Health

Report Shows Fiber Intake During Pregnancy Decreases the Risk for Celiac Disease

Published

6 years ago

August 14, 2019

A recent study has shown that pregnant women who eat high amounts of fiber could protect their children from Celiac disease.

Children are being diagnosed with celiac disease more than ever before. Historically, the majority of diagnoses occurred after a child turned 18 years old, but the number of younger children being diagnosed is increasing.

Celiac disease is dangerous because of the lasting effects it can have on a child’s body when left untreated.

The small intestine is at risk, as is their mental health and nutrition. There are no proven ways to prevent celiac disease or treat it other than a lifelong gluten-free diet.

The connection between a high-fiber diet of the mother and a lower rate of celiac disease in children could be the answer doctors have been seeking.

What is celiac disease, exactly?

Once you have celiac disease, there is no getting rid of it. Treatment is the only option and that means you must follow a strict gluten-free diet that will last the rest of your life.

The disease itself affects both the digestive and immune systems, causing discomfort in the stomach and other unpleasant symptoms.

When gluten, a protein that binds foods such as wheat and barley, enters a Celiac’s digestive system, the immune system responds by attacking the small intestine. This can cause damage that prevents the body from properly digesting food and other nutrients.

Celiac disease can also have many other negative effects on the body that make life less comfortable.

Bloating is a common symptom of celiac disease in both adults and children because of its impact on the digestive system. The digestive tract becomes inflamed, resulting in bloating.

Constant stomach pains, cramping, nausea, and headache are also common symptoms of celiac disease.

Weight loss can be a particularly dangerous symptom for children because of how rapidly they grow. It is often found that removing gluten from the diet causes children with celiac disease to regain their lost weight.

Intake of more fiber could help

Based on a study of 88,000 children born between 1999 and 2009, a high fiber diet in pregnant women resulted in fewer celiac diagnoses in the first 11 years of their children’s lives.

Pediatric celiac disease was 8% lower for every 10 grams of fiber a mother ingested during pregnancy. Fiber from fruits and vegetables rather than from cereals decreased the risk the most.

Having a gluten-free diet during pregnancy has no impact on the child’s tendency to develop celiac disease.

The main reason fiber is thought to affect the likelihood of celiac disease is because of the impact it has on the baby’s gut flora. Fiber leads to more diverse gut flora, which in turn leads to a stronger immune system.

Since celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, it is important to strengthen the immune system to fight against it.

Anything a mother eats during her pregnancy affects the baby’s health. A poor diet during pregnancy full of fatty foods could cause the child to be obese or develop high cholesterol.

The environment in which a baby develops largely affects its growth and development once it is born. Maintaining healthy eating habits that offer the baby multiple nutrients is the best way to ensure their general good health.

Causes of celiac disease

Only around 1% of the population has celiac disease, but the people who do have it face daily struggles. In addition to the prenatal environment, other factors contribute to a diagnosis of celiac disease.

According to Healthcare Weekly, one of the main causes of celiac disease is a person’s genes. The disease is hereditary, so if close relatives have celiac, a child is also more likely to have it.

Having other autoimmune issues also makes a person more susceptible to celiac disease. Since celiac is an autoimmune disease, it can become more readily present in a person with other autoimmune problems.

The increased presence of celiac disease could be attributed to more awareness of the symptoms of celiac, leading to more diagnoses. Another factor could be a result of changes in agriculture and farming over the years which may have generated growth in the number of Celiacs.

Gluten products, like wheat and flour, are now mass-produced with ease because of modern farming procedures, but this could be affecting human health and nutrition.

The high levels of modified gluten present throughout the food industry that people are ingesting is thought to be causing more cases of celiac disease.

How to test for celiac disease

Early diagnosis is very important when it comes to celiac disease, especially for children. Catching the disease early will prevent further and more serious complications.

Having your child tested for celiac disease early on is a smart way to catch the disease before it can have lasting effects. If you have a family history of celiac, getting tested is the right thing to do.

With the at-home test from imawareTM, it is easy to see if your child has celiac. The test recognizes specific biomarkers that show whether the disease is present in the body.

If you have symptoms even though the test doesn’t indicate the presence of Celiac disease, please consult a doctor.

Take the test and open up a conversation with your doctor on this topic sooner rather than later.

Problems when it is not treated in children

The short-term symptoms of celiac disease are uncomfortable, especially for children. They can be treated by simply cutting out gluten. Caught early, any damage caused by the disease will almost always be resolved by a gluten-free diet.

If children go untreated for too long, more serious issues will occur. A person develops the most in their childhood years, and celiac disease could put a damper on the changes a child goes through.

A late diagnosis of celiac disease could cause issues with a child’s weight gain and growth. Delayed diagnosis and treatment also makes it more likely the child will commence puberty later than normal.

Other dangers that go along with untreated celiac disease in children include chronic fatigue, iron-deficiency, anemia, and osteoporosis.

Don’t allow your children to suffer from celiac disease symptoms. Provide them with enough nutrients during pregnancy and after their birth to keep their bodies strong and their development on track.

By getting them tested early on, you could prevent your child from struggles later in life.

Health

Finding Your Best Fit: Are GLP-1 Medications Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?

Published

23 hours ago

July 2, 2025

Michelle Langton

Over the past few years, a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has been gaining attention, not only for treating type 2 diabetes but also in the field of weight management.

With obesity affecting “at least one in five adults (20%) in each U.S. state,” according to the CDC, many individuals are seeking effective solutions that can complement diet and exercise. Two of the most discussed options are GLP-1 injections for weight loss and GLP-1/GIP for weight loss, both of which have shown promising results.

