Coeliac disease: healing your gut with functional medicine
Managing coeliac disease isn’t just about avoiding gluten - it impacts digestion, immunity, and overall health. The functional medicine approach identifies underlying imbalances, supporting gut health and helping you feel your best.
The functional medicine approach to coeliac disease
Looking for a natural approach to support your health after a coeliac disease diagnosis? Our practitioners based in Melbourne can help. This page covers:
At Melbourne Functional Medicine, our practitioners will provide a holistic, tailor-made, healthcare plan, so you can still lead a healthy life while living with coeliac disease.
What is coeliac disease?
Understanding your condition
Coeliac disease (also spelled celiac) is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to react abnormally to gluten – a protein found in wheat, spelt, rye, barley and oats, resulting in damage to the villi (small finger-like projections) of the intestinal lining. This damage called villous atrophy can result in reduced nutrient absorption, increased inflammation, intestinal permeability and potential for a wide range of complications even after gluten consumption has ceased. While going gluten-free may help people with a range of digestive symptoms, there is no coeliac disease treatment, and a 100% gluten-free diet is required for life.
What is coeliac disease?
Understanding your condition
Coeliac disease (also spelled celiac) is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to react abnormally to gluten – a protein found in wheat, spelt, rye, barley and oats, resulting in damage to the villi (small finger-like projections) of the intestinal lining. This damage called villous atrophy can result in reduced nutrient absorption, increased inflammation, intestinal permeability and potential for a wide range of complications even after gluten consumption has ceased. While going gluten-free may help people with a range of digestive symptoms, there is no coeliac disease treatment, and a 100% gluten-free diet is required for life.
Providing a holistic treatment for coeliac disease
Outside of going gluten-free, there are many measures people with coeliac disease can take to improve their gut health, digestion, and overall wellbeing to reduce the risk factors and complications associated with the condition.
At Melbourne Functional Medicine, our practitioners use a natural treatment approach to support people with coeliac disease, providing information and protocols for a healthier and happier gluten-free life.
Coeliac disease symptoms
Unlike a food allergy, coeliac disease occurs in genetically susceptible individuals and is called gluten triggered T-cell mediated autoimmune enteropathy. It is more severe than gluten intolerance, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or non-gluten wheat sensitivity (NCWS), with more serious and ongoing side effects/health consequences.
Up to 50% of people with coeliac disease are asymptomatic, meaning that coeliac disease is vastly under-diagnosed, and symptoms can vary considerably between individuals. This is very concerning for those who can’t tell when they’ve been exposed to gluten. Currently, around 80% of Australians with the condition don’t know they have coeliac disease, and some wait more than 11 years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
Common signs and symptoms people with undiagnosed or unmanaged coeliac disease may experience include:
Digestive
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion and reflux
- Vomiting
Skin
Brain/cognitive
- Brain fog
- Headache or migraine
Other
- Bone and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Menstrual irregularity
- Weight loss
- Mouth ulcers
People with coeliac disease are also more likely to develop a myriad of other health complications, even after removing gluten from the diet, including:
- Impaired growth, dental enamel abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies – particularly iron, folate and B12
- Amenorrhea (missed menstrual periods), infertility, recurrent miscarriage
- Polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rickets, sarcoidosis
- Chronic thrombocytopenic purpura, pernicious anaemia
- Premature osteoporosis, low trauma fracture
- Sjogren’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis, alopecia, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune thyroid disease, type 1 diabetes, Addison’s disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis, blocked bile ducts, pancreatic insufficiency, elevated liver enzymes
- Neuropathy, depression
- Lactose intolerance
- Bowel cancer
While there is no coeliac disease treatment, taking a proactive approach with holistic support for people with coeliac disease can help improve overall health and prevent further health complications associated with the disease.
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Coeliac disease causes and contributing factors
Coeliac disease root causes and contributing factors are still being researched, with a growing number of proven links and evidence mounting for others. So it’s likely there is no one single root cause of coeliac disease, but perhaps a combination of factors that lead to the development of coeliac disease including:
Family history: Genetic predisposition is a strong factor in the onset of coeliac disease.
The prevalence of coeliac disease among first-degree relatives is five times higher than in the general population, while there is a 70% concordance between identical twins. Coeliac disease can develop at any stage of life and affects women twice as often as men.
Viral infection: Studies have found evidence of increased incidence of coeliac disease following gastrointestinal viral infections such as rotavirus.
Microbiome dysbiosis: Research suggests a higher incidence of coeliac disease among people with intestinal dysbiosis, including children exposed to systemic antibiotics in the first year of life, those born by c-section, and children not being breastfed at the time gluten is introduced to the diet.
Other contributing factors to coeliac disease
- Early exposure to gluten: Several studies have suggested early exposure to gluten during infancy could reduce the risk of developing coeliac disease, however further studies have failed to support this hypothesis
- Food additives: Many food additives and preservatives are known for causing inflammation and aggravation of the gut, and food additives have been attributed to triggering the development of coeliac disease, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. The hybridisation of wheat species and pesticides like glyphosate commonly used on grain crops have also been found to contribute to the development of coeliac disease and other abnormal autoimmune responses
Coeliac disease treatment – conventional treatments
The current recommended diagnostic test for coeliac disease is an intestinal biopsy to identify villous atrophy. Blood tests are also commonly used to test for IgA and IgG antibodies in the blood. Both tests require ongoing consumption of gluten at the time of testing to obtain an accurate result, which is why Coeliac Australia recommends people continue to eat gluten until diagnosis confirmation. Gene testing for the GLA gene can also be used and doesn’t require current gluten consumption, however, the presence of the gene only indicates a genetic predisposition and doesn’t confirm coeliac disease or guarantee the condition will develop.
Once a diagnosis is made, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist for further investigation to explore if there is damage to the lining of the intestinal tract.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for coeliac disease, so those who are diagnosed with the condition are advised to avoid the consumption of gluten for life.
Functional testing considerations for coeliac disease
How to test for coeliac disease?
In addition to conventional testing, there is a range of functional tests that will help identify the root causes and triggers of coeliac disease and help avoid other symptoms developing. They may include:
- Specific markers for coeliac disease blood test
- Microbiome & stool testing
- Digestive function and nutrient absorption
- Markers of inflammation, IBD, SIBO or leaky gut
- Pathogenic parasites
- Food sensitivities and allergy testing
Coeliac disease support – the functional medicine approach
Our functional medicine naturopaths regularly support people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, and those who just suspect it. They will take a deeper look at the state of your overall health and wellbeing, supporting your recovery from the damage caused by coeliac disease. Coeliac disease support commonly includes:
- Investigating other reactive foods: People with coeliac disease and NGCS have higher rates of allergies, sensitivities and other autoimmune disorders, including lactose intolerance. Our practitioners will use allergy testing to determine any other foods you may need to remove from your diet
- Restoring gut function and immune health: A tailored gut repair protocol, often including a mix of soothing herbal medicines and probiotics, is part of a natural treatment approach. A 2019 study found the use of specific probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9 and L. paracasei 8700:2 positively influenced the levels of specific immune cells involved in coeliac disease. While glutamine, slippery elm, goldenseal, licorice and aloe vera can all promote gut repair and protection of the intestinal lining, herbs like echinacea, baical skullcap, alfalfa and nettles can all aid immune support and nutritional status
- Addressing nutritional deficiencies: People with coeliac disease are prone to deficiencies of vitamins and minerals due to poor absorption, particularly deficiencies in iron, Vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D and other minerals. Our practitioners will guide you on foods to avoid if you have coeliac disease, and may recommend pathology testing to regularly assess nutrient levels. They create personalised nutritional protocols tailored to your individual dietary needs
- Personalised ongoing dietary and health support: Coeliac disease is a life-long autoimmune condition, but with the right support, people with coeliac disease can live long healthy lives. Autoimmune disorders can flare at any time, causing a resurgence of symptoms, particularly after stressful events, pregnancy or childbirth. Our practitioners and health coaches will continue to work with you through every stage of your journey with coeliac disease, to support you and your family with living a healthy and fulfilling gluten-free life
Together with our functional medicine practitioners, our health coaches will provide the support you need to be successful in achieving your health goals.
Ready for a personalised, natural functional medicine treatment?
