This is a case study of how my client, Sarah, who was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease and iron deficiency, went from feeling miserable to thriving in just a matter of weeks by following a personalized anti-inflammatory eating pattern. Her journey highlights the profound impact of targeted nutrition and a holistic approach to healing.
The Struggle: Celiac Disease and Iron Deficiency Take a Toll
When Sarah first came to me, her life was defined by discomfort and frustration. She struggled with severe inflammation, bloating, weight gain, acne, fatigue, and joint pain. As if that wasn’t enough, her diagnosis of Celiac disease and iron deficiency further compounded her health issues. Despite trying various treatments, diets, and medications, she still felt stuck. Her doctors were baffled, and her symptoms were significantly impacting her physical health, mental clarity, and overall quality of life.
Sarah felt like she was running out of options—until she decided to take the LEAP with me. (Learn more about my program here.)
The Starting Point: Understanding the Root Cause
To begin Sarah’s journey toward healing, we first identified the root cause of her inflammation and symptoms. This meant starting with the MRT (Mediator Release Test), a diagnostic tool that identifies food sensitivities and inflammatory triggers.
The results of the MRT test painted a clear picture: several foods that Sarah thought were “healthy” for her were actually contributing to her inflammation and worsening her symptoms and exacerbating the effects of Celiac disease and iron deficiency. With this information, we created a personalized LEAP protocol that focused on eliminating these reactive foods while introducing safe, nutrient-rich alternatives to support gut healing and nutrient absorption.
At the start of her program in September 2023, Sarah’s symptom survey (SS) score was a staggering 121. Her goals were clear:
- Reduce inflammation.
- Improve energy levels.
- Clear up her acne.
- Alleviate digestive discomfort.
- Address the fatigue and brain fog associated with iron deficiency anemia.
We crafted an initial plan featuring approximately 30 “safe” foods, including gut-healing staples like quinoa, salmon, leafy greens, and yogurt. Alongside dietary changes, we introduced simple strategies to enhance hydration, reduce dependency on coffee and alcohol, and incorporate meals like quinoa salads, roasted vegetables, and yogurt bowls.
Early Progress: Small Changes, Big Impact
By her first follow-up on September 21, Sarah was already noticing significant improvements. Her SS score dropped to 91—a 25% reduction in symptoms in just 11 days.
Despite starting the protocol during her menstrual cycle, a time when her symptoms typically intensified, Sarah remained committed. Early wins included:
- Clearer skin with fewer breakouts.
- Reduced bloating and gastrointestinal issues.
- Improved sleep quality.
- Noticeably less fatigue, particularly during midday crashes.
Sarah’s experience wasn’t without challenges. Adjusting to a new way of eating while battling cravings and learning to prepare unfamiliar foods tested her resolve. Yet, her determination and curiosity about the process helped her stay on track. She also began practicing yoga again and noted how movement complemented her dietary changes.
Midway Milestones: Confidence and Transformation
By her 30-day follow-up on October 9, Sarah’s progress was undeniable. Her SS score had plummeted to 49, marking a remarkable 60% improvement. The physical and emotional shifts were evident:
- Sarah started waking up pain-free for the first time in years.
- Her energy levels allowed her to enjoy activities like yoga and evening walks.
- Her diet expanded to include nutrient-dense foods like beef, garbanzo beans, and sweet potatoes, which supported her iron levels and overall health.
Even her family noticed the changes. Her husband remarked that she seemed to be “glowing,” and Sarah’s confidence soared as she navigated social settings and dining out without fear. She learned to trust her body and its ability to recover, which encouraged her to keep exploring new foods and experiences.
Celiac Disease and Iron Deficiency: A Key Turning Point
For individuals with Celiac disease, iron deficiency anemia is a common and debilitating issue. Damage to the small intestine impairs the body’s ability to absorb iron, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. Sarah’s tailored protocol focused on addressing this challenge by:
- Enhancing Iron Intake: Including iron-rich foods that we KNEW didn’t cause inflammation life beef liver, and some iron rich plant foods paired with vitamin C sources to boost absorption. *she also required iron infusions*
- Healing the Gut: Reducing inflammation in Sarah’s intestinal lining allowed her body to better absorb essential nutrients, including iron.
- Eliminating Barriers: Avoiding foods that inhibited iron absorption, such as certain dairy products and reactive grains, played a crucial role in her recovery.
These strategies paid off. By mid-December, Sarah’s energy levels had dramatically improved, and her hemoglobin levels showed positive changes, as confirmed by her doctor. Her Celiac disease and iron deficiency symptoms were also more manageable, further easing her iron deficiency concerns.
Overcoming Setbacks: Staying the Course
Healing isn’t always linear, and Sarah’s journey was no exception. By December 2023, her SS score had dropped to an impressive 17—an 86% improvement. However, challenges arose, including:
- Occasional constipation.
- Reactions to skincare products containing soy and hops.
- Navigating vacations and family gatherings with dietary restrictions.
These setbacks were opportunities for growth. Together, we developed practical solutions, like refining her skincare routine, staying hydrated, and prioritizing self-compassion. Through it all, Sarah’s resilience and commitment to her health shone brightly. She even navigated family vacations and Disneyland with minimal discomfort, using strategies like meal prepping and advocating for her dietary needs. Managing Celiac disease and iron deficiency during travel required creativity and vigilance, but Sarah’s preparation made the difference.
The Result: Thriving Beyond Celiac Disease and Iron Deficiency
By February 2024, Sarah’s weight had dropped from 180 pounds to 161 pounds—a healthy and sustainable transformation. But more importantly, her life had changed in ways she never thought possible:
- She no longer woke up in pain.
- Her mental clarity returned, replacing the brain fog that once dominated her days.
- Her energy levels allowed her to fully engage with her family and enjoy life’s moments.
“It’s second nature to be healthy now,” Sarah shared during her final session. Her SS score stabilized at 28, representing a 77% overall reduction in symptoms. She was thriving, both physically and emotionally, and her family had embraced healthier eating habits alongside her.
Sarah’s Celiac disease and iron deficiency no longer felt like a life sentence, and managing her iron deficiency became part of a balanced, thriving lifestyle.
Sarah’s Reflections and Key Takeaways
Sarah’s journey wasn’t just about overcoming Celiac disease and iron deficiency. It was about reclaiming her life. Reflecting on her experience, she said:
“I came to Sara with concerns of inflammation, pain, fatigue, brain fog, digestive/bloating, skin, hair, and nails. Now, I feel like a whole new person. Everything on that list has either disappeared or is well on its way to healing.
Having Celiac disease, I assumed I had already cut out the inflammatory foods, but after talking to Sara, I learned there were many things that I thought were helping me that could actually be hurting me.
The biggest surprise was NOT talking about my weight. At all. When you think of a dietitian, you think of the word ‘diet’ and although I have lost weight during this process, it was honestly just a bonus. It was never the focus and that has been such a relief. It has always been based on how I felt, never the number on the scale. That takes a lot of pressure off.
If you want your life to change, you should reach out to Sara. I started feeling better within a couple of weeks. And it just gets better and better. I don’t have pain when I wake up in the morning. I can stand up straight. My skin is clearing up. My stomach doesn’t hurt all the time. My hair and nails are growing back. I had tried every approach and changing my diet has been the most beneficial, it has given me the most results. But it’s not as simple as avoiding gluten or dairy.
Once I found out exactly which foods were causing issues (they were ones I eat often and whole, healthy foods) I was able to avoid those and reap the rewards.
I can’t describe how much better I feel. Sara didn’t come on strong with a lot of pressure. She was easy to talk to, understanding of life, and encouraging. The future you will thank you for this investment in yourself. Trust me.”
Key Takeaways from Sarah’s Journey
- Personalized Nutrition Works: The LEAP protocol’s tailored approach was essential in addressing Sarah’s unique sensitivities and healing her gut.
- Support Systems Matter: Encouragement from her family and a compassionate partnership with her dietitian helped Sarah stay motivated.
- Healing Goes Beyond the Scale: Non-scale victories like glowing skin, improved energy, and pain-free mornings highlighted the deeper benefits of her journey.
- Confidence is Empowering: By the end of her program, Sarah trusted herself to make informed choices about her health and diet.
Celiac Disease and Iron Deficiency: A New Perspective
Sarah’s case is a testament to the power of personalized anti-inflammatory eating patterns and the body’s ability to heal when given the right tools. Her journey illustrates that even with Celiac disease and iron deficiency, it’s possible to move beyond survival mode and truly thrive.
If you’re struggling with similar challenges, let’s connect. Together, we can create your path to healing and transformation. we can create your path to healing and transformation.
