May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month — a time dedicated to bringing attention to a condition that affects millions of people, many of whom are still struggling without answers. For many people living with celiac disease, the journey to answers is long, frustrating, and painful. What often starts as stomach discomfort can quickly spiral into chronic illness, exhaustion, inflammation, and repeated doctor visits without real explanations. Unfortunately, many people are told their symptoms are “normal,” stress-related, or simply IBS — while their body continues to suffer.
At The Wellness Way Granville, we understand this journey personally because Dr. Erika has lived it herself.
Like so many others with undiagnosed celiac disease, Dr. Erika experienced severe stomach pain, constant sickness, and the confusion of not knowing what was happening inside her body. There were multiple trips to the ER searching for answers. The symptoms were real, debilitating, and life-disrupting. Yet for a long time, the root cause remained hidden.
Eventually, testing revealed what her body had been trying to say all along: celiac disease.
But the story didn’t stop there.
Further testing also uncovered IgE food allergies to eggs and shrimp — other foods, not gluten related, that were actively triggering immune reactions in her body.
What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the body reacts negatively to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing inflammation and damage.
This can lead to symptoms like:
- Severe stomach pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Skin issues
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Anxiety or mood changes
- Joint pain
- Chronic inflammation
The tricky part? Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Some people suffer digestive distress, while others experience headaches, autoimmune flare-ups, or unexplained exhaustion.
Why Food Allergy Testing Matters
Many people assume gluten is the only problem — but that’s not always the case.
Dr. Erika’s experience highlights something incredibly important: additional food allergies and sensitivities can continue fueling inflammation even after someone changes their diet.
This is why proper testing matters.
At The Wellness Way Granville, we often encourage looking deeper into the immune system’s response to foods. There are different types of reactions the body can have:
IgE Food Allergies
IgE reactions are the classic food allergies many people think about. These can trigger immediate symptoms like:
- Hives
- Swelling
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Breathing issues
- Severe immune reactions
For Dr. Erika, eggs and shrimp were causing IgE reactions that contributed to her symptoms and inflammation.
IgG Food Sensitivities
IgG food sensitivities are different. These reactions are often delayed and harder to identify because symptoms may show up hours or even days later.
IgG-related inflammation may contribute to:
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain
- Brain fog
- Digestive issues
- Skin conditions
- Migraines
- Autoimmune flare-ups
- General inflammation throughout the body
Many people continue eating foods every day that their body is reacting to — never realizing those foods may be driving inflammation and preventing healing.
Inflammation Is the Root of So Many Health Problems
One of the biggest things we focus on at The Wellness Way Granville is reducing inflammation in the body.
Inflammation is your body’s alarm system. When it stays activated for too long, it can begin affecting digestion, hormones, immune function, joints, energy levels, and overall wellness.
For someone with celiac disease or hidden food allergies, the immune system can feel like it’s constantly under attack.
The good news? Once triggers are identified and removed, the body often has an incredible ability to heal.
You Deserve Answers
If you’ve been struggling with unexplained stomach pain, chronic inflammation, fatigue, or symptoms that nobody seems able to explain, know this: you are not crazy, and your symptoms are not “just in your head.”
Dr. Erika’s story is proof that there are answers — sometimes you simply need to look deeper.
Celiac disease may not be the only piece of the puzzle. Other food allergies and food sensitivities may affecting overall wellness.
At The Wellness Way Granville, we believe in asking why your body is reacting the way it is — not just covering symptoms temporarily.
Because healing starts when you finally understand what your body has been trying to tell you all along. Ready to start?