3. Neurological and Mental Health Changes
Gluten can impact your nervous system as well. Silent celiac commonly presents with (4):
Neurological symptoms
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
- Balance or coordination problems
Mental health symptoms
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Mood swings and irritability
- Memory issues
Studies suggest a higher rate of mood disorders among undiagnosed celiac patients (5), and other research indicates celiac disease may be an overlooked cause of mental illness in children (6). If you or a loved one notice emotional or cognitive struggles without an obvious cause, consider screening for celiac disease.
4. Bone and Joint Pain
Unexplained aches, joint pain, or even early osteoporosis can be silent signs (7). Damaged villi mean the body struggles to absorb vitamin D and calcium, which are vital for healthy bones.
Silent celiac warning signs:
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Frequent fractures with minimal trauma
- Joint swelling or stiffness without visible inflammation
5. Unexplained Weight Loss or Weight Gain
While dramatic weight loss is often seen as a textbook symptom, some people may actually experience unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight (8). Malnutrition can cause hormonal imbalances that slow metabolism.
6. Reproductive Health Issues
Women with undiagnosed celiac often present with unexplained infertility, irregular cycles, or recurrent miscarriages (9). Men may also experience decreased fertility or hormone irregularities.
Signs to consider testing for celiac:
- Difficulty conceiving after one year of trying
- Irregular menstrual cycles or early menopause
- Low libido or unexplained hormonal symptoms
7. Mouth Problems
Oral health may suffer too. Look for:
- Frequent mouth ulcers (canker sores) (10)
- Burning tongue sensation
- Tooth enamel defects
8. Headaches and Migraines
Chronic headaches and migraines are more common in people with untreated celiac disease (11). If head pain is frequent and resists standard management, consider underlying gluten sensitivity.
An Integrative Medicine Approach to Celiac Disease
Integrative medicine treats the patient as a whole—not just isolated symptoms. This perspective is especially valuable with a complex, multi-system condition like celiac disease.
1. Diagnosis and Testing
Because silent celiac disease can masquerade as many other problems, thorough screening is essential (12):
- Blood tests: Test for tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG-IgA) while you’re still eating gluten.
- Genetic testing: Assesses risk if you have a family history but no symptoms.
- Small intestine biopsy: Considered the gold standard for confirmation.
If celiac is suspected, don’t self-start a gluten-free diet before diagnostic tests, as this can return a false negative.
Related: Triggers of Autoimmune Disease
2. Beyond Gluten-Free: Healing the Body
A strict gluten-free diet is the mainstay of treatment, but integrative care goes further:
Restore the gut:
- Incorporate gut-soothing foods like bone broth and fermented vegetables
- Consider probiotic supplements to rebalance microbiota
- Work with a dietitian to address lingering symptoms and ensure balanced nutrition
Address deficiencies:
- Test for deficiencies (iron, B12, vitamin D, calcium, zinc)
- Supplement only where needed, as advised by your integrative doctor
Mind-body support:
- Practice stress management (meditation, yoga, therapy)
- Get regular physical activity to improve mood, bone density, and gut health
3. Periodic Monitoring
Silent celiac can cause complications even when patients feel “fine.” Annual check-ins can help monitor nutrient status, bone density, and any autoimmune complications.
4. Community Support
Celiac disease can feel isolating and overwhelming, especially at first. Support groups and online communities can provide invaluable advice, recipe ideas, and emotional encouragement.
Red Flags That Warrant Screening
If you recognize these “silent” symptoms, ask your provider about testing for celiac disease, especially if you have:
- A family history of celiac or autoimmune disorders
- Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia
- Chronic skin rashes or neurological symptoms
- Reproductive health struggles without a clear cause
Early intervention is the best tool for protecting your long-term health.
Take Charge of Your Health
Silent symptoms of celiac disease affect far more than just your digestive health. By listening to your body, seeking integrative care, and staying vigilant for subtle signs, you can safeguard your well-being and thrive—even with this lifelong condition.
Next steps:
- If any symptoms above resonate with you, schedule an appointment with your integrative healthcare provider for screening.
- Learn more about celiac and gluten-free living from reputable sources such as the Celiac Disease Foundation.
Knowledge is power. Don’t ignore the silent signs that could be quietly impacting your health.
