Celiac Disease Management in Pasadena, CA
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body reacts abnormally to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system damages the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption and causing a range of symptoms. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term complications such as anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, and other autoimmune conditions.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine takes an integrative and functional medicine approach to celiac disease management. She focuses on uncovering root causes, restoring gut health, and empowering patients with practical tools for living gluten-free. Her goal is to help patients manage symptoms and improve long-term health and quality of life.
Causes and Risk Factors
Celiac disease develops from a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. Some of the most common include:
- Genetics: A family history of celiac disease or related autoimmune conditions.
- Immune Dysfunction: An abnormal immune reaction to gluten proteins.
- Gut Health: Imbalances in the microbiome may worsen inflammation.
- Environmental Triggers: Viral infections or significant stress can sometimes trigger onset.
Understanding these influences allows for more personalized care and prevention of related complications.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease can look very different from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue and weakness
- Weight loss or difficulty maintaining weight
- Nutritional deficiencies, including anemia or low vitamin D
- Skin rashes, such as dermatitis herpetiformis
- Bone or joint pain
- Headaches or brain fog
How Celiac Disease Is Diagnosed
At Shine Health and Wellness, diagnosis involves a thorough process to ensure accuracy. This may include:
- Medical History and Exam: Reviewing symptoms, family history, and lifestyle.
- Blood Tests: Checking for specific antibodies associated with celiac disease.
- Endoscopy and Biopsy: Evaluating the small intestine for damage caused by gluten.
- Functional Medicine Testing: Identifying nutrient deficiencies, gut imbalances, and systemic inflammation.
This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the right diagnosis and a personalized care plan.
Treatment Options for Celiac Disease
The cornerstone of managing celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet, but care at Shine Health and Wellness extends beyond dietary adjustments. Treatment may include:
- Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on how to safely follow a gluten-free diet while maintaining proper nutrition.
- Supplement Support: Addressing deficiencies in iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
- Gut Health Restoration: Using probiotics, functional medicine testing, and dietary strategies to reduce inflammation and heal the digestive tract.
- Lifestyle Guidance: Stress management, exercise recommendations, and sleep optimization to improve overall health.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups and lab testing to track nutrient levels and ensure effective management.
By combining dietary strategies with integrative care, patients gain the tools to manage their condition and prevent long-term complications.
The Role of Gut Health in Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is deeply connected to gut health, as gluten exposure directly damages the lining of the small intestine. Healing the gut requires more than avoiding gluten. It also involves restoring the microbiome, reducing inflammation, and improving nutrient absorption.
At Shine Health and Wellness, Dr. Shine emphasizes gut health as part of every patient’s treatment plan, helping to strengthen digestive function and overall resilience.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, brings more than a decade of medical experience and a commitment to patient-centered care. She understands the challenges of living with celiac disease and works closely with patients to provide both medical expertise and emotional support. By combining conventional diagnosis with integrative and functional medicine strategies, Dr. Shine ensures care that addresses the whole person, not just the condition.
Live Well With Celiac Disease
A diagnosis of celiac disease doesn’t have to limit your life. With the right care and guidance, you can restore gut health, protect long-term wellness, and enjoy a vibrant lifestyle.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team provide compassionate, personalized care to help you succeed in managing celiac disease. Contact us today at 626-317-0207 to schedule a consultation.