Coeliac Disease is a disease of the small intestine caused by extreme sensitivity to a group of proteins collectively called gluten that is found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. The sensitivity reaction causes atrophy of the villi (tiny projections on the mucus membrane required for efficient absorption). The normal absorption ability of the gut and intestinal motility are affected, resulting in weakness, anaemia, loose and greasy stool (steatorrhoea), weight loss, constipation, chronic diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pain. Some of these patients are being labelled as having IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and many turned out to have gluten sensitivity. It is estimated that one in 133 Canadians has gluten sensitivity. The first step in management is to completely exclude gluten in the diet. Coeliac patients usually develop secondary lactose intolerance. Hence they have to exclude dairy products from their diet as well. Take special caution that there may be hidden gluten derivatives in soy sauce, food starch, ice cream, soups, beer, wines, Vodka, Whisky, malt, etc.
Enzyme preparations are useful to help digest away unknown or accidental contamination in the food. They are particularly helpful when a patient dines out. One such preparation is called Gluten Defense®. A couple of pills taken just before a meal will protect the patient from surprises. In addition to amylase, lipase, phytase, lactase, cellulose, and sucrase, Gluten Defense® contains an enzyme called DPP IV specifically for digesting gluten and casein. All these enzymes are of plant origin so it is suitable for vegetarians.
Repair of the damaged mucosa can be facilitated by supplements like N-acetyl-glucosamine, RR Formula, and L-Glutamine, Perma Clear®. All these supplements help to plug up the leaking holes in the mucosal lining. They are invaluable in Leaky Gut Syndrome and Food Allergies, including Coeliac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity.
Coeliac disease is genetic in origin and is related to immunity problems. An autoimmune mechanism had been proposed. Immune moderators like sterols/sterolins, Red Reishi, YunZhi (Cloud Mushroom), cordyceps, thymus extracts, and homeopathic Thymuline may help to balance the immunity. With the improvement in immunity, the reaction to inadvertent ingestion of gluten will be less severe.
Untreated Coeliac disease is related to an increased risk of both adenocarcinoma (small intestine cancer) and lymphoma of the small bowel. This risk returns to baseline with diet. Longstanding and untreated disease may lead to other complications, such as ulcerative jejunitis (ulcer formation of the small bowel) and structuring leading to intestinal obstruction. An awareness of these complications is important for early diagnosis in case they do happen.
If you have coeliac disease, exclude gluten and casein from your diet and take Gluten Defense. Just these 2 steps will change your life. If you want to do more, take a gut repairing supplement like Perma Clear and an immune moderator like Thymuline.
Henry Cheng is a medical graduate of the University of London, England, and is now Certified Natural Products Advisor in Pharmasave Downtown Cloverdale.
