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Celiac Disease Diagnosis – An Integrative & Functional Medicine Near Me in Springfield, IL; Role of LDN?


By: Dr. Yoon Hang Kim MD - Springfield IL Integrative & Functional Medicine Clinic

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — triggers an immune reaction that damages the small intestine. For many patients in Springfield, IL and beyond, symptoms can be frustrating, vague, and often misattributed to other digestive or systemic issues.


From an integrative and functional medicine perspective, accurate diagnosis is essential — not only to confirm celiac disease but also to uncover root causes, related nutrient deficiencies, and associated autoimmune conditions.


Why a Definitive Diagnosis Matters

Some people start a gluten-free diet on their own, only to later struggle with unclear answers. Unfortunately, removing gluten before testing can lead to false negative results in both blood work and biopsies. That’s why it’s crucial to follow the right testing steps while still consuming gluten.


Step-by-Step: How Celiac Disease is Definitively Diagnosed

1. Serologic (Blood) Testing – While Eating Gluten

The first step is to test for specific antibodies linked to celiac disease:

  • tTG-IgA (Tissue Transglutaminase IgA) – the primary screening test; highly sensitive and specific.

  • EMA-IgA (Endomysial Antibody IgA) – very specific; often used for confirmation.

  • DGP-IgG (Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgG) – useful in IgA deficiency.

  • Total Serum IgA – to check for IgA deficiency, which could make IgA-based tests falsely negative.

Tip: Continue eating gluten (usually at least 1–3 slices of bread per day) until all testing is complete.


2. Endoscopic Small Intestinal Biopsy

If blood tests are positive, the next step is an upper endoscopy with duodenal biopsies:

  • At least 4–6 samples are taken from different areas of the duodenum.

  • Pathology is assessed using the Marsh Classification:

    • Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes

    • Crypt hyperplasia

    • Villous atrophy (partial to total)


3. Symptom & Lab Improvement on a Gluten-Free Diet

After diagnosis, patients start a strict gluten-free diet. Over weeks to months, many experience:

  • Improved digestion and energy

  • Reduction in autoimmune flare-ups

  • Normalization of celiac antibody levels

  • This is the stage where additional treatments such as LDN may be helpful.


Functional Medicine Approach in Springfield, IL and Beyond

We provide virtual integrative functional medicine services to Springfield IL and the rest of IL, MO, TX, GA, and FL.

  • Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium)

  • Gut microbiome balance

  • Associated autoimmune conditions (thyroid, type 1 diabetes, etc.)

  • Food sensitivities beyond gluten

This comprehensive approach helps reduce inflammation, promote gut healing, and support long-term wellness.

HLA Genetic Testing – Ruling It Out

Over 99% of patients with celiac disease carry HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8. If you do not have these genes, celiac disease is extremely unlikely. We often use this test in ambiguous cases or for family screening.

Key Takeaways

  • Don’t go gluten-free before testing — it can make definitive diagnosis much more difficult.

  • A combination of blood tests + intestinal biopsy is the gold standard.

  • Functional medicine adds value by addressing nutrient repletion, gut healing, and related immune conditions.

  • Genetic testing can help rule out celiac disease.

Springfield, IL Celiac Disease Testing & Care

If you suspect celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, our Integrative & Functional Medicine clinic in Springfield, IL offers:

  • Advanced celiac testing

  • Nutritional guidance

  • Whole-person autoimmune care


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Dr. Yoon Hang Kim, MD is a board-certified physician specializing in integrative and functional medicine, dedicated to uncovering root causes and providing personalized healing for chronic and complex conditions. He is a recognized expert in Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) therapy and offers telemedicine services across multiple states—including Quincy, IL and throughout Illinois, San Antonio and all of Texas, Missouri, Florida, and Atlanta as well as the rest of Georgia.


 
 
 

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