What type of blood tests should my doctor be using when trying to diagnosis Celiac Disease?
The "Celiac Panel" is a particular series of blood tests that measure your immune system's response to gluten; largely, from the food you consume. Certain factors will be evaluated, including the presence of tTG antibodies. The "Celiac Panel" includes the following:
- tTG-IgA or Tissue Transglutaminase-IgA
- AGA-IgG or Antigliadin IgG
- AGA-IgA or Antigliadin IGA
- Total IgA
The presence of tTG antibodies correlates with one having CD. AGA levels that are elevated may also indicate an allergy to wheat. These tests are extremely accurate , especially when tTG and anti-endomysial antibodies are elevated. Keep in mind that an isolated presence of anti-gladin antiobodies does not necessarily indicate CD. The exception is in children under age 2, as tTG and EMA may not be present.
Are silent and latent celiac disease the same condition?
Yes, they are both celiac disease, but describe different manifestations of the disorder. The terms "silent" and "latent" pertain to those individuals who have celiac disease but have yet to develop the signs or symptoms associated with the disease. For example, latent celiac disease refers to disease sufferers who present abnormal blood tests, but have normal small intestines and/or no symptoms of celiac disease. This latency means that patients will develop sign and symptoms of the condition later in life.
Persons with silent celiac disease have both abnormal antibody counts in blood test and loss of villi within the small intestine, yet fail to exhibit the signs and symptoms of the disease. This can even occur on a normal diet, or one that contains abundant amounts of gluten. Like latent celiac disease, these patients can present signs and symptoms later in life.
I'm still suffering the effects of celiac, even though I've taken gluten out of my diet. Why?
There may be several reasons why you are not responding to a gluten free diet, including:
- Refractory disease, or other complications associated with CD
- Another underlying, or co-existing condition (e.g. IBS, microscopic colitis, pancreatic insufficiencies, etc.)
- May over look small amounts of gluten, hidden in some dietary sources
- Ingestion of unsuspected sources of gluten, including starch, binders, and fillers found in vitamins and certain prescription medications
Why do I need supplemental nutrition if I have celiac disease?
Celiac disease has been shown to cause malabsorption of nutrients. What's more, a malnutrition state is likely to occur if proper nutrients needed to support the disease fail to be appropriately assimilated in the digestive process. There are many tests that can be done to evaluate the likelihood of you having malabsorption and malnutrition. However, these tests cannot definitively diagnose celiac disease because other disease conditions may also cause similar malnutrition and malabsorption syndromes. This further emphasizes the importance of diet and nutritional supplementation in all celiac disease sufferers.
If I decide to order Alorex, are Progressive Health's products sent discreetly?
Yes; Progressive Health respects your privacy. All orders will be shipped in a plain, unmarked envelope with a return address from Progressive Health Nutraceuticals Inc. (For more information about our shipping and billing policies, see Shipping and Billing below)
How soon can I expect to see results?
The results derived from Alorex are dependant on both the individual and severity of condition. While a large number of customers yield immediate results, others may see results in only a few short weeks. Generally, we advise that you use the product continuously, for a minimum of 45 - 60 days.
Are there any side effects when taking Alorex?
As with all nutritional supplements, there is potential for reaction. Progressive Health ensures that all potential conflicts and side effects are listed on the product information pages. However, we strongly recommend consulting with your physician if you suffer from any pre-existing conditions (other than celiac disease), known allergies, or if you are currently taking any medications. Based on customer feedback, order history, and regular product overview, there has yet to be a report of any serious side effects resulting from the implementation of Progressive Health products into existing treatment programs.