However, deciding if these medications are right for you isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; it’s essential to determine if GLP-1s are right for you to get you to be your best self in 2025. SimpleFixRx — a healthcare service dedicated to personalized options — can help you explore GLP-1s therapy as part of your 2025 broader health plan.

Understanding GLP-1 receptor agonists

GLP-1 receptor agonists were initially designed to help regulate blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes by mimicking a hormone that controls insulin secretion, slows digestion, and reduces appetite. The recent spotlight on GLP-1 injectors for weight loss and GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss stems from studies showing that these medications can help many people achieve significant, sustained weight loss — often in the 10-15 percent range or more of their body weight — when paired with healthier eating habits and increased physical activity.

Key benefits:

Enhanced blood sugar control: For individuals with type 2 diabetes, these medications can significantly lower hemoglobin A1C levels.

Appetite regulation: By slowing gastric emptying and impacting appetite signals, GLP-1s can help reduce unhealthy food cravings.

Possible cardiovascular benefits: Some research suggests that certain GLP-1s may offer heart-protective effects, reducing the risk of cardiac events.

Who can benefit from GLP-1?

GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as a promising option for individuals facing various metabolic and weight-related challenges. Whether you’re dealing with type 2 diabetes or seeking a meaningful way to jump-start weight loss, therapies like GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss and GLP-1 injections for weight loss could help bridge the gap where traditional diet and exercise might fall short.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes

GLP-1s remain a staple in controlling high blood sugar for patients who’ve struggled with traditional oral medications or lifestyle measures alone. If you have type 2 diabetes, speak with your healthcare provider to see if adding a GLP-1 might improve your overall management plan.

Those with obesity or weight-related health concerns

If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above — or you’re overweight (BMI 25–29.9) and have additional complications like prediabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol — GLP-1s might be a strong consideration. The appetite-suppressing effects often help jump-start weight loss.

People seeking a catalyst for lifestyle changes

Even if you haven’t succeeded with traditional diets or exercise routines, medications such as GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss or GLP-1 injections for weight loss may help you regain momentum. Still, a commitment to long-term lifestyle improvements — such as more balanced eating and regular physical activity — is vital to achieving the best results.

Patients with hard-to-control metabolic factors

Some people face genetic or metabolic hurdles that make weight management exceptionally challenging. GLP-1s can help bridge that gap, providing extra support where willpower and standard lifestyle interventions might not suffice on their own.

By combining medical guidance, like that from the experts of SimpleFixRx, with regular follow-ups and a commitment to healthier habits, eligible patients may find these therapies to be a game-changer in achieving sustainable weight management and better overall health.

GLP Squared

Some compound pharmacies are now combining options for GLP medications, allowing for the microdosing of a combination of GLP and GLP1/GIP. Microdosing has numerous benefits for patients, including reduced nausea, a more steady release of medication, and decreased inflammation, among others. SimpleFix does offer GLP squared, and it is less expensive than GLP1/ GIP alone.

The SimpleFixRx approach

SimpleFixRx specializes in providing personalized healthcare solutions, including access to GLP-1 therapies, through a convenient, patient-centered platform. Their team of licensed healthcare providers works closely with patients to:

Assess eligibility: SimpleFixRx professionals review each patient’s medical history, lifestyle habits, and specific health goals to determine if GLP-1 therapy is appropriate.

Offer comprehensive care plans: Beyond prescribing medications, SimpleFixRx aims to create a holistic approach that includes nutritional guidance and exercise plans, ensuring GLP-1 therapy is supported by healthier daily habits.

Monitor progress: Through regular follow-up appointments, patients can collaborate with the SimpleFixRx team to fine-tune their regimen and address any side effects or emerging concerns.

Potential side effects and considerations

While GLP-1s offer noteworthy benefits, they aren’t free of potential drawbacks. The most frequently reported side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and, in some cases, vomiting — especially when first beginning treatment — but these often ease as your body adjusts. Other, more serious risks include pancreatitis or gallbladder issues, though these are generally less common.

Your medical history and personal goals should guide any decision to start GLP-1 therapy. Certain gastrointestinal or thyroid conditions, for instance, could make these medications less suitable. Women who are or might become pregnant also need specialized guidance, as safety data for pregnancy remains limited.

Making the decision with SimpleFixRx

Dr. Garrett H. Garner, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., a board-certified OB/GYN with over two decades of experience in North Texas, highlights the importance of individualized care. “We take the time to review each patient’s medical history, dietary habits, and long-term health objectives. Medications like GLP-1/ GIP or GLP-1 can be game-changers — but they work best within a broader strategy that includes nutrition, exercise, and regular follow-up.”

Before you opt for any GLP-1 medication, consider asking your healthcare provider or a service like SimpleFixRx these five questions:

“Am I a good candidate for GLP-1s based on my health profile?”
“How will this therapy interact with other treatments or conditions I have?”
“What lifestyle changes, if any, should I implement to maximize the benefits?”
“Which medication — GLP-1/ GIP vs. GLP-1 — would best suit my needs?”
“How often should I schedule follow-up appointments to assess progress and adjust my treatment plan?”

By partnering with a dedicated healthcare service like SimpleFixRx, you can gain access to expert guidance, personalized care plans, and ongoing support — all crucial components to long-term success.

These therapies are tools, not magic solutions, as sustainable progress often hinges on a combination of effective medication, mindful eating, regular physical activity, and consistent medical oversight. However, with the proper support structure and commitment, GLP-1 medications can be a transformative part of your journey toward better health.