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What Is a Coeliac?

Hello there! If you’ve landed here, you’re probably wondering what is a coeliac  (or maybe you’re wondering why your mate can’t eat pizza anymore).

Either way, you’re in the right place. Let’s have a proper chat about what it means to be a coeliac, how it affects people, and how you can live well (and even happily!) without gluten.

What is Coeliac Disease?

Imagine your body’s immune system is like a security guard. Normally, it’s there to keep out the baddies – germs, viruses, all that nasty stuff.

But if you’re a coeliac, your immune system gets a bit confused. When you eat gluten (that’s the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye), your body thinks it’s under attack and starts causing trouble in your small intestine. Not ideal, is it?

This isn’t just a mild tummy ache or a passing fad. Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition. If you’ve got it, you have to avoid gluten completely, or your poor gut lining gets damaged, and you can end up feeling pretty rubbish.

What is Gluten?

The Science Bit (But Not Too Boring, Promise)

Let’s break it down. Gluten is what makes bread all lovely and chewy. It’s in loads of foods – not just bread, but pasta, cakes, biscuits, even some soups and sauces. For most people, gluten is harmless. But for coeliacs, it’s the enemy.

When a coeliac eats gluten, their immune system attacks the villi – those tiny, finger-like things in the small intestine that soak up nutrients. If the villi get damaged, you don’t absorb goodness from your food, which can lead to all sorts of problems.

Oh, and here’s a fun fact: coeliac disease is genetic. So if your mum, dad, or sibling has it, you’re more likely to get it too. It’s a family affair!

What Causes Coeliac Disease?

Spotting the Symptoms

Here’s where it gets tricky. Coeliac disease can show up in all sorts of ways. Some people get classic digestive symptoms – think bloating, diarrhoea, tummy pain, wind (yes, we’re talking about farting), and even constipation. Others feel tired all the time, lose weight for no reason, or get mouth ulcers or skin rashes. Some people don’t get any symptoms at all! Sneaky, right?

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Tummy troubles (pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation)

• Tiredness and feeling run down

• Unexplained weight loss

• Anaemia (low iron)

• Mouth ulcers

• Itchy skin rash (called dermatitis herpetiformis – try saying that after a glass of wine)

• Headaches

• Achy joints or bones

• Fertility problems

And remember, kids can get it too – sometimes it shows up as poor growth or delayed puberty.

Silent or Atypical Coeliac Disease

Some people have no obvious symptoms at all, or their symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed. This is known as “silent” or “asymptomatic” coeliac disease, but the intestinal damage still occurs.

Diagnosing Coeliac Disease

Why Diagnosis Matters

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Untreated coeliac disease can lead to serious complications, including osteoporosis, infertility, neurological disorders, and even certain cancers.

How Do You Get Diagnosed?

If you think you might have coeliac disease, don’t just ditch gluten straight away! You need to be eating gluten for the tests to work.

First up, your GP will do a blood test to check for certain antibodies. If those come back positive, you’ll be sent for an endoscopy (don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds). They’ll take a tiny sample from your small intestine to see if your villi are damaged.

Sometimes, genetic tests are used, especially if things aren’t clear. But the main thing is: don’t self-diagnose. Get checked out properly.

The Gluten-Free Diet: Your New Best Friend

Here’s the truth: there’s no magic pill for coeliac disease. The only way to manage it is to avoid gluten – for life. That might sound daunting, but trust me, it gets easier.

You’ll need to steer clear of:

• Wheat (including spelt, durum, semolina)

• Barley

• Rye

• Triticale (a wheat/rye hybrid)

And watch out for hidden gluten in things like:

• Sauces and gravies

• Processed meats

• Crisps and snack foods

• Some sweets and chocolate

But don’t panic! Loads of foods are naturally gluten-free:

• Fruit and veg

• Meat, fish, eggs (as long as they’re not battered or breadcrumbed)

• Rice, potatoes, corn

• Beans and pulses

• Dairy

And the good news is, supermarkets are getting much better at labelling gluten-free foods. Look for the crossed grain symbol or check the ingredients list.

Oats: Friend or Foe?

Oats are a bit of a grey area. Pure, uncontaminated oats are gluten-free, but most oats are processed in factories that handle wheat, so they can get contaminated. Plus, a small number of coeliacs react to a protein in oats called avenin. If you want to try oats, talk to your doctor or dietitian first.

Day-to-Day Life with Coeliac Disease

Let’s be honest: going gluten-free is a big change. At first, it can feel like a right faff – reading labels, asking questions in restaurants, explaining to your nan why you can’t eat her famous Victoria sponge. But it does get easier, especially with a bit of planning.

Here are some top tips:

• Learn to read labels like a pro

• Keep gluten-free snacks in your bag for emergencies

• Don’t be shy about asking staff in cafes or restaurants about gluten-free options

• Find a few go-to recipes you love

• Connect with others – join Coeliac UK or find online groups for support and advice

And remember, you’re not alone! There are loads of us out here living happy, healthy, gluten-free lives.

The Importance of a Gluten-Free Kitchen

For coeliacs, the kitchen is both a place of potential danger and a haven of safe, delicious food. Creating a gluten-free kitchen is crucial to avoid cross-contamination. Here are some tips:

• Use separate toasters for gluten-free and regular bread
• Have dedicated gluten-free cutting boards and utensils
• Clean surfaces thoroughly after preparing gluten-containing foods
• Store gluten-free products on the top shelves to prevent crumbs from falling on them

Remember, even a tiny amount of gluten can cause problems for a coeliac, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Eating Out: Navigating the Restaurant Scene

Eating out as a coeliac can feel like navigating a minefield, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying a meal out! Here are some tips:

1. Call ahead: Many restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary requirements if they know in advance.
2. Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask about ingredients and preparation methods.
3. Stick to naturally gluten-free options: Grilled meats, salads, and vegetables are usually safe bets.
4. Bring your own: Some restaurants will let you bring your own gluten-free bread or pasta.
5. Use apps: There are several apps that can help you find gluten-free friendly restaurants in your area.

Remember, your health is more important than worrying about being a ‘difficult’ customer. A good restaurant will be happy to help!

The Emotional Side of Coeliac Disease

Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked – the emotional impact of coeliac disease. Being diagnosed with a lifelong condition can be tough, and it’s normal to feel a range of emotions:

• Grief: Saying goodbye to your favourite foods can feel like losing old friends.
• Anxiety: Worrying about cross-contamination or accidentally eating gluten is common.
• Frustration: Explaining your needs over and over can get tiring.
• Isolation: Feeling left out of social events centred around food.

But it’s not all negative! Many people report feeling much better once they start a gluten-free diet. Plus, there’s a fantastic and supportive coeliac community out there ready to welcome you with open arms (and gluten-free recipes).

Coeliac Disease in Kids

If your child has coeliac disease, it can be a bit of a juggling act. Kids might not always be able to explain how they feel, and school dinners, parties, and playdates can be tricky.

Top tips for parents:

• Work with the school to make sure your child’s needs are met

• Teach your child to ask questions and look out for gluten

• Keep gluten-free treats handy for parties

• Find other parents in the same boat – you’re not alone!

Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1: Coeliac Disease is Just a Food Allergy

Fact: Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition, not an allergy. It involves a complex immune response and can have serious long-term health consequences.

Myth 2: A Little Bit of Gluten Won’t Hurt

Fact: Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause intestinal damage, even if symptoms are not apparent.

Myth 3: Gluten-Free Diets are Healthier for Everyone

Fact: There is no evidence that a gluten-free diet is healthier for people without coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. In fact, unnecessary restrictions can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Myth 4: You’ll Outgrow Coeliac Disease

Fact: Coeliac disease is lifelong. There is currently no cure, and symptoms will return if gluten is reintroduced.

Beyond the Gut: Other Health Considerations for Coeliacs

Short-Term Complications

• Ongoing symptoms despite a gluten-free diet (often due to hidden gluten)

• Nutritional deficiencies (iron, calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins)

Long-Term Risks

If left untreated, coeliac disease can lead to:

• Osteoporosis (brittle bones)

• Infertility and pregnancy complications

• Neurological problems (peripheral neuropathy, ataxia)

• Increased risk of certain cancers (especially lymphoma of the small intestine)

• Delayed growth and puberty in children

Associated Autoimmune Disorders

People with coeliac disease are at higher risk for other autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease.

The Future is Bright (and Gluten-Free!)

Getting Support

There’s loads of help out there. Coeliac UK is brilliant – they offer advice, recipes, product lists, and even a helpline if you’re stuck. Online forums and Facebook groups are great for swapping tips and having a moan when you need to.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s your GP, a dietitian, or just a friend who “gets it”, having a support network makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Living with coeliac disease can be a challenge, but it’s totally doable. With the right know-how, a bit of planning, and a good sense of humour, you can still enjoy amazing food and a full, happy life. Remember, you’re not alone – there’s a whole community out there ready to help.

Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll have a cure. But until then, we’ll keep creating delicious gluten-free recipes (like our scrumptious gluten-free fish pie) and supporting each other on this gluten-free journey.

 Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coeliac disease the same as a wheat allergy?

No, coeliac disease and wheat allergy are different conditions. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, while a wheat allergy is an allergic reaction to wheat proteins. Someone with a wheat allergy might be able to eat barley and rye, which a coeliac can’t.

Can you grow out of coeliac disease?

Unfortunately, coeliac disease is a lifelong condition. Once diagnosed, you’ll need to follow a gluten-free diet for life. But look on the bright side – it’s a great excuse to explore new foods and recipes!

Are oats safe for coeliacs?

This is a bit of a tricky one. Pure oats don’t contain gluten, but they’re often processed in facilities that also handle wheat, leading to cross-contamination. Some coeliacs can tolerate pure, uncontaminated oats, while others can’t. It’s best to consult with your doctor before introducing oats into your diet.

Can coeliacs drink alcohol?

Many alcoholic drinks are naturally gluten-free, including wine, cider, and most spirits. Beer is usually off-limits as it’s made from barley, but there are now many gluten-free beers available. As always, check the label or ask the manufacturer if you’re unsure.

And there you have it, folks! A deep dive into the world of coeliac disease. Remember, being diagnosed with coeliac disease isn’t the end of the world – it’s the beginning of a new, gluten-free adventure.

So put on your detective hat, grab your gluten-free snacks, and let’s continue this journey together. After all, life is pretty great without gluten!

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