GastroDoxs A Friendly Guide to Houstonians.
Houston is the place where one can get the excellent food, although the celiac disease sufferers have gluten to blame. Here, we will discuss what is celiac disease, how it destroys your gut and general health, and what can be done about it. We will be using plain language, minimal paragraphs, and actual quotes of Dr. Bharat Pothuri your neighboring gastroenterologist of Houston.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. The case of a person with celiac disease, on consuming gluten (protein found in wheat, barley, and rye), the immune system of this person targets the small intestine. In the long term, this response causes destruction of the gut lining.
According to Dr. Bharat Pothuri, an endoscopist in Houston, one of them mentions:
Celiac disease is not just tummy-ache disease. It is an immune disease which may damage most of the body as one ages.
To appreciate the cause of celiac disease to interfere with the gut health and functioning, we must examine the small intestine. It has small extensions of fingers in the inner surface in the form of villi. They help absorb nutrients. These villi in celiac disease are flattened by a period of inflammation due to gluten.
Dr. Pothuri explains:
When the villi contract, your small intestine is no longer able to perform its most important task absorbing nutrients. That is why, patients have a tendency to feel fatigued or weak.
Celiac disease gut damage and nutrient absorption issues can be considered one of the largest concerns. Let's break this down:
Dr. Pothuri says:
In Houston, many of the patients do not learn of celiac until the routine blood tests reveal low levels of iron or calcium. The clue it gives out is that the gut lining requires assistance.
Celiac disease may cause gut complications in case they are not treated. Other conditions can arise with continued destruction.
How celiac disease may cause gut complications is not mere theory, it is a warning to Dr. Pothuri. êÎtis how we see patients develop secondary disorders when the gut is still inflamed.
When we talk of long-term outcomes of celiac disease on your gut lining, we think years of low-grade inflammation. Over time, this can cause:
Dr. Pothuri notes:
Not all patients can be completely cured on a strict gluten-free diet, so even then, they do not regain normal villi. Early diagnosis matters.
A key phrase to read on the importance of the situation is: How untreated celiac disease damages your gut lining. In case you overlook symptoms or do not test:
Key takeaway:
Celiac disease when left untreated is not just an upset stomach. It is a progressive ailment that is capable of eating up the structure of your gut.
Celiac disease does not remain in the gut. It has the ability to impact on your whole body.
Dr. Pothuri adds:
"In my clinics in Houston, I have encountered patients who were amazed with the improvement in their moods after they had gone gluten-free. It's real and powerful."
There are benefits to living in Houston such as the outstanding specialty care and the rising gluten-free scene. The following is the way of dealing with the damage of the gut in celiac disease and absorption problems of nutrients in the Bayou City.
| Feature | Healthy Gut | Celiac-Affected Gut |
| Villi Shape | Finger-like extensions that are tall and pointed | Flattened, blunted surface |
| Nutrient Absorption | Efficient (vitamins, minerals, proteins) | Reduced (iron, calcium, B vitamins) |
| Gut Barrier | Tight junctions stop leakage | Leak into blood of toxins through leaky gut |
| Level of Inflammation | Low, regulated by immune equilibrium | Chronic, mediated by gluten reaction |
| Symptom Profile | Infrequent mild pain and discomfort | Persistent pain, bloating, diarrhea |
Celiac disease is not a mere food sensitivity- it is an autoimmune response that damages your gut, and more. You can find great care providers, such as gastroenterologists such as Dr. Bharat Pothuri, or flourishing gluten-free societies in such places as Houston. With knowledge of how celiac disease interferes with the gut health and functioning, how celiac disease may cause gut complications, and what long-term complications are caused by celiac disease on your gut lining, you may be in control of your health. Remain gluten-free, be informed, and contact your local experts to treat you best.
Get additional instructions, recipes and expert opinion when you visit GastroDoxs your source of digestive health in Houston. Go first to healthier gut today!
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Seek chronic diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss or skin rash. Persistent bloating following the consumption of gluten is a red flag in Houstonians.
Yes. Pediatric tests involve blood tests and a biopsy of a small intestine in case of necessity. Early diagnosis can be used to avoid gut damage overtime.
Very strict. Gluten can cause inflammation of the gut lining even in trace quantities. Read labels and enquire about cross-contact.
Absolutely. Participate in the Montrose Celiac Meetup, seek out gluten free farmers markets in the Heights, or request your Houston dietitian to hold group classes.
At first, every 3/2 -6 months until the time you are healed. Subsequently, visitation every year with blood tests to check the nutrition level.
On a life-long gluten-free diet, significant improvement is observed by many. The gut damage can however be reinstated by re-exposure to gluten.
Children recover within several months. Adults can have a period of 1215 years to recover villus completely. This is a time when supplements come in handy.
Celiac disease- untreated slightly increases the chances of intestinal lymphoma. This risk is minimized with time with the help of a strict gluten-free diet.
Supplements such as iron, calcium, vitamin D or B-complex could be prescribed by your doctor when the laboratory results indicate deficiencies. Always act in terms of medical guidance.
There are numerous gluten-free restaurants available in Midtown, Rice Village, and Montrose. Always notify personnel on your status and enquire on how they prepare the same.
