There’s no two ways about it; being diagnosed with coeliac disease is a life-changing moment. It can feel quite daunting, but at the same time, it’s actually good news, because it means that you can look forward to easing your symptoms and feeling a whole lot better, often in just a few weeks.

After being diagnosed with coeliac disease, your life will need to change in terms of what you can eat and sometimes where you can eat. But don’t worry, because the rest of your life can carry on as normal. In fact, without the symptoms of coeliac disease holding them back, many people feel healthier and happier after being diagnosed with coeliac disease and starting a gluten free diet.

Do I need to take medication after being diagnosed with coeliac disease?

No. While there is currently no cure for coeliac disease, there is an effective treatment, and it doesn’t involve medication. Changing to a strict gluten free diet will help the vast majority of people who have been diagnosed with coeliac disease. 

A gluten free diet will significantly reduce your symptoms, such as stomach pains, diarrhoea and wind, and it will help your damaged gut lining to recover so that it can function properly again.

The first steps: Understanding the gluten free diet

The key to mastering a gluten free diet is understanding where gluten comes from and how to avoid it. You need to learn what foods to cut out, what foods are safe, and what ‘swaps’ you can make between the two.

1. Foods to avoid on a gluten free diet – you need to avoid anything containing wheat, barley or rye. This includes bread, pasta, pizza, beer and grains like cous cous and semolina. As well as obvious sources like these, gluten can also be found as an additive in many processed foods, so always check the label carefully to be sure.
2. Foods to include on a gluten free diet – meat and fish, fruit and vegetables, rice and potatoes are all gluten free, as are most dairy products like milk, cheese and butter. The good news is that most wines and spirits are also gluten free.
3. Foods to swap on a gluten free diet – while it is possible to simply remove all the gluten-containing foods from your diet, many people miss staple foods like bread, cakes and biscuits, as well as pizza and pasta. Glutafin provides a number of tasty gluten free alternatives to your favourite foods, and these are available on prescription in many areas of the UK. 

Unlocking your entitlement: Gluten free on prescription

Once you’ve been formally diagnosed with coeliac disease, you may be able to get gluten free foods on prescription on the NHS. This is widely available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and includes a range of staple foods, from bread to pizza bases and pasta. 

Gluten free on prescription in England is restricted to bread and flour mixes, and it may not be available at all in some areas. To find out more, read our companion article: Gluten Free on Prescription: How to Order & What’s Included or enter your postcode on our website to see what is available in your area.

How long until I feel better after starting a gluten free diet?

Many people who have been diagnosed with coeliac disease will start to feel better within a few weeks of starting a gluten free diet. After months or even years of discomfort and abdominal issues, this will be a great relief, and hopefully, this will inspire you to continue with your new eating habits.

Although you may start to feel better really quickly, according to the NHS, it can take ‘a few years’ for the gut lining to fully heal from the effects of coeliac disease. Your GP, gastroenterologist or dietitian should review your condition from time to time to monitor your recovery and make sure your gluten free diet is providing all the essential nutrients your body needs.

You are not alone

The important thing to remember when you are first diagnosed with coeliac disease is that you’re not alone. Coeliac UK estimates that as many as one in a hundred people in the UK have the condition – that’s around 700,000 people – although as many as two-thirds of these remain undiagnosed.

Here at Glutafin, you can not only access gluten free on prescription, but you can also find lots of help and advice to support you, including detailed information about coeliac disease, hints and tips for living gluten free and a huge selection of delicious gluten free recipes. 

You can contact us whenever you need help or support by calling 0800 988 2470 (Monday to Friday, 10-4), emailing glutenfree@glutafin.co.uk, or using the live chat on our website.

Frequently asked questions about coeliac disease

Q. Is there a cure for coeliac disease?

A. No, there is no cure for coeliac disease. However, following a strict gluten free diet is an effective treatment that will reduce symptoms and allow the gut to recover from damage. You will need to avoid eating gluten for the rest of your life.

Q. Can I still eat oats if I have coeliac disease?

A. Yes, you can, but you need to exercise caution as oats are often produced in the same place as wheat and other grains, leading to cross-contamination. Look for oats that are clearly labelled gluten free. Some people with coeliac disease may also be sensitive to avenin, which is a similar protein to gluten and is found in all oats.

Q. Will I have to follow a gluten free diet for life if I have coeliac disease?

A. Yes. If you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, you will need to follow a gluten free diet for the rest of your life. If you do ingest gluten, even in small amounts, your symptoms will return, and prolonged exposure to gluten can lead to significant damage to the gut as well as other complications.

Q. What should I do if I accidentally eat gluten?

If you have coeliac disease and accidentally consume gluten, your symptoms will usually return. If this happens:

1. Drink plenty of water to flush your system and to keep you hydrated if you have diarrhoea 
2. Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover and heal. Staying active, or ‘soldiering on’, can make your symptoms worse.
3. Return to your strict gluten free diet as soon as possible and learn from your mistake.

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