In honor of National Celiac Disease Awareness Day on Sept. 13, we at IV Revival wanted to highlight vitamins and supplements that help relieve the pain and discomfort that come with it. There are specific vitamins that can help ease the symptoms related to the disease, which we will go over in today’s blog.
Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder that causes the person’s immune system to attack the small intestine if they consume gluten — a protein commonly found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is not gluten sensitivity — it is a disease that if left undiagnosed or untreated, can lead to other disorders, including cancer, osteoporosis and infertility.
Celiac Disease affects about 3 million Americans — and 1 in 100 people worldwide. It is more common in Caucasians, women, people with Down syndrome, and patients with type 1 diabetes. Up to 40% of people with celiac disease have symptoms after starting a gluten-free diet. This is commonly due to an accidental ingestion of gluten, lactose intolerance (which is common with celiac disease), and vitamin deficiencies.
Symptoms can include:
- Bone or joint pain
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Liver and biliary tract disorders
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Fatigue
- Depression or anxiety
- Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness or pain in the hands and feet)
- Seizures or migraines
- Missed menstrual periods
- Infertility or recurrent miscarriage
- Canker sores inside the mouth
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. People living gluten-free must avoid foods with wheat, rye and barley, such as bread and beer. So, what can you do to relieve the symptoms or ensure you have a healthy diet?
Vitamins for Celiac Disease
People who are gluten-free tend to be deficient in a few vitamins and minerals such as:
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamin B12
- Thiamin (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Niacin (B3)
An IV treatment from IV Revival can help with some of these, such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12.
What Happens When You Lack B Vitamins
A deficiency in these B vitamins, though uncommon in the United States, can negatively impact your health and your mood. All of them can also exacerbate the symptoms of Celiac disease if you’re deficient. Unfortunately, most of these vitamins are found in cereals and other gluten-containing products, so it is more common for those with celiac disease to lack the proper amounts of B vitamins in their diet.
Vitamin B1 (thiamin) and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) are both a key part in converting food into energy. Thiamin also helps with brain functions and riboflavin helps maintain proper eyesight.
Vitamin B3, also called niacin, helps convert food into energy, aids in proper digestion and healthy appetite, and is important for cell development. A lack of niacin can cause digestive issues, such as nausea and abdominal cramps.
Vitamin B6 is also called pyridoxine. Like other B vitamins, it helps the body turn food into energy. It can also help the body fight infections by supporting the immune system. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need it to help their babies’ brains develop normally. A lack of vitamin B6 can result in anemia. It can also lead to depression, confusion, nausea, and dermatitis.
Vitamin B12 is essential in making red blood cells and keeping the nervous system healthy. It also helps release energy from food.
Unlike the other vitamins on this list, being deficient in vitamin B12 is common for those without Celiac disease too. It affects up to 15% of Americans! Why? Well, it’s because B12 is commonly found in meat, eggs, and milk, which makes it hard for vegetarians, vegans, and people with food restrictions to get in their diet. Thankfully, supplemental ways to get it, such as through an IV, are easy to find.
How You Can Get a Proper Amount of B Vitamins
We recommend IV therapy, which bypasses your digestive tract completely. Your body will naturally absorb all of the necessary B vitamins without any discomfort and will flush what isn’t needed out of your system within a few days. It will help fill in the gaps in your diet to help you control Celiac Disease, instead of letting it control you.
The best part is that you don’t have to force yourself out of the house if you’re in pain. IV Revival’s registered nurses will come right to your door and will work with you so you can get treatment in the comfort of your home. You can request an appointment or call for more information here.