Celiac Disease
in Denver

Celiac disease may cause various gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating and nausea. However, other physical symptoms of celiac disease can occur outside of the GI tract; these include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, headache, brain fog, rash, depression and anxiety. Patients in the Denver, Englewood, Lone Tree, Castle Rock and Parker areas who are experiencing these symptoms can schedule a consultation today.

Continuing to eat gluten with a diagnosis of celiac disease may increase your risk of various complications, such as weakening of the bones (osteoporosis), nutrient deficiencies, infertility and certain types of cancers. Even if you experience minimal or no symptoms, it is therefore recommended for individuals with celiac disease to maintain long-term adherence to a gluten free lifestyle.

Shopping for naturally gluten-free foods is a great, cost-effective way to adhere to a gluten-free diet. These foods include fruits and vegetables, meats and fish, dairy, potatoes, rice, beans, legumes and nuts. Gluten-free options are available at many restaurants and grocery stores; we recommend that you seek foods with gluten free labeling and inquire about gluten free practices when eating out at restaurants.

At this time, the only effective treatment option for celiac disease is to adhere to a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This includes the avoidance of foods containing wheat, barley, rye and triticale. It is also important to avoid any non-food products that may contain gluten, such as various medications/supplements and certain brands of makeup products, oral hygiene products and skin care products. Consultation with a registered dietitian is typically advised for ongoing education and counseling. Patients with celiac disease may develop deficiencies in various micronutrients, and gluten-free supplements may be recommended to optimize nutrition. In some cases, consultation with a mental health professional may be advised to address the impact of coping with a chronic medical condition.

Celiac disease occurs when the body's immune system has a heightened reaction to gluten, which is a protein that naturally occurs in many foods, particularly grains such as wheat, barley and rye. This reaction causes inflammation to develop in the small intestine. Celiac disease has a strong genetic link, and one of the primary risk factors for developing this condition is therefore a family history of celiac disease.

Celiac disease is not believed to occur suddenly, however anyone, at any age, can develop celiac disease. Symptoms related to celiac disease often occur for many months to years before a diagnosis is made, and some people with celiac disease do not experience any symptoms. Individuals with a family history of celiac disease in a first-degree relative have a 1 in 10 chance of developing celiac disease - it is therefore important that those with such a family history receive appropriate screening tests. If you are in the Denver area and have concerns about celiac disease based on symptoms and/or your family history, our specialists can help you understand your symptoms.

Individuals with celiac disease may experience “celiac belly” as a result of gluten ingestion. Symptoms include abdominal bloating, distention and excess gas, often leading to the appearance of a larger belly. These symptoms occur due to inflammation in the small intestine which reduces the gut's ability to absorb certain nutrients.

There is no cure for celiac disease, however it can be treated and controlled with strict avoidance of gluten ingestion. By avoiding foods, drinks, medications, and non-food products that contain gluten, in addition to equipment and surfaces that have been in contact with gluten, you can heal the inflammation in your gut. Patients in the Denver, Englewood, Lone Tree, Castle Rock and Parker areas who are seeking treatment can schedule a consultation with one of our expert providers today.