What is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac Disease is not an allergy or intolerance but an auto immune disease, where the body's immune system damages the lining of the small intestine when foods containing gluten are eaten.

Damage to the small intestine is the cause of a range of symptoms including bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, tiredness and mouth ulcers. It can also mean it is difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from foods causing many untreated Coeliacs to be at risk of a range of nutrient deficiencies which can lead to hair loss and osteoporosis.

One in one hundred people have Coeliac disease which can be diagnosed in childhood or later in life. It is a life long condition but the good news is it can be managed and the small intestine treated by following a gluten free diet.

"Over 125,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with coeliac disease however, it is widely thought that almost 500,000 people may have undiagnosed coeliac disease." (Source: Coeliac UK)

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in some cereals including wheat, barley and rye- and products made from these such as bread, pasta, cakes and pastry.

Oats can also be unsuitable for some Coeliacs. As oats are often produced in the same place as gluten containing cereals, there can be a risk of cross contamination.

What are Gluten Free Foods?

Naturally Gluten Free

Include meat, fish, eggs, milk, dairy foods, fruits, vegetables, potatoes, rice, corn, quinoa, pulses, buckwheat.

Specially Developed Gluten Free Foods

These are foods which are traditionally made using gluten containing ingredients but have been developed using a gluten free recipe. Gluten levels of these foods are also tested to ensure they are 'gluten free'.

These foods include:

• Pies
• Gravies and sauces
• Pasta
• Bread
• Cakes
• Biscuits
• Cereal 
• Ready Meals

Staying Healthy on a Gluten Free Diet

Healthy eating following a gluten free diet is similar to the rest of the population and should include foods from the four main food groups.

It's important for everyone to eat a healthy balanced diet but it can be more challenging when you need to avoid certain food groups. There are some starchy carbohydrate foods which contain gluten therefore Coeliacs should include plenty of naturally gluten free starchy carbohydrate foods in their diets.

For more information on Coeliac disease visit the Coeliac UK website or contact your GP

The only treatment for coeliac disease is a gluten-free diet