Saturday 25 January 2014
What is Coeliac
There is a common misconception that Coeliac (or Celiac in the US) is a food allergy when in fact it is an Autoimmune disease, coeliac affects 1 in 100 people in the UK alone. It is a lifelong disease that can be diagnosed at any age.
The cause of coeliac is a reaction of the immune system to gluten, gluten is a protein found in such foods as:
Wheat
Barley
Rye
(Coeliac sufferers may also have a sensitivity to some oats.)
Gluten consumption in coeliac's damages the lining of the gut (known as villi) this prevents the absorption of essential nutrients in food and also damages the immune system, which can lead to other symptoms/complications throughout any part of the body.
Once you are diagnosed you will be asked by your G.P or Consultant to follow a strict gluten free diet. Once gluten is fully eliminated from your diet you should start to progress to feeling much better, however the length of time this takes varies from patient to patient.
You should be referred to a Dietician once a diagnosis is made to help you adapt to a gluten free diet. They will advise you on foods you can still consume outlined in our adapting to change post.
The cause of coeliac is a reaction of the immune system to gluten, gluten is a protein found in such foods as:
Wheat
Barley
Rye
(Coeliac sufferers may also have a sensitivity to some oats.)
Gluten consumption in coeliac's damages the lining of the gut (known as villi) this prevents the absorption of essential nutrients in food and also damages the immune system, which can lead to other symptoms/complications throughout any part of the body.
Once you are diagnosed you will be asked by your G.P or Consultant to follow a strict gluten free diet. Once gluten is fully eliminated from your diet you should start to progress to feeling much better, however the length of time this takes varies from patient to patient.
You should be referred to a Dietician once a diagnosis is made to help you adapt to a gluten free diet. They will advise you on foods you can still consume outlined in our adapting to change post.
* The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines on recognising and assessing coeliac disease (published in 2009) outlines the symptoms and associated linked conditions linked with this disease, it clearly states that a specific blood test and diagnosis process should be followed to identify people at risk from coeliac disease. (Outlined further in coeliac symptoms).
Coeliac Simplified
What is Coeliac Disease?
Simplified this is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of Gluten (A form of protein), which is primarily found in bread, pasta, biscuits, pizza crust, cereals and other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. Coeliac sufferers who eat foods containing gluten experience an immune reaction in their small intestines, causing damage to the inner lining or surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients.
Coeliac disease can cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Eventually, the decreased absorption of nutrients that occurs in coeliac sufferers can cause vitamin deficiencies that deprive your brain, peripheral nervous system, bones, liver and other organs of vital nourishment.
No treatment can cure coeliac disease. However, you can effectively manage celiac disease by changing your eating habits, eliminating and remaining free from gluten in your diet.
Symptoms:
There are no typical signs and symptoms of coeliac disease. Most people with the disease have general complaints, such as:
• Intermittent Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
Sometimes people with coeliac disease may have no bowel symptoms at all. Coeliac disease symptoms can also mimic those of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, crohn’s disease, parasite infections and anaemia.
Symptoms that could indicate coeliac disease could be:
• Anaemia
• Stomach upset
• Joint pain
• Muscle cramps
• Skin rash
• Mouth sores
• Dental and bone disorders (such as osteoporosis)
• Tingling in the legs and feet (neuropathy)
Some indications of lack of nutrients being absorbed that may result from coeliac disease include:
• Weight loss
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramps, gas and bloating
• General weakness and fatigue
• Foul smelling or greyish stools that may be fatty or oily
• Stunted growth (in children)
• Osteoporosis
Simplified this is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of Gluten (A form of protein), which is primarily found in bread, pasta, biscuits, pizza crust, cereals and other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. Coeliac sufferers who eat foods containing gluten experience an immune reaction in their small intestines, causing damage to the inner lining or surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients.
Coeliac disease can cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Eventually, the decreased absorption of nutrients that occurs in coeliac sufferers can cause vitamin deficiencies that deprive your brain, peripheral nervous system, bones, liver and other organs of vital nourishment.
No treatment can cure coeliac disease. However, you can effectively manage celiac disease by changing your eating habits, eliminating and remaining free from gluten in your diet.
Symptoms:
There are no typical signs and symptoms of coeliