disease can make it difficult to participate in social activities involving food, potentially affecting one’s social life and relationships.

Spire Health Pathways’ Functional Medicine Approach to Celiac Disease

At Spire Health Pathways, we believe in a personalized, integrative approach to managing celiac disease. Our functional medicine practitioners focus on addressing the root causes of the condition and providing comprehensive care to support overall health and well-being.

Comprehensive Assessment

Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation of your medical history, family history, lifestyle factors, and potential environmental triggers. This helps us identify underlying imbalances or factors that may contribute to the development of celiac disease.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on our comprehensive assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. This plan may include dietary modifications, targeted nutritional supplementation, stress reduction techniques, and other lifestyle interventions.

Nutritional Support

A gluten-free diet is essential for managing celiac disease, but transitioning to this new way of eating can be challenging. Our practitioners provide guidance and support, helping you navigate the gluten-free diet and ensuring proper nutrition to promote healing and optimal health.

Addressing Underlying Imbalances

Our functional medicine approach focuses on addressing underlying imbalances in the immune system, gut health, and other factors that may contribute to the development of celiac disease. This may include addressing gut dysbiosis, optimizing immune function, and reducing inflammation.

Collaborative Care

We believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare, working closely with other healthcare providers such as gastroenterologists and dietitians, to ensure the best possible outcomes for individuals with celiac disease.

Ongoing Support and Education

Living with celiac disease can be challenging, but our team at Spire Health Pathways is here to support you every step of the way. We provide ongoing education and resources to help you better understand your condition and make informed decisions about your care.

Monitoring and Adjusting

As part of our commitment to personalized care, we continuously monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. This allows us to stay responsive to your changing needs and ensure the most effective management of your celiac disease symptoms.

In Conclusion

At Spire Health Pathways, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for individuals living with celiac disease. Our functional medicine approach emphasizes addressing the root causes of the condition and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. By focusing on the whole person and collaborating with other healthcare providers, we aim to improve the quality of life for those living with celiac disease.

To learn more about our functional medicine approach to celiac disease or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at Spire Health Pathways. We are here to help you on your journey to better health and well-being.

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Unexplained Symptoms

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Lifestyle & Environmental

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Gastrointestinal

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Autoimmune & Allergic

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Neurologic & Mental Health

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Acquired

Spire Health Pathways

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patients in care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” – Thomas Edison