Coeliac Disease
by Amy Holmes | 18th May 2023
Coeliac disease is thought to be around for centuries, with clinical signs and symptoms dated back to 25 AD!
It affects around 1 in every 100 people in Ireland. However, it is believed this is an underestimation, with many milder cases going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.
Living with coeliac disease can present unique challenges, but with the right knowledge and strategies, it's possible to lead a fulfilling and healthy gluten-free life.
To ensure people with Coeliac Disease get the healthcare they require, it’s important to spread awareness, understand what coeliac disease is, the complex symptoms and how to treat it!
What is coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is not an allergy, or an intolerance, it's an autoimmune condition whereby the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the body.
In coeliac disease, the immune system mistakes gluten as a threat to the body when consumed, causing damage to the lining of the gut.This damage is very harmful, as it disrupts the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food and leads to severe symptoms and longer term complications if not effectively diagnosed and treated.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a dietary protein found in 3 types of cereal grains:
1.Wheat
2.Barley
3.Rye
Examples of foods containing gluten include:
1.Pasta
2.Noodles
3.Pastries and cakes and other baked goods
4.Breakfast Cereals
5.Bread
6.Some processed foods
7.Most beers are also made from barley
Gluten-free alternatives
1.Pasta- opt for brown rice pasta, chickpea pasta, quinoa pasta
2.Noodles- instead, choose soba noodles, shirataki noodles
3.Pastries and cakes and other baked goods- opt for gluten free alternatives or if baking at home, use gluten free ingredients including corn flour/starch, xanthan gum, polenta, buckwheat flour, tapioca flour.
4.Breakfast Cereals- instead opt for granolas, gluten free oats or buckwheat flakes
5.Bread- choose breads marketed as gluten free or try to make your own bread using gluten free flours like buckwheat flour!
Recognising the Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of coeliac disease can vary greatly and differ among individuals.
Classical digestive problems are most commonly associated and are as follows:
●Unexplained weight loss
●Abdominal pain
●Bloating
●Diarrhoea
●Nausea and vomiting
However, an increasing number of those suffering present with non-digestive symptoms, including:
●Anaemia
●Neurological effects (numbness and tingling in feet/hands, issues with balance, cognitive impairment, brain fog)
●Loss of bone density (osteoporosis)
●Joint pain
●Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
●Fatigue
●Mouth ulcers
●Headaches
Treatment
There is no cure for coeliac disease, but following a gluten-free diet can help to manage symptoms, heal your gut and prevent long-term complications.
Adapting to a gluten-free lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing enjoyment or quality of life. By understanding the condition, effectively managing a gluten-free diet, and seeking support from healthcare professionals and the coeliac community, individuals can lead fulfilling lives and embrace their health with confidence.
The good news is that many foods are naturally gluten-free and can be included as part of a healthy diet including:
1.Fruits and vegetables
2.Beans, nuts, seeds & legumes in their natural, unprocessed forms
3.Eggs
4.Lean, unprocessed meats, fish and poultry
5.Most dairy products
Avoid foods containing the 3 grains wheat, barley and rye and consume gluten-free alternatives as mentioned above when possible!
Look out for the gluten-free symbol found on meals to provide clarity on what products are suitable for consumption!
How Gourmet Fuel can help
If you have recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease and unsure where to go from here, why not speak to a registered nutritionist here at Gourmet Fuel? We can help direct you on the right path and make your coeliac lifestyle easier! Book in for a complementary 20 minute consultation here https://gourmetfuel.com/book-a-nutrition-consultation/
We offer a range of gluten-free options, see herehttps://gourmetfuel.com/shop/?_bc_fsnf=1&Any+Allergies=Gluten . Please be advised, while we do take all the necessary precautions to limit cross contamination, it is important to note that we do not operate in an allergen free environment.