What Does It Mean?
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In individuals with celiac disease, gluten consumption leads to an immune-mediated attack on the small intestinal lining, resulting in inflammation, villous atrophy, and malabsorption of essential nutrients.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Genetic Predisposition – Strong association with HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genetic markers.
- Immune Dysregulation – Gluten exposure triggers an autoimmune response leading to chronic inflammation.
- Increased Intestinal Permeability ("Leaky Gut") – Damage to the intestinal barrier allows for immune system activation and systemic inflammation.
- Microbiome Imbalance – Dysbiosis exacerbates immune dysfunction and inflammation.
- Nutrient Deficiencies – Chronic malabsorption leads to deficiencies in iron, B vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, and magnesium.
- Chronic Inflammation – Persistent immune activation contributes to oxidative stress and systemic effects.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Chronic diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Unexplained weight loss or failure to thrive
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Joint pain and muscle weakness
- Skin rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis)
- Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders
- Osteopenia or osteoporosis due to malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D
Lab Test Findings
Below are the expected lab abnormalities in Celiac Disease and their optimal reference ranges.
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Blood (Cell Count) | Altered | Negative |
| Celikey tTG IgA | Increased | 0-0.2 U/mL |
| Celikey tTG IgG | Increased | 0 U/mL |
| Ferritin (Iron Storage) | Decreased | 45.00-79.00 ng/mL |
| Gliadin, Deamidated Peptide IgA (Gluten) | Increased | 0-0.2 U/mL |
| Gliadin, Deamidated Peptide IgG (Gluten) | Increased | 0-0.2 U/mL |
| Hemoglobin | Decreased | 13.50-14.50 g/dL |
| IgE, Serum | Normal or Increased | 90.00-220.00 IU/mL |
| RBC’s | Present | None |
How Do We Treat It?
A functional medicine approach focuses on eliminating gluten exposure, repairing the gut lining, reducing inflammation, and replenishing lost nutrients.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Advanced Vita-Biotic R | Supports gut microbiome & immune function | 1 capsule with food daily |
| Endura | Electrolyte balance & hydration support | 1 packet with or without food, three times daily |
| D-Mannose Powder | Prevents bacterial adhesion to gut lining | 1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily |
| Vita-Digestyzyme | Supports digestion & enzymatic function | 2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Vita-Candid | Antifungal & microbiome support | 2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Mitochondrial & cardiovascular support | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| V-Inflamma | Reduces systemic inflammation | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita DIM | Hormonal & detoxification support | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Defense | Immune system support | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Antioxidant & cellular detoxification | 1 capsule with or without food, daily |
| V-Pax | Neurotransmitter & adrenal support | 2 capsules with food, twice daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports methylation & energy production | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Magnesium | Supports muscle function & relaxation | 2 capsule with or without food, daily |
| V-Collagen | Supports gut lining & joint health | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| SBI Powder | Immunoglobulin support for gut healing | 1 scoop of powder in cold liquids, daily |
| Gluta Protect | Antioxidant & gut barrier protection | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| Vita Microbe | Comprehensive probiotic support | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Buffered C Powder | Immune & antioxidant support | ¼ scoop of powder with food, daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Supports microbiome balance | 4 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Flux | Nitric oxide & vascular health support | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Strict Gluten-Free Diet: Eliminate all gluten-containing foods, including wheat, barley, and rye.
- Gut Healing Foods: Increase intake of bone broth, collagen, fermented foods, and fiber-rich vegetables.
- Nutrient Repletion: Supplement with iron, B vitamins, vitamin D, and magnesium to address deficiencies.
- Reduce Inflammatory Triggers: Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive dairy.
- Manage Stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.
- Monitor for Secondary Conditions: Regularly assess for osteoporosis, thyroid dysfunction, and adrenal fatigue.