Coeliac Disease - Diarrhoea, Wind and Fatigue

Gluten which has been staple in our diet for about 8,000 years. You find it in breakfast cereals, bread, biscuits, and even gravy.

Image courtesy of rakratchada torsap / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Gluten is the "glue" in wheat, barley and rye and can trigger in some people an allergic reaction which can give them a lot of nasty symptoms: diarrhoea, excessive wind, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps. fatigue, bloating, and even headaches. Weight loss, mouth ulcers, skin rashes,  depression, joint and bone pains and even hair loss can be symptoms of Coeliac Disease.

It is the Gliadin which appears to be responsible for the reactions in sufferers. The symptoms can appear at any time of life and can be triggered by pregnancy, surgery or severe emotional stress. The treatment is avoiding gluten-containing foods!

Coeliac disease can be diagnosed by a blood test. Some people don't have a positive result on this test, but still suffer from an intolerance to gluten, which can give them similar symptoms.

What can and should you eat?

Corn, soya, potatoes, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, amaranth and rice are all gluten free alternatives you can choose from.

You should have plenty of leafy green vegetables, meat and eggs to get B vitamins, as well as omega-3 oils found in fish oil and flaxseeds. Omega-3 is anti-inflammatory and will help to make you feel better.

Vitamin C is important to keep your immune system running at its best. You can find it in fresh fruit and vegetables, but also supplements.

Get your calcium from leafy green vegetables, almonds, dried apricots and soya and stock up on iron through lean meats, eggs, dried fruit and leafy-green vegetables.

Peppermint can sooth your gut and encourage healthy digestion.

To encourage healthy digestion and balance the "good" bacteria in your gut you should have a probiotic supplement, aiming for at least 10 BU bacteria. Avoid "probiotic drinks" as they are loaded with sugar and contain a lot less probiotics.

What should you avoid?

• Any gluten-containing foods like breads, pasta, cereals, biscuits, cakes, pizza, gravies - if they are not labelled "gluten-free".
• Any grains that contain gluten: Wheat, spelt, bulgur, semolina, couscus, rye, barley, malt, and possibly oats (some coeliacs can tolerate them in moderation).
• Beer and alcohol that contain grains. Destilled products like vodka should be fine, but always drink in moderation!

How can you be tested?

In a study by the University of York  the IgA-tTG test outperformed the IgA-DGP test for diagnosis and/or exclusion of coeliac disease. *)

Genetic predisposition does play a key role in Coeliac Disease. Approximately 95% of patients are HLA-DQ2 positive and the remaining patients are usually HLA-DQ8 positive. They are necessary for disease but not sufficient for disease development with an estimated risk of 36-53%.

As people often suffer from a variety of intolerances, a Food intolerance test might be also useful.

How can I book an appointment with Dr Frey?

I have now a 24/7 online booking system. Simply go to www.bookanytime.co.uk/drfrey to schedule an appointment. For further information simply write to contact@dr-frey.com or leave a voicemail on 01449 833 833.

How much is your investment?

• The fee for a 30-min consultation is £ 75.00. 
• The IgA-tTG is available for £ 42.50.
• A complete Coeliac Disease profile including IgA-tTG and HLA DQ2/DQ8 is available for £ 124.00. 
• Food Intolerance Testing with ImuPro 300 which tests over 270 different food items is available for £ 449.00 

(Prices correct as of 13.07.2014)

*) Lewis NR, Scott BB. Meta-analysis: deamidated gliadin peptide antibody and tissue transglutaminase antibody compared as screening tests for coeliac disease. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2010; 31(1): 73-81