Celiac Disease

Introduction: Why Celiac Disease Needs a New Approach

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition driven by gluten that affects about 1% of the population—but many remain undiagnosed. At Patients Medical in NYC, we go beyond diagnosing and eliminating gluten. Our integrative, functional medicine approach targets gut health, immune balance, micronutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle factors to help you thrive—gluten-free or not.

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which ingestion of gluten (a protein in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers an immune attack on the small intestine. This leads to damaged villi, nutrient malabsorption, and systemic inflammation.

Distinguished from other gluten-related disorders:

  • Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: Immune reaction without the auto-antibody profile or villous atrophy.
  • Wheat Allergy: IgE-mediated allergic response with acute symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Candida can present differently in every person, but some of the most common signs include:

Root Causes: Why Do You Have Celiac Disease?

Functional medicine helps identify why gluten triggers such severe immune reactions. Common drivers include:

  • Genetic predisposition (HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 genes)
  • Leaky gut that facilitates gluten entry
  • Gut dysbiosis and impaired microbial balance
  • Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, folate, vitamin D)
  • Chronic infections (SIBO, H. pylori, viral triggers)
  • Environmental toxins that disrupt immune function
  • Hormonal imbalance and stress affecting gut integrity
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to fatigue

Diagnostic Testing We Use

Standard celiac testing is just the beginning. Our deeper evaluation includes:

Serologic tests (tTG-IgA, EMA) and duodenal biopsy

Comprehensive stool microbiome analysis

Intestinal permeability (leaky gut) markers

Micronutrient panels (iron, B12, folate, zinc, vitamin D)

Inflammatory markers (CRP, cytokines)

Hormone panels (thyroid, cortisol, sex hormones)

Testing for chronic infections (SIBO, EBV)

Integrative Treatments for Celiac Disease

Strict Gluten-Free Nutrition

  • Whole-food, nutrient-rich gluten-free meal plans
  • Identification of cross-reactive foods (e.g., oats, rye, yeast)
  • Support for micronutrient repletion

Gut Repair & Microbiome Rebalancing

  • Gut-healing nutrients (glutamine, zinc carnosine)
  • High-quality probiotics and prebiotics
  • Low-FODMAP or SCD protocols for gut-restoring

IV Nutrient Therapy

  • Vitamin C, B-complex, magnesium
  • Glutathione and amino acids for detox and repair

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

  • Curcumin, quercetin, boswellia (anti-inflammatory)
  • Omega-3s and vitamin D (immune support)
  • Digestive enzymes and bile salts for absorption
  • Lactoferrin and colostrum for mucosal immunity

Stress Reduction & Mind-Body Therapy

  • Guided meditation, breathwork, and acupuncture
  • Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola
  • Cognitive-behavioral support for dietary adherence

Hormones & Detoxification

  • Thyroid and adrenal hormone support
  • Targeted detox programs for toxins contributing to immune imbalance

Real Case Study: Anna’s Path to Healing

Anna, 32, experienced chronic bloating, skin rashes, mood swings, and fatigue. She tested positive for tTG-IgA and had villous atrophy diagnosed by biopsy. Functional workup revealed:

  • Severe micronutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, vitamin D)
  • Gut dysbiosis with SIBO
  • Elevated intestinal permeability

Her 6-month integrative plan included:

  • Strict gluten-free diet and micronutrient repletion
  • SIBO protocol and microbial repopulation
  • IV glutathione and magnesium infusions
  • Stress management and adaptogens

By month four, Anna’s bloating resolved, her energy returned, anemia corrected, and her skin cleared up. Biopsy follow-up in month six showed significant mucosal healing.

Real Case Study: Rachel’s Candida Breakthrough

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

With strict gluten elimination and gut healing, most patients achieve full mucosal repair and symptom resolution.

Yes, we recommend follow-up testing at 6–12 months to ensure healing and assess residual issues.

Yes—even trace gluten exposure can re-trigger immune activity in celiac disease.

Yes. Our approach can help both celiac and gluten-sensitive patients through gut repair, immune balance, and symptom support.

Not always. Many people can taper down once nutrient levels and gut integrity normalize—but monitoring is necessary.

Absolutely. We work collaboratively with your GI doctor and coordinate ongoing testing and follow-up.

Most patients experience symptom relief within 4–8 weeks, with deeper healing unfolding over 6–12 months.

Yes. Emotional stress increases intestinal permeability and immune responsiveness. Mind-body interventions are essential.

Yes. We treat pediatric celiac with age-appropriate healing protocols, nutritional support, and family guidance.

We’re out-of-network but offer superbills for possible reimbursement. Lab tests may be partly covered.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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