Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is getting more press lately, but what is it exactly and why does it happen? In this article, you’ll get an overview of what SIBO is, how it’s tested for and treated, and a few reasons why it occurs. Setting the stage: Normally, most of our native gut bacteria live…
All posts tagged celiac
How to Choose a Quality, Gluten-Free Protein Powder
The protein powder aisle can seem to stretch for miles. The many claims and labels on containers can be mystifying and overwhelming. Although these products are not a necessary part of everyone’s diet, protein needs are higher in those with inflammatory conditions and gut damage. In my practice, I consistently find that people are struggling…
How to Fix a Nutrient Deficiency
Nutrient deficiencies are very common on a gluten-free diet regardless if you have celiac, gluten-sensitivity, or are gluten-free for another health reason. Depending on the vitamin or mineral and its specific roles, correcting a deficiency could support your… Digestive function Metabolism Thyroid Energy levels Bones Cognition and brain function Hormone production Immunity Tissue repair If…
Do food sensitivity blood tests work?
If you’ve been curious about food sensitivities, you’ve probably found many options while searching online. There’s everything from blood tests to hair and fingernail analysis to facial thermography. The most popular in recent years has been IgG blood tests. This is a test used commonly by functional medicine practitioners, and people are now able to…
15 Ways to Increase Fiber on a Gluten-Free Diet
Gluten-free diets are notoriously low in fiber. Many gluten-free products, especially packaged items such as crackers, breads, baked goods, and flours tend to be lower in fiber than their gluten-containing alternatives. Fiber feeds our gut microbes, who turn around to keep our gut lining healthy, balance our immune system, and decrease inflammation. Fiber also helps…
Tips for Low Iron Levels (plus a high-iron recipe)
Celiacs, especially when newly diagnosed, are very prone to nutrient deficiencies due to how gluten causes damage to the small intestine (where nutrient absorption SHOULD occur). Iron is one of the most common. In fact, unexplained iron deficiency anemia is a major sign of celiac disease and often a clue that helps people get screened…
Why to Test for Celiac BEFORE Going Gluten-Free
Maybe your digestion’s been on the rocks lately or you’ve been seeing signs of inflammation, such as joint pain or skin issues. One of the first pieces of advice that a quick Internet search will give you is to go gluten-free. But before you put the bread down, please get tested for celiac disease FIRST.…
Can gluten affect your hormones and fertility?
The short answer is yes. If you’re a woman with celiac or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), gluten can have a significant impact on your hormones and fertility. Even though the majority of people with celiac are women, the connection between women’s health issues and gluten is frequently overlooked. Here’s what you need to know about…
Podcast: The Gluten-Osteoporosis Connection
Did you know that up to 75% of newly diagnosed celiacs may have osteoporosis or osteopenia (even early onset)? There is clearly a strong connection between the two diseases, and unfortunately many celiacs are not informed about their risk for osteoporosis or educated about bone density screenings at time of diagnosis. This is why I…
When your labs are “normal”… but you don’t feel normal
Have you ever been to the doctor and gotten your labs run, just to be told everything is “normal”? Maybe it was on in your journey toward getting a diagnosis when doctors were testing for everything BUT celiac (ask me how I know!). Or maybe you’ve been gluten-free for awhile now but have lingering digestive…