Think You Have Celiac Disease? Don’t Go Gluten-Free Just Yet.

If you’ve been feeling bloated, tired, or dealing with an upset stomach after eating foods like bread or pasta, you might have started to wonder, “Could it be gluten?” For many people, avoiding gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye) seems to help. But before you make any big diet changes, especially if you think it might be celiac disease, there’s one important thing to know.

Don’t stop eating gluten before getting tested.

That might sound strange, especially if gluten makes you feel sick. But eliminating gluten too early can actually make it harder to find out what’s really going on with your health. 

What exactly is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is more than a food sensitivity or intolerance. It’s an autoimmune disorder, which means your body’s immune system attacks healthy parts of your body by mistake.

When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, the immune system reacts by damaging the small intestine. More specifically, it harms tiny finger-like structures called villi, which help your body absorb nutrients from food. Over time, this damage can lead to serious health problems.

Celiac disease can affect people of all ages, from young children to older adults, and symptoms can look different for everyone. Common signs include:

• Stomach pain, bloating, or gas

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Feeling tired all the time

• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

• Skin rashes or hair loss

• Mood changes like depression or anxiety

• Nutrient deficiencies, such as low iron or vitamin D

Sometimes, the symptoms are very mild or show up in unexpected ways. That’s why getting an accurate diagnosis is so important.

Why you shouldn’t go gluten-free too soon.

It’s understandable to want relief from your symptoms. But if you stop eating gluten before seeing a doctor, it may interfere with your test results.

That’s because the tests used to diagnose celiac disease look for:

• Antibodies, which are signs that your immune system is reacting to gluten

• Damage to the small intestine, which is visible during a simple procedure called an endoscopy

If you’re not currently eating gluten, your immune system may stop reacting, and the test results can come back negative, even if you actually have celiac disease. That could lead to a missed or delayed diagnosis, and possibly more health issues down the road.

So as hard as it may be, try to keep eating foods with gluten until after your evaluation. At MedStar Health, we’ll walk with you every step of the way to make this process easier and safer.

How celiac disease is diagnosed at MedStar Health.

Our caring team of gastroenterology experts uses a trusted, step-by-step approach to accurately diagnose celiac disease:

1. Comprehensive blood work: Our providers start with blood tests to look for certain antibodies that suggest your immune system is reacting to gluten. These tests are quick, easy, and can often be done in a primary care office.

2. Endoscopy and biopsy: If your blood test results point toward celiac disease, we may recommend an upper endoscopy. This outpatient test allows a gastroenterologist to look inside your small intestine and take a tiny tissue sample (called a biopsy) to confirm if there’s damage to the lining.

These procedures are safe, minimally invasive, and performed by experienced providers caring for patients in convenient locations across the Washington, D.C., and Maryland region.

What if you’ve already stopped eating gluten?

If you’ve already made the switch to gluten-free eating, don’t worry—there are still options. In some cases, our team may recommend a gluten challenge, where gluten is reintroduced into your diet under careful supervision so we can get accurate test results.

This isn’t something you should do on your own. Our compassionate team will help you decide what’s best for your body, based on your symptoms and medical history.

Why getting the right diagnosis matters.

Celiac disease is a serious, lifelong condition that can lead to long-term complications if it’s not properly managed. These can include:

• Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies

• Osteoporosis (bone weakening)

• Delayed growth in children

• Fertility issues

• Higher risk for small bowel cancer

On the other hand, a proper diagnosis can be life-changing. Once you know what’s causing your symptoms, you can take the right steps to protect your health and start feeling better, faster.

Care and support from MedStar Health.

At MedStar Health, we know that health is personal, and so is healing. That’s why we bring together expert providers and compassionate care teams to support you from diagnosis to daily life.

When you come to us with questions about gluten or celiac disease, you’ll have access to:

• Board-certified gastroenterologists who specialize in digestive health

• Registered dietitians who can help you understand what to eat and what to avoid

• Convenient care locations throughout the D.C. and Maryland area

• A team who truly listens, explains your options, and walks with you at every stage

Watch our Facebook Live below to learn more about celiac disease: