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Coeliac Disease Coeliac Disease is a specific condition affecting usually the small intestine. It is characterised by a sensitivity to wheat or gluten, which causes damage to the wall of the small intestine, leading to a flattening of the usually convoluted surface of the lining of the bowel, which is important for the absorption of nutrients. The symptoms of the condition may be digestive problems, leading to malabsorption and malnutrition and progressive weight loss and ill-health. However, these are only found in severe disease, and in mild cases symptoms may include indigestion, poor tolerance to certain foods, food allergies, diarrhoea, constipation, mild anaemia leading to tiredness and poor exercise tolerance. In very mild cases there may be no symptoms at all. The diagnosis is usually made by taking a biopsy of the lining of the small intestine. This is usually carried out during a telescopic examination of the small intestine (endoscopy). However, the diagnosis may be made by a blood test showing antibodies in the blood - or in saliva - towards wheat or gluten. Once the diagnosis is made, there is no treatment as such, with the management of the condition based upon dietary changes to avoid wheat and gluten completely from the diet. This allows the lining of the small intestine to heal and the patient to improve. There are a small number of patients who do not improve sufficiently with the diet, and there may be other factors involved, other food allergies, or bowel dysbiosis. In this situation it is worth considering other options. How Can We Help?We offer a caring, alternative approach to your needs. We specialise in Complementary & Alternative Medicine, and there is much that can be done to help coeliac disease with this approach. Each person is dealt with individually. Each person’s needs are different. The actual treatment will vary from person to person. There are a number of therapies and treatments that can help, and different approaches benefit different people. There are a number of different factors that need to be taken into consideration, and the best way of deciding which approach will benefit any individual person is to carry out certain tests Our initial approach therefore is to carry out certain tests or investigations. What Tests Do You Need?A number of tests may be of benefit, including the following:
Usually we would recommend the Full Body Screening, as this includes allergies, hormones, and vitamins and minerals, and these may be of great importance. It is also important to assess digestive function and the bacterial balance in the bowel. The Full Body Screening can give an insight into these factors, but it may also be necessary to carry out a Digestive Function Analysis. Often coeliac disease may be complicated or aggravated by bowel dysbiosis, and it is important to assess this correctly and to treat effectively if present. What Advice Do You Get?The actual advice given depends on the results of the tests carried out. Different treatments are required depending on these results. As we specialise in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, our treatments are based on this. The mainstay of the treatment in coeliac disease is the diet, completely eliminating wheat and gluten. Often nutritional supplements are required to correct any vitamin and / or mineral deficiencies. Herbal and homoeopathic medicines are often used, and may be useful in helping to control the symptoms and relieve the condition. Other therapies, such as Acupuncture, Reflexology or Aromatherapy can also be helpful, and these form a part of our treatment recommendation when appropriate. Counselling or Hypnotherapy may also be used. A comprehensive treatment programme – based on the therapies discussed above – is recommended following any tests carried out. How Successful Is Our Treatment?Our treatment programmes are usually very successful. We often succeed where others have failed. The reason for this is due to the tests carried out – which enables us to tailor the treatments according to the specific needs of the individual – and also due to the experience we have gained over the years together with the efficacy of our unique, specialised products – herbal, homoeopathic and nutritional. Individual treatment programmes may be complex, and may need some commitment to follow successfully. Dietary changes together with a number of supplements, herbal and / or homoeopathic medicines to take every day, together with weekly treatments may be required for a period of at least 10 – 12 weeks. How Much Does it Cost?It is impossible to estimate the cost in any individual person, as the treatment recommended will vary from person to person. The tests that may be required also vary in cost, and further information may be found together with information relating to each specific test. The costs of individual therapies and products also differ, and you should refer to current price lists, or make enquiries at the Clinic. We always offer a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION, and further information regarding cost may be discussed at this time. © Better Health Limited 2003 |
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