--- title: Dr. Robert Pastore—How an Early Celiac Disease Diagnosis Helps You Live a Healthier Life description: Dr. Gil Blander & Ashley Reaver, are joined by Dr. Robert Pastore, PhD, CNS, holds a PhD in Biomedical Informatics and works as a Certified Nutrition Specialist. image: https://blog.insidetracker.com/hubfs/LBD_Header%20Image_Dr.%20Robert%20Pastore.jpg --- [![Logo](https://blog.insidetracker.com/hubfs/Logo.png "Logo")](https://www.insidetracker.com/) - [Why InsideTracker?](https://www.insidetracker.com/testimonial/) - [How it works](https://www.insidetracker.com/tour/) - [Science](https://www.insidetracker.com/science/) - [About](https://www.insidetracker.com/about/) - [Blog](https://blog.insidetracker.com/) - [Contact us](https://support.insidetracker.com/supportcenter) - [Shop](https://store.insidetracker.com/) Open main menu Close main menu - [Home](https://blog.insidetracker.com/) - [Courses](https://info.insidetracker.com/live-healthier-longer-course) - [Nutrition](https://blog.insidetracker.com/nutrition) Open the submenu - [Food](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/food) - [Supplements](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/supplements) - [Health + Wellness](https://blog.insidetracker.com/health-wellness) Open the submenu - [Heart health](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/heart-health) - [Women's health](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/womens-health) - [Sleep](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/sleep) - [Energy](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/boost-energy) - [Cognition](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/Cognition) - [Immunity](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/immunity) - [Stress](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/reduce-stress) - [Performance](https://blog.insidetracker.com/performance) Open the submenu - [Endurance](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/endurance) - [Strength + Fitness](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/strength-fitness) - [Longevity](https://blog.insidetracker.com/longevity) - More... 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Today’s episode is all about celiac disease—clinical manifestations, challenges in the diagnostic processes, and how this disease is especially relevant to longevity. Along with having celiac himself, Dr. Pastore holds a PhD in Biomedical Informatics and is a certified nutrition specialist—giving him a personal and unique perspective on this condition. Tune in to learn more about the latest science in the field.   ## **Meet Longevity by Design’s podcast guest, Dr. Robert Pastore** Dr. Robert Pastore is a practitioner, consultant, and researcher in biomedicine and human nutrition. Dr. Pastore holds a PhD from Rutgers University in Biomedical Informatics, Nanomedicine, and Clinical Informatics and has an extensive background in nutrition, genetics, biochemistry, and neuroscience. He is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and has had the distinction of counseling some of the greatest professional athletes across the MLB, NFL, NHL, and endurance sports.    ## **What is celiac disease?** [Celiac disease](https://blog.insidetracker.com/how-to-eat-for-celiac-disease-and-better-health-5-quick-facts-and-tips) is an autoimmune disease in which the human body starts to attack itself when exposed to [gluten](https://blog.insidetracker.com/going-gluten-free-make-sure-you-get-these-nutrients)—a structural protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other closely related grains. Dr. Pastore explains that, in general, celiac disease only occurs in people who have specific [gene](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/Dictionary/G/gene) variants. The genes associated with celiac disease are called [human leukocyte antigen complex (HLA) DQ2 and DQ8](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7982179/). Under normal conditions, the HLA complex provides instructions for making proteins that play a critical role in the immune system. Malfunction of the HLA complex leaves the immune system unable to distinguish the body's own proteins from proteins made by foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria[1](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/hla-dqb1/). Individuals who do not have the gene variants DQ2 and DQ8 are unlikely to develop celiac disease[2](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/celiac-disease/#description).  