Living with Coeliac Disease
Coeliac (pronounced ‘see-liac’) disease is a lifelong autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to gluten which is a protein found in wheat and related grains, including barley and rye.
Coeliac (celiac, US spelling) disease and dermatitis herpetiformis sufferers must avoid gluten for life; the gluten-free diet is the only treatment for these conditions. However, there are a wide range of tasty, nutritious foods that can still be eaten, including meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, rice, pulses, and potatoes. You can also eat gluten-free substitute foods – which The Gluten Free Kitchen specialises in.
Some drinks are not suitable for people with coeliac disease. These include:
- Beer
- Lager
- Stout
- Ales
However gluten-free beers and lagers are available. And there are many drinks which are gluten-free, such as fruit juices, cordials, fizzy drinks, cider, wine, sherry, spirits, port and liqueurs.
This condition affects about 1 in 100 people.
Symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Wind
- Constipation
- Tiredness
- Headaches
- Sudden or unexpected weight loss (but not in all cases)
- Hair loss
- Anaemia
- Dermatitis herpetiformis is the skin manifestation of coeliac disease.
The condition is treated by following a gluten-free diet. You can read more about coeliac disease at Coeliac UK.
Sue’s Free From Kitchen
From our bakery in North Yorkshire we produce delicious free from food, made with the highest quality ingredients. You can buy our Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Soya Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free foods online or find a stockist local to you.