What is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac disease (pronounced see-liac) is a life-long autoimmune disease caused by a reaction to gluten.  1 in 100 people have the condition in the UK.  Symptoms include bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, wind, constipation, tiredness, hair loss and anaemia.  Once Coeliac disease has been diagnosed treatment is following a gluten free diet for life.  Your chances of having Coeliac disease increase to 1 in 10 if a first degree family member has it - mother, father, brother or sister.

What causes Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac disease is caused by a reaction of the immune system to gluten,  a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.  When a Coeliac eats gluten it causes a reaction with the immune system in the small intestine.  This reaction damages the tiny hairs in the small intestine which help absorb the nutrients from your food. 

Gluten Free Diet

By avoiding all gluten your small intestines should heal through time and your symptoms should improve.  On the gluten free diet you can eat any naturally gluten free foods:

• Fish

• Meat

• Fruit & vegetables

• Rice

• Potatoes

• Lentils

Also the variety of gluten free substitute foods is greatly expanding i.e Strathallans Gluten Free Porridge Oats.  For more information visit www.coeliac.org.uk