Challenge #1: Before You Remove Gluten, What Should Happen First?

A 39-year-old woman seeks help for recurring bloating, loose stools, and fatigue.

She notices that symptoms sometimes worsen after eating bread or pasta. Her sister has confirmed celiac disease.

She still eats gluten daily and has never been evaluated for celiac disease.

She reports no bleeding, unintentional weight loss, or acute deterioration.

She asks:

“Should I stop eating gluten today and see whether I feel better?”

Which is the best next step?

A. Begin a strict gluten-free diet now and arrange celiac testing if symptoms persist.

B. Coordinate appropriate celiac evaluation before removing gluten, while addressing her current symptoms and nutritional needs.

C. Begin a low-FODMAP diet first, then reconsider celiac evaluation according to her response.

Choose your answer before reading the explanation.

[SEE THE ANSWER & CLINICAL REASONING →]

Warmly,

Ron Grisanti, D.C.
Founder, Functional Medicine University

P.S. Watch for tomorrow’s case challenge. Each case stands on its own—you can participate at any time.