Gluten enteropathy, part 2
By Dr. Brenda Gill
The last article focused on the testing for gluten/gliadin problems. This week we will discuss treatment options.
1. The first step to feeling better is to eliminate all the foods that the body finds to be an irritant. This is essential, otherwise symptoms will come and go and it will be almost impossible to pinpoint the foods that are the strongest. This will minimize any inflammation from being produced in the intestines to the foods.
2. The second step is coat the intestinal wall so it can start to repair itself. I usually use a combination of slippery herbs for that and have folks drink licorice tea.
3. The third step is to give the intestines the materials to repair. There are many choices here, but, I’ll often use a combination of N-A-C, L glutamine, butyric acid, quercitin, fish oil and other essential fatty acids, sterols and sterolins and MSM, for example.
4. The forth step is to test for deficiencies and have folks increase these nutrients in the food or supplement them.
5. The fifth step is to establish an optimal eating pattern to not only eliminate irritants, but, also to minimize acidic foods, refined and processed foods and anything from a cow or pig. All these will cause inflammation in the system, which we are trying to eliminate.
6. The sixth step is to replace any deficiencies, such as Magnesium, folic acid, 5HTP, and digestive enzymes specifically for those with gluten issues.
7. The seventh step is to identify any hidden sources of these irritants and try to eliminate those as much as possible. For example, the powder coating the inside of gum wrappers is usually wheat, however, does not need to be on the label, since it is considered packaging. Consider Celiac.com for typical contaminants.
Brenda Gill is a naturopath practising in Rossland.
