Q:

I have had stomach problems for a many years now. My friend said she had stomach problems too and just got diagnosed with an allergy to gluten and suggested I get tested. Can I do this at the health center?

 

A:

We are able to do basic blood testing for celiac disease which is not gluten "allergy" but measures gluten intolerance and malabsorption.  Most individuals are not truly suffering from celiac disease but may find that a reduced gluten diet helps them feel better.  Actually far more people find their symptoms improve on a lactose-free diet.

If you have not had a medical evaluation for your abdominal symptoms, it is best to do so and we can assist you with that.  There are some conditions that are important to rule out (colitis, Crohn's, gall bladder disease, reflux and ulcer disease, unidentified chronic infections).  Most individuals with ongoing abdominal pain who have other conditions ruled out have some kind of diet or stress related cause, resulting in "irritable bowel" symptoms.

 Our dietician, Jill Kelly, can work with you on a diet that eliminates these common food components so you can see if your symptoms are better controlled.

~The Doc