Homeopathic Treatment for Coeliac Disease
Coeliac Disease (or celiac) disease is a disease of small intestines. This is a disease of the immune system that affects the absorption of essential nutrients from the small intestines. The small intestines abnormally react to gluten (a certain type of protein) and produce the symptoms. Gluten is a protein that may potentially lead to problems such as Coeliac disease, dermatitis, autism, IBS, eczema, etc.
It is a disorder of the small intestine in which a person has an immune reaction to eating Gluten. The delicate linings of the small intestines get damaged in response to the reaction of gluten, which leads to the symptoms.
Gluten:
Gluten is a protein found mainly in wheat, barley, oats, and rye. Gluten is found in any food prepared from such cereals, including pasta, cakes, cereals, most types of bread, biscuits and certain types of sauces. It may be noted that wheat allergy and Coeliac disease (due to gluten hypersensitivity) are two different conditions.
Most beers, are made from barley, so they contain gluten.
Prevalence
As per a study, one in about every 1700 persons suffers from Coeliac disease. While estimated 1% population in the US and the UK suffer from gluten sensitivity. This disease is observed in infants, children as well as adults; in males as well as females. It seems that the actual figures of people suffering from Coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity may be much more. It is interesting to note that the gluten-free products market in 2010 was $2.5 billion, which indicates the incidence of this disease group.
Symptoms
Since the linings of the small intestines get damaged in response to gluten allergy, the inflamed intestines produce symptoms such as diarrhea, and bloating of the abdomen. Also, there is a lack of absorption of essential components such as vitamins, and minerals, which leads to loss of weight, lethargic feelings, and other related symptoms.
Some babies may show skin rash due to gluten sensitivity. Many times, some patients may not have any symptoms. The symptoms may disappear once the patient omits gluten in the diet, by following a gluten-free diet. Infants Soon after introducing solid food containing gluten, the baby may fail to grow or gain weight. As food is not absorbed properly, the stools may be pale, bulky, and offensive smell.
The abdomen may be swollen and the baby may have repeated vomiting. The symptoms of coeliac disease in children may be similar to those in infants. In addition, poor absorption of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients results in anemia and poor growth in children.
Anemia (low hemoglobin) in spite of eating well should make a doctor think of Coeliac disease. Adults: The signs and symptoms of coeliac disease in adults vary from person to person. Generally, the most common symptoms observed are diarrhea and weight loss. However, some people diagnosed with coeliac disease may have constipation and are found to be obese.
Patients may present with symptoms of indigestion, bloating of the abdomen, mild abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. In addition to these digestive symptoms, other symptoms include Anemia, headache, fatigue, itchy blisters on the skin (often called as dermatitis herpetiformis), numbness and tingling in feet and hands, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, damage to dental enamel, joint pain, and acid reflux or heartburn.
Causes of Coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is an auto-immune disorder, where the immune system mistakes one of the substances that make up gluten, called gliadin as a threat to the body; and starts fighting against it. In this process, the body produces antibodies against the gluten and the small intestines get inflamed on the surface.
The surface of the intestine is usually covered with millions of tiny tube-shaped growths called villi. Villi increases the surface area of the gut and helps it digest food more effectively. However, in coeliac disease, the damage and inflammation to the lining of the small intestine flatten the villi, which reduces their ability to help with digestion.
One has to have a genetic predisposition to get affected by the Coeliac disease. It often runs in families. Some of the genes found to be associated with coeliac disease are HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8. Either one or both of these genes are present in every person with coeliac disease.
But merely having these gene mutations doesn't mean you'll get coeliac disease, other factors must be involved. Sometimes the coeliac disease is triggered or becomes active for the first time after surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, viral infection or severe emotional stress.
Some environmental factors like the previous infection of the digestive tract or improper diet also play a role in triggering coeliac disease in infancy, childhood or adulthood. People with auto-immune disorders like diabetes type-1, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders or some neurological disorders like epilepsy are at a higher risk of getting coeliac disease.
Diagnosis
There are several serology (blood) tests available that screen for coeliac disease antibodies. The most commonly used test is called tTG-IgA. If the test result is positive, then a biopsy of the small intestine is carried out. If the biopsy report shows underlying damage to the surface of the intestine, the diagnosis is confirmed.
It is very important to include gluten-containing products in the diet at least for 6 weeks before undergoing these tests. The tests may show negative if you are on a gluten-free diet. If blood and biopsy results seem unclear to diagnose coeliac disease, gene (HLA) testing can be useful.
People affected by the coeliac disease have HLA DQ2, HLA DQ8, or parts of these genes. However, only 1 in 30 people having these genes will develop coeliac disease. This test is helpful in people who have already commenced a gluten-free diet, as the gene test is not dependent on gluten intake. People who are gluten sensitive experience symptoms similar to coeliac disease, but will not have intestinal damage and will test negative for coeliac disease antibodies.