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Frequently
Asked
Questions
Is coeliac disease an autoimmune disease?
Yes. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly reacts to gluten in the small intestine. This reaction damages the tiny, finger-like projections called villi, causing them to flatten (villous atrophy) and become inflamed.
When villi are damaged, the body struggles to absorb nutrients properly, leading to malnutrition and digestive symptoms. If left untreated, coeliac disease can contribute to several serious health issues beyond the gut.
Is coeliac disease genetic?
Yes. Coeliac disease has a genetic component, most often linked to the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes, which can be detected with a blood test.
However, carrying these genes does not mean you will definitely develop the condition.
Around 50% of the population carry one or both genes, but only about 2.5% of those people are eventually diagnosed with coeliac disease. This shows that while genetics increase risk, other environmental and immune factors also play a role.
Does coeliac disease cause weight gain or weight loss?
Both are possible. Because coeliac disease damages the small intestine and reduces nutrient absorption, many people experience unexplained weight loss. However, a smaller number may develop metabolic disturbances that contribute to weight gain.
Coeliac disease is also linked with a higher risk of other metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can influence weight changes.
What is the difference between gluten intolerance and coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system reacts to gluten and damages the lining of the small intestine, flattening the villi (villous atrophy). This damage affects nutrient absorption and can lead to long-term health complications if untreated.
Gluten intolerance (also called non-coeliac gluten sensitivity or non-coeliac wheat sensitivity) causes similar digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea, but without intestinal damage. Symptoms usually improve once gluten is removed from the diet.
Can you have coeliac disease with no symptoms?
Yes. Many people with coeliac disease have few or no obvious symptoms, which is one reason around 80% remain undiagnosed. Coeliac disease can develop at any stage of life, and while most people feel unwell after eating gluten, some may not notice any immediate effects.
Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue and weight loss
- Recurrent mouth ulcers
- Fertility challenges
- Brain fog or headaches
Even without noticeable symptoms, eating gluten can still cause intestinal damage. Accidental exposure (sometimes called being “glutened”) may trigger acute episodes with bloating, cramps, digestive upset, and fatigue – though in some people, damage occurs silently.
If you suspect coeliac disease or want guidance on living gluten-free, a functional medicine practitioner can help you identify triggers, support healing, and improve long-term health.
What is the best diet for coeliac disease?
The best diet for coeliac disease is a strict gluten-free diet, which allows the gut lining to heal and helps prevent long-term complications. A nutrient-dense approach is important, as cutting out gluten-containing foods without proper planning can increase the risk of deficiencies.
Some people explore diets such as keto, but these are not suitable for everyone and may further limit key nutrients. The best diet for coeliac disease is one that is balanced, personalised, and supports your intestinal microbiome while meeting your nutritional needs.
Working with a functional medicine practitioner can help you design a gluten-free diet plan that restores health and supports your overall wellbeing.
If you’d like support with a functional medicine approach to managing coeliac disease, book a free discovery call today.
What foods should you avoid with coeliac disease?
If you have coeliac disease, the most important step is to avoid all foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in:
- Wheat: including spelt, durum, semolina, couscous, bulgur
- Barley: including malt, malt extract, malt vinegar
- Rye: and products made with rye flour
- Triticale: a wheat/rye hybrid
It’s also essential to be aware of hidden sources of gluten, such as processed foods, sauces, gravies, beer, and some medications or supplements. Cross-contamination is another risk – even small amounts of gluten can cause damage.
A functional medicine approach ensures your gluten-free diet is also nutrient-dense, supporting your gut and overall health, not just avoiding gluten.
What happens if coeliac disease is left untreated?
Untreated coeliac disease can cause long-term complications, even if symptoms are mild or absent. Continuing to eat gluten triggers ongoing inflammation and damage in the small intestine, which can lead to:
- Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, vitamin D, calcium, folate)
- Digestive issues (diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation)
- Osteoporosis due to poor calcium absorption
- Fertility problems in both women and men
- Neurological symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, or peripheral neuropathy
- An increased risk of other autoimmune conditions and, in rare cases, certain intestinal cancers
This is why early diagnosis and a strict gluten-free diet are so important. With the right guidance, you can protect your long-term health and live well with coeliac disease.
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