In genetically predisposed individuals, gluten consumption will cause the body to start attacking the lining of the small intestine. More specifically, this condition harms the villi—small, finger-like projections that line the small intestine and facilitate nutrient absorption. Gluten consumption causes the villi to flatten out or disappear, damaging the intestinal lining. Because celiac patients lack a properly functioning HLA complex, the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs. Abstaining from gluten is the currently accepted way to mitigate these effects.   ## **Clinical implications of celiac disease** Celiac disease can manifest in many ways, the most common being gastrointestinal abnormalities. Initial symptoms include bloating, stomach pain, stomach swelling, and constipation. Dr. Pastore explains that untreated celiac can also cause complications beyond the intestine, with numerous conditions directly linked to celiac disease. Atrial fibrillation, autoimmune hepatitis, cardiovascular disease, many cancers, and multiple sclerosis are only a few conditions that celiac patients can develop over time. "You have to take it seriously every minute of the day. No matter what I do, I have to make sure I'm eating gluten-free because it's not just about having a gastrointestinal upset—I am absolutely increasing my risk of cancer," says Dr. Pastore. "This disease robs us of time and quality of life. It can truncate our lives in many ways when left undiagnosed." One of Dr. Pastore's biggest concerns is that 83% of celiac patients are currently undiagnosed. "Celiac prevalence is estimated to be 1 out of 100 people, and for those with a first degree relative with celiac, your risk can be between 10-22%," says Dr. Pastore. He also mentions that 60-70% of celiac cases appear in women—a stark statistic currently without explanation. ![Pastore quote 1](https://blog.insidetracker.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pastore%20quote%201.png?width=375&name=Pastore%20quote%201.png)   ## **How celiac disease impacts healthspan** Celiac disease interrupts many systems in the body, impacting healthspan in various ways when left unchecked. Nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption are high on this list—Dr. Pastore mentions that when working with celiac patients, he tests their blood for over 40 nutrients. “All fat-soluble vitamins and many water-soluble vitamins can be lost, as well as minerals important to our health. So, I go deep into every single amino acid that we need, particularly the essential and conditionally essential amino acids,” he says. [Iron](https://blog.insidetracker.com/understanding-iron-group-results-mean-each-biomarker) and [vitamin D](https://blog.insidetracker.com/vitamin-d-sunshine-not-enough) deficiency are especially common for celiac patients.  In addition to nutrient deficiencies, obesity prevalence is also associated with celiac disease. Dr. Pastore explains the three known pathways in which celiac disease can lead to obesity: 1. Lower carnitine levels—a nutrient that fuels the burning of fat. 2. Thyroid gland abnormalities may lead to weight gain. 3. The inflammasome, also described as an “immunology storm,” can disrupt the metabolism. Moreover, many other comorbidities stem from untreated celiac disease. As previously mentioned, age-related diseases—like heart disease and diabetes—and cancers such as glioblastoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, lymphomas, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer have higher rates amongst celiac patients. Therefore, diagnosing celiac disease is an important step to optimizing healthspan. Dr. Pastore strongly advocates seeking medical attention and getting tested for celiac if you present with symptoms like cramping, bloating, or regular abdominal discomfort. ![Pastore quote 2](https://blog.insidetracker.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pastore%20quote%202.png?width=375&name=Pastore%20quote%202.png) ## **Is a gluten-free diet healthy for everyone?** Throughout the episode, Dr. Pastore emphasizes the importance of adhering to a gluten-free diet *among those with celiac disease.* However, when asked about going gluten-free without celiac disease, Dr. Pastore doesn't believe it is necessary. "I believe that people should eat a healthy, whole foods diet and not change it unless they're diagnosed with a specific condition that proves they need to eliminate something from their diet. I don't believe in fad diets; I believe in excellent clinical nutrition for the individual."   The only other reason Dr. Pastore advises someone to remove gluten from their diet is if they have non-celiac gluten intolerance. He says that if you have a negative celiac test but are still presenting with symptoms, try exposing yourself to gluten in isolation on three separate occasions. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention. "Look for a doctor with a certified nutrition specialist degree or seek help from a registered dietitian. It's important to seek advice from a professional that understands food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities. If you have symptoms that negatively impact your life on three or more occasions, try eliminating that specific for a period of time," he advises. Learn more about food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities [here](https://blog.insidetracker.com/food-allergies-intolerances-sensitivities-differences). ![Pastore quote 3](https://blog.insidetracker.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pastore%20quote%203.png?width=375&name=Pastore%20quote%203.png) ## **Advice on living a healthier longer life** To close the episode, Dr. Pastore shares top tips for improving healthspan. First, he says to keep your mind young by exercising the brain. He enjoys finding topics that are complicated to him and takes classes on them to continue learning. Dr. Pastore also recommends seeking a nutrition specialist who can help you eat for your health. And last, Dr. Pastore advises avoiding alcohol as much as possible.    --- ##### ![LBD_brandtile_2](https://blog.insidetracker.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LBD_brandtile_2.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=LBD_brandtile_2.jpg) [**Longevity by Design**](https://info.insidetracker.com/longevitybydesign) Longevity by Design is a podcast for individuals looking to experience longer, healthier lives. In each episode, Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver join an industry expert to explore a personalized health journey. The show helps you access science-backed information, unpack complicated concepts, learn what’s on the cutting edge of longevity research and the scientists behind them. Tune into Longevity by Design and see how to add years to your life, and life to your years. #### 8 Ways to Biohack Your Health Free eBook ![eBook_img](https://blog.insidetracker.com/hs-fs/hubfs/inside-tracker/images/eBook_img.png?width=684&height=264&name=eBook_img.png) ### More on this topic [Manage Your Mind with These Three Strategies from Dr. Caroline Leaf](https://blog.insidetracker.com/manage-mind-strategies-dr-caroline-leaf) ###### By Michelle Darian, MS, MPH, RD, April 21, 2021 [Chasing Your Big, Wild, Audacious Goals: A Letter from Olympian Shalane Flanagan](https://blog.insidetracker.com/chasing-big-wild-audacious-goals-letter-shalane-flanagan) ###### By Shalane Flanagan, April 9, 2021 [Slowing Down to Speed Up: Olympian Tianna Bartoletta's Bedtime Routine for Improved Performance](https://blog.insidetracker.com/olympian-tianna-bartoletta-bedtime-routine-improved-performance) ###### By Tianna Bartoletta, April 5, 2021 [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/419889/4c987482-a4a3-4770-8721-a3e7cf9b89e8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/419889/4c987482-a4a3-4770-8721-a3e7cf9b89e8) ### Longevity by Design #### The Podcast [![](https://blog.insidetracker.com/hubfs/86dzy7kt4%20-%20Inside%20Tracker%20-%20Longevity%20by%20Design%20-%20Dr.%20Andrea%20Maier%20-%20Episode%20Thumbnail_01.jpg)](https://blog.insidetracker.com/do-longevity-supplements-really-work) [Do Longevity Supplements Really Work?](https://blog.insidetracker.com/do-longevity-supplements-really-work) [![](https://blog.insidetracker.com/hubfs/86dztppxp%20-%20Inside%20Tracker%20-%20Longevity%20by%20Design%20-%20Dr.%20Uri%20Alon%20-%20Episode%20Thumbnail_01.jpg)](https://blog.insidetracker.com/what-houses-garbage-and-trucks-teach-us-about-aging-with-dr.-uri-alon) [What Houses, Garbage, and Trucks Teach Us About Aging with Dr. Uri Alon](https://blog.insidetracker.com/what-houses-garbage-and-trucks-teach-us-about-aging-with-dr.-uri-alon) [View all articles](https://blog.insidetracker.com/topic/podcast) #### Recent articles [![](https://blog.insidetracker.com/hubfs/86dzy7kt4%20-%20Inside%20Tracker%20-%20Longevity%20by%20Design%20-%20Dr.%20Andrea%20Maier%20-%20Episode%20Thumbnail_01.jpg)](https://blog.insidetracker.com/do-longevity-supplements-really-work) [Do Longevity Supplements Really Work?](https://blog.insidetracker.com/do-longevity-supplements-really-work) March 30, 2026 [![](https://blog.insidetracker.com/hubfs/86dztppxp%20-%20Inside%20Tracker%20-%20Longevity%20by%20Design%20-%20Dr.%20Uri%20Alon%20-%20Episode%20Thumbnail_01.jpg)](https://blog.insidetracker.com/what-houses-garbage-and-trucks-teach-us-about-aging-with-dr.-uri-alon) [What Houses, Garbage, and Trucks Teach Us About Aging with Dr. Uri Alon](https://blog.insidetracker.com/what-houses-garbage-and-trucks-teach-us-about-aging-with-dr.-uri-alon) March 28, 2026 [View all articles](https://blog.insidetracker.com/all) ##### Company - 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