Complications
People with coeliac disease who continue to take gluten in their diet or who are yet to be diagnosed with coeliac disease are at risk of developing long-term complications like osteoporosis, malnutrition, lactose intolerance, other auto-immune disorders, and in rare cases bowel cancer.
Treatment:
A strict lifelong gluten-free diet is currently the only effective treatment for coeliac disease. The gluten-free diet allows the small bowel to heal and the symptoms improve considerably within weeks of starting the gluten-free diet. In addition to a gluten-free diet, it is advised to start vitamin and mineral supplements to replace any deficiencies at least for the first six months after diagnosing coeliac disease. If the small intestine is severely damaged, then a doctor may recommend steroids for the healing of the small intestine.
For other associated conditions with a coeliac disease itchy skin rash, osteoporosis, anemia, etc. medications should be started accordingly.
Homeopathic treatment for coeliac disease
The homeopathic approach to treating coeliac disease is similar to treating any auto-immune or allergic disease.
Homeopathy recognizes coeliac disease as a hypersensitive state due to immunological reactivity governed by genetic tendency; and treats it accordingly. Homeopathic medicines are targeted at controlling the body's over-reaction to gluten and also aimed at controlling the symptoms.
The homeopathic treatment is largely based on the constitutional approach. Some of the commonly used medicines are Silica, Calcarea phosphorica, Phosphorus, Kali carbonicum, Thuja occidentalis, Calcaria Carbonicum, Sulphur, Lycopodium clavatum, and some more.
Dr Shah strongly recommends homeopathic treatment for coeliac disease.
1) Silicea terra: Silicea is indicated for cases of malabsorption due to celiac disease and is useful when one experiences emaciation despite a good appetite and proper food intake. The patients who need Silicea experience abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation, stools are hard and difficult to expel. It is suitable in cases with increased sensitivity to colds and a tendency to develop infections, indicating a weak immune system.
2) Calcarea Phosphorica: Calcarea phos homeopathy medicine for celiac disease is indicated in children who have delayed milestones such as delayed dentition, slow growth, and poor bone development because of coeliac disease. They do suffer from chronic digestive disturbances such as diarrhea with undigested and offensive stool. They experience muscle cramps and b0ne pain. It is indicated when individuals suffer from anemia with a history of calcium deficiency and malnutrition.
3) Phosphorus: Phosphorus homeopathic treatment for celiac disease is useful when one experiences gastrointestinal discomfort with burning pains in the stomach and a sensation of emptiness. They do suffer from chronic diarrhea which is frequent, profuse, and watery. The diarrhea is painless and often described as rice-water stools which are pale and offensive and contain undigested food particles.
4) Kali Carbonicum: Kali carb patients experience severe abdominal pain, fullness of the stomach, and bloating immediately after eating. The bloating is often described as a sensation of a ball or weight on the abdomen. They tend to get constipated and have the infrequent urge to pass stool. Constipation alternates with diarrhea after eating gluten. They suffer from profound weakness and fatigue after meals, especially in the afternoon.
5) Thuja Occidentalis: For patients with chronic diarrhea and foul-smelling stools, Thuja Occidentalis can provide relief. These patients often feel heaviness and painful bloating in the abdomen, and their digestive systems are highly sensitive. They also have a sensitive digestive system that reacts poorly to dairy, gluten, and some vegetables, resulting in bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Nutrient absorption is poor. It is useful in cases of coeliac disease with psychological symptoms such as feelings of isolation and low self-esteem. The stools are thin, sticky, and accompanied with rectal itching and anal fissures.
6) Sulphur: It is indicated when coeliac disease complaints are associated with Eczema, rashes, and itching. There is the history of burning sensations in the stomach or rectum, particularly when there is a tendency for haemorrhoids. It is effective for those who experience diarrhea early in the morning when the stools are offensive and cause a burning sensation. They do feel weak and get irritable and anxious due to coeliac disease complaints.
7) Lycopodium Clavatum: Lycopodium is indicated when one experiences severe bloating and abdominal distension due to malabsorption and gas formation. The abdomen looks swollen and blown up. They do complain of rumbling sounds and complaints are worse towards evening. The pain is predominantly on the right side. The pain is sharp, stitching, and colicky. Lycopodium Clavatum celiac disease treatment in homeopathy is used for individuals who experience bloating, excessive gas, and a sensation of fullness in the upper abdomen after small meals. They have irregular bowel habits alternating between constipation and diarrhea particularly when stools are hard at the beginning and loose at the end. It is effective for treating individuals with poor nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss and lack of energy.
Related condition: Trigeminal Neuralgia
Written & Approved by-
Dr. Rajesh Shah
M.D. (Hom.)