Celiac disease and ulcerative colitis are both digestive disorders that require regular check-ups and testing to monitor the condition and ensure proper treatment. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the frequency of doctor visits, the routine tests involved, the role of specialists, and the recommended diet for managing these conditions.

How Often Should an Adult with Celiac and Ulcerative Colitis See a Regular Doctor?

For celiac disease, it is important to be tested to check if if you have type 1 diabetes, autoimmune liver disease, thyroid disease, Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, or Williams syndrome. Proper testing is critical to obtaining an accurate diagnosis.

If you are on a gluten-free diet, your doctor may put you on a “gluten challenge” plan before taking tests for celiac disease. This involves eating at least two servings of gluten (four slices of wheat-based bread) every day for 8 weeks.

Gastroenterologists diagnose celiac disease through blood work and an upper endoscopy with biopsy.

For ulcerative colitis, a gastroenterologist will be the main point of contact for care and treatment. Other specialists may also be needed to manage symptoms, including a primary care provider, an ophthalmologist, a mental health professional, a dermatologist, a rheumatologist, an enterostomal therapy nurse, and other specialists as needed.

Routine Tests for Ulcerative Colitis

Routine tests for ulcerative colitis include:

X-rays: These can help see if you've developed complications like a hole in your colon. CT scans: These may help your doctor understand the extent of your inflammation and whether you have any complications. CT enterography: This provides a more detailed look at your colon than a conventional X-ray or CT scan. MR enterography: This is a radiation-free test that can create a detailed image of your bowel and find inflammation. Intestinal ultrasound: This is a rapid point-of-care test that can show the extent, severity, and location of inflammation. Blood tests: These can show if you have anemia, which is a symptom of ulcerative colitis. Blood tests can also detect an increase in white blood cells, a low level of the protein albumin, and an elevated C-reactive protein level, all of which are indications of inflammation in the body. Stool tests: These can rule out bacteria or a virus and detect blood loss and rectal bleeding, which are possible indications of the disease.

How Often Should an Adult with Celiac and Ulcerative Colitis See a Specialist Doctor?

It is recommended that people with ulcerative colitis see a specialist on a yearly basis for a check-in. This allows for ongoing management of the condition and ensures that any changes or developments are addressed promptly.

What to Expect When Seeing a Specialist Doctor for Celiac and Ulcerative Colitis

When seeing a specialist doctor for celiac and ulcerative colitis, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation of your condition. The specialist will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and order any necessary tests to assess the severity of your symptoms and the progression of the disease.

They will also discuss treatment options with you, which may include medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. It is important to be open and honest with your specialist about your symptoms, concerns, and any changes in your condition, as this will help them provide the best possible care.

What Diet Should an Adult with Celiac and Ulcerative Colitis Follow?

For ulcerative colitis, a gluten-free diet is recommended. The American Gastroenterological Association recommends a Mediterranean-style diet, which includes whole grains, bananas, raspberries, and other fruits and vegetables.

Foods to include in the diet are:

Whole fruits and vegetables Whole grains Legumes Nuts Seeds Seafood Poultry Dairy, including yogurt or kefir Olive oil Avocado Herbs Spices

Foods to avoid are:

Processed meats Refined grains Added sugars Trans and saturated fats Ultra-processed foods Sugary desserts

Supplements

Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of developing IBD. Supplementing vitamin D to achieve optimal serum levels may help support GI microbiota balance and modulate the immune system to favour anti-inflammatory and self-tolerant pathways.

Certain probiotic strains may also help support remission in UC patients. Studies suggest that Lactobacillus GG was as effective as 5-ASA in preventing UC relapse. Saccharomyces boulardii has also shown high efficacy in maintaining UC remission when administered in doses of 250 mg three times daily for four weeks with mesalazine.

The GAPS diet, which stands for Gut and Psychology Syndrome, is a natural digestive healing program that has been used to successfully treat many diseases and conditions, including ulcerative colitis. The GAPS diet protocol aims to reduce inflammation, promote the growth of beneficial probiotics, and heal the gut lining.

The GAPS diet is a three-phase elimination diet, with the first phase being the Introduction Diet. This consists of six stages, with each stage building on the previous one’s food choices.

Stage 1 is important for those experiencing severe digestive symptoms, including frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. During this stage, you’ll consume homemade soup stocks made with fresh meat, poultry, and fish, probiotic foods like kefir or homemade yogurt, and fresh herbal teas.

Stage 2 adds raw organic egg yolks, homemade ghee, and fermented fish to the diet. Spices should be avoided at this stage, but salt and fresh herbs are okay.

Stage 3 incorporates ripe avocado, nut butter, whole organic eggs, and cooked and fermented vegetables.

The GAPS diet emphasizes the inclusion of nutrient-dense foods to support gut health and overall nutrition. Key nutrient-dense foods to include are bone broth, which is rich in minerals and amino acids that support gut healing, fermented foods like sauerkraut and kefir, which provide probiotics to aid in gut flora balance, and healthy fats like avocado, coconut oil, and olive oil, which are essential for brain health and inflammation reduction.

Meat and fish are also excellent sources of protein and essential fatty acids, and should be included in the diet.