Hi Kazza, The biopsy won't be a big deal, and will help know for sure what's going on! Several things that have helped me and others I work with are: a good quality pro-biotic supplement - with different strains of the good stuff. It would work well with pre-biotic foods. Also, L-glutamine is a specific nutrient that heals the small intestine. I also take digestive enzymes with each meal to help break it down and make it easier on my body to absorb the nutrients it needs. Hope this helps! Good luck with the testing!

why would someone eat gluten when it would do more damage to the intestines? I would not agree with the drs. There is another test out here that is safe. celiac drs usually do not recommend ingesting gluten. Try www.enterolab.com for more info. Eating more gluten when you are not suppose to, only causes additional health problems. I should know, even when I did not know I was, had caused some major problems to me that I did not had before.anyway when the drs check for the small intestine they would see if the villi is being destroyed. i would try to get another second opinion.

Celiacsurvivor--In order to get an accurate diagnosis with the sample, it is necessary to have been ingesting gluten prior to the test. The site you advocate is expensive and insurance usually pays for the endoscopy.

Kazza--good luck on your test. I agree with Jette. Probiotics are great. I found that by eating lots of rice (if you're able) helps soothe my gut. Let us know how the test comes out.

To that last response, it maybe a little expensive but it is worth it. Since you have only had celiac for a few months to my of years of having it. In all of the research I had done on this disease, it still points to that you should not ingest the wheat/gluten for the tests. I know that it is some ways the doctor wants to do it. But, if the doctor was checking in the right place in the body, he will find out that where the damage is done usually in the small intestine. You eat more wheat/gluten and then you will or anyone will have the full-blown Celiac disease, then will have some permanent damage. I came close to death just because some dr. told me to eat the exact things that was causing me the problems I had just so he can get the test he wanted from me. you or anyone else here do whatever you want. it is your body. in all of the research they have on the websites for one celiac.com and others states the same reasons. There are ones pertaining to the old way of getting these tests done, which they are now saying it is not the best to do. And usually from those tests coming out positive is because the damage is done and can be seen on those tests. Thank you for your time.