What Does It Mean?
Gluten and dairy digestion issues arise when the body lacks the necessary enzymes to properly break down proteins like gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye) and casein/lactose (found in dairy). This can result in inflammation, digestive distress, and immune system activation. Functional Medicine focuses on restoring digestive function, supporting gut health, and reducing inflammatory responses caused by food intolerances.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Enzyme Deficiency – Low levels of lactase and DPP-IV enzymes impair gluten and dairy digestion.
- Leaky Gut Syndrome – Increased intestinal permeability allows undigested proteins to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation.
- Gut Dysbiosis – An imbalance of gut bacteria contributes to poor digestion and intolerance.
- Immune System Overactivation – Gluten and dairy proteins can trigger immune responses, leading to systemic inflammation.
- Chronic Stress & Poor Diet – Stress and processed foods negatively impact gut function and enzyme production.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Bloating and gas after consuming gluten or dairy
- Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Skin issues (eczema, acne, or rashes)
- Autoimmune reactivity
Lab Test Findings
(Note: Additional lab tests may be referenced for a comprehensive evaluation.)
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Celikey tTG IgA | Increased in gluten sensitivity | 0-7 U/mL |
| Celikey tTG IgG | Increased in gluten sensitivity | 0-7 U/mL |
| Gliadin, Deamidated Peptide IgA (Gluten) | Increased in gluten intolerance | 0-7 U/mL |
| Gliadin, Deamidated Peptide IgG (Gluten) | Increased in gluten intolerance | 0-7 U/mL |
| Milk (F2) IgE | Increased in dairy sensitivity | 0-0.10 kU/L |
| Wheat (F4) IgE | Increased in wheat sensitivity | 0-0.10 kU/L |
How Do We Treat?
A Functional Medicine approach focuses on restoring digestive enzyme levels, repairing gut intznses to improve gluten and dairy tolerance.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| DG Protect | Supports digestive enzyme function for gluten & dairy breakdown | 1 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Eliminate or Reduce Gluten & Dairy: Identify personal tolerance levels and remove inflammatory foods.
- Support Gut Healing: Incorporate bone broth, collagen, and fermented foods to restore gut integrity.
- Manage Stress & Improve Sleep: Reduce stress to lower gut inflammation and support digestion.
- Optimize Digestive Enzymes: Consider supplementation to aid in breaking down problematic foods.