Testing
There are several testing options available in order to determine whether you DO have celiac disease, yet we still lack an accurate test that will tell you whether you DON’T have celiac disease. Once ruled in with the condition, you’re in. However, it is nearly impossible to be ruled out.
Currently, if you ask to be tested for celiac disease by one of your doctors, the situation will go something like this: your doctor will order a blood test. If the test is negative, he/she will determine that you do not have celiac disease. If the test is positive, however, they will not determine that you do have celiac disease. Instead, they will refer you to a gastroenterologist for a small bowel biopsy, the ‘gold standard’ of testing. Only then, if the small bowel biopsy is positive will you be diagnosed with celiac disease.
But there are a few problems in these testing methods. Both the common blood panel and small bowel biopsy used for celiac disease diagnosis are fraught with error. Furthermore, other testing options are available such as genetic testing, stool analysis testing and even an over-the-counter blood test not yet available in the United States. Cyrex Labs is another great source for accurate blood antibody testing.
Quit Gluten
Of course, there is an easier way to test whether you are sensitive to gluten. Going on a completely gluten free/casein free diet for at least six weeks.
Casein is the protein found in dairy. It is similar to gluten and has been found to cause an adverse reaction in those who already have villous damage. Therefore, eliminating dairy from your diet for at least the first six weeks may help promote intestinal healing.
So, six weeks on a gluten/casein free diet. Even if your tests are negative for celiac disease, you have the option of trying a gluten free, dairy free diet for at least 6 weeks to determine if your symptoms improve or resolve altogether. This is referred to as a clinical trial. For many people, this is long enough to start to recover from bodily damage caused by gluten consumption. However, there are some people that require a longer period on a gluten free and dairy free or Paleo type lifestyle in order to feel better. Remember, it takes at least 6 months to a year to heal the intestinal lining.
