Coeliac Disease

COELIAC DISEASE

Coeliac Disease is an autoimmune condition where your body has an abnormal response to gluten, a protein found in some foods. Eating gluten triggers antibodies that attack the lining of the small bowel. The damage to the bowel affects your ability to absorb nutrients and can sometimes (in extreme cases) lead to lymphatic cancer.

What are the symptoms of Coeliac Disease?

The main symptoms of Coeliac Disease are diarrhoea, cramping and nausea. Other signs include low iron levels, reduced bone health (osteoporosis), and fertility problems. It is important to note that some people with active Coeliac Disease have only mild symptoms, and some have no gut symptoms at all.  

Given the seriousness of Coeliac Disease, it is important to have an accurate diagnosis. At the present, the only treatment we have for Coeliac Disease is a strict gluten free diet for life. In a small number of people gluten intolerance can exist without Coeliac Disease.

I have been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. What do I do?

You may feel overwhelmed. I will answer all your questions with full information on the following & much more:

• What Coeliac Disease is and the best way to manage it
• What testing is required
• What foods contain gluten & the foods that are safe to eat