Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance

Overview

Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance are immune and digestive responses to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In coeliac disease, ingestion of gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine’s lining, leading to nutrient malabsorption and systemic inflammation ^[1,2].

Gluten intolerance or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity involves similar symptoms without autoimmune damage, often overlapping with irritable bowel or inflammatory conditions. While eliminating gluten is central to management, Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) approaches can support healing of the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and restore microbiome balance ^[3,4].

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

The underlying causes of gluten-related disorders include genetic, immunological, and environmental influences ^[2,5]:

• Genetic predisposition – Presence of HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes increases risk.
• Autoimmune activation – Gluten exposure triggers an immune response, damaging intestinal villi.
• Gut dysbiosis – Imbalance in gut bacteria may heighten sensitivity and inflammation.
• Chronic stress – Alters immune regulation and digestive enzyme activity.
• Viral or bacterial infections – May initiate immune dysregulation in susceptible individuals.
• High-gluten intake or processed diet – Overexposure to refined gluten proteins and additives can aggravate symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance may manifest differently, but often share key symptoms:

• Bloating, abdominal pain, or gas
• Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating bowel patterns
• Fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes
• Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, folate, zinc)
• Skin rashes (such as dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Weight loss or failure to thrive in children
• Joint pain or inflammation

If untreated, coeliac disease may lead to osteoporosis, infertility, anaemia, or neurological issues due to long-term malabsorption^[6].

Holistic and TCIH Approaches

Integrative approaches focus on restoring gut health, modulating immune function, and promoting systemic balance:

• Nutrition and Naturopathy – Focus on a strict gluten-free diet, rich in whole foods, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory nutrients; supplementation with zinc, vitamin D, or probiotics may aid mucosal repair ^[7].
• Herbal Medicine – Soothing herbs such as slippery elm, chamomile, turmeric, and liquorice root can calm inflammation and support gut barrier integrity.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – Views coeliac patterns as spleen and stomach Qi deficiency; herbal formulas and acupuncture may improve digestion and immune regulation ^[8].
• Gerson Therapy - A guided approach to cleansing through addressing eating patterns
• Ayurveda – Focuses on Agni (digestive fire) balance through gluten-free grains, digestive spices, and cleansing practices that reduce inflammation.
• Mindfulness and Stress Reduction – Chronic stress exacerbates gut permeability; meditation, breathwork, or yoga can regulate the gut–brain axis ^[9].
• Somatic or Energy Therapies – Practices like Reiki or abdominal massage may support relaxation, energy flow, and parasympathetic activation, aiding digestion.

Self-Care and Lifestyle Practices

Sustained recovery involves dietary vigilance and gentle lifestyle support:

• Adopt a certified gluten-free diet, avoiding cross-contamination.
• Support digestion with mindful eating and thorough chewing.
• Include fermented foods and prebiotic fibres to nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
• Stay hydrated and manage stress through breathwork or meditation.
• Engage in regular, moderate exercise to support circulation and immune function.
• Monitor nutrient levels with professional guidance.

When to Seek Professional Support

Seek medical care for persistent gastrointestinal discomfort, nutrient deficiencies, or fatigue following gluten exposure. Formal diagnosis via blood tests and biopsy is essential before lifelong dietary exclusion.

A verified SoulAdvisor practitioner specialising in naturopathy, nutrition, acupuncture, herbal medicine, or yoga therapy can work alongside medical care to support gut repair, immune balance, and emotional wellbeing. Integrative approaches nurture both physical and energetic healing, helping restore trust in the body’s natural rhythm and vitality.