What is coeliac disease?
Coeliac Disease (pronounced see-liac) is a lifelong autoimmune condition which is triggered by an intolerance to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains wheat, rye and barley. You may coeliac disease as someone in your family has you have gained the same genetics.
Coeliac disease was considered a childhood disease but Coeliac UK reported in 2010 that 86% of newly diagnosed coeliacs were adults, many of them pensioners.
If you have coeliac disease then when you eat foods that contain gluten this results in damage to the lining of the gut. Some people are also sensitive to oats as well as gluten. Gluten damages villi, the finger-like projections in the small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. When the villi are damaged, the body cannot absorb all the nutrients the body needs to thrive.
What is gluten?
Gluten is the protein that is present in certain cereals, such as wheat, emmer, kamut, spelt, rye, triticale and barley. The main function of gluten is to act as a binding agent, which gives baked goods their characteristic structure and texture.Some people with coeliac disease may also not be able to tolerate oats, the best thing to do is to ask your gastroenterologist or dietitian if you can include them in your diet.
This intolerance to gluten leads to the inflammation of lining of the gastrointestinal tract (your gut) and causes the symptoms commonly associated with coeliac disease.
Coeliac disease only manifests if gluten is within the diet. Gluten acts as an antigen triggering damage to the small intestine but it also cause malabsorption of nutrients, which is key for living a healthy lifestyle.
What's happening inside?
The lining of your small intestine is covered in finger-like projections called villi. These increase the surface area of the intestine for the absorption of food.When you have coeliac disease, eating something that contains gluten causes the lining of your small intestine to become inflamed. This causes the villi to flatten and reduces the body's ability to properly absorb nutrients from food. If left untreated (not continuting with a gluten free diet) then it may result in weight loss and vitamin and mineral deficiencies such as anemia, or even infertility, oesterporosis and cancer in the digestive system.
To see the damage of the villi log into the managing your coeliac condition section in the Love Food club.
Click on the links below for further information
What are the symptoms of coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease can affect men and women of all ages, and can sometimes start in infancy, during weaning. However, it is most frequently diagnosed in adults. Symptons can widely vary also we explain some of the most recognised coeliac disease symptoms.
How can I get diagnosed?
If you think you may have coeliac disease symptoms then this page explains what you should do now.
What is the treatment for coeliac diease?
There is only one cure for coeliac disease and it is essential you should stick to a gluten free diet.
What care can I expect now I have coeliac disease?
Once you have been diagnosed by your GP and at the hospital that you have coeliac disease then there is a typical process you will go through.
Starting a gluten free diet
Sticking to a gluten free diet is essential so we provide some essential facts on starting a gluten free diet.
Do I need to avoid wheat?
Products containing Codex wheat starch are gluten free but not wheat free and are suitable for the majority of people with coeliac disease.
Coeliac Disease and Healthy Eating
When you are diagnosed coeliac there are a number of extra key nutritents you must include in your gluten free diet.
How can I tell if a product is gluten free?
A new leglislation announced in the UK will help you when shopping for your gluten free diet
Eating or travelling gluten free?
We have some essential tips as a coeliac for when you are out having a meal or travelling gluten free abroad or in the UK. You can also find over 500 restaurants that are suitable for coelaics on our gluten free restaurant finder.
Coeliac Disease and Osteoporosis
If you are diagnosed for coeliac disease read more about what osteroporosis is too
Coeliac Disease and Diabetes
Coeliac disease and Type 1 diabetes are common autoimmune conditions and share many genetic and environmental risk factors.
Coeliac Disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a skin condition associated with coeliac disease and has evidence that its skin symptoms may also be linked with having coeliac disease.
Coeliac Disease and Pregnancy
Pregnancy has no greater risk for women diagnosed with coeliac disease than those without, but it is important to stick to a strict gluten free diet to avoid pregnancy complications.
Find out why Cross Contamination is important when eating in or out.
Gluten free food prescription
If you have coeliac disease then find out more about your gluten free foods prescription.
Find out more about Coeliac Disease in our FAQ
To find out in more detail on how to manage your coeliac condition and to discover whether you need a follow up with your GP or dietician, then you can find this information by joining Glutafin's Love Food club for free today
If you have any further questions about coeliac disease why not read our FAQ page or ask our dietitian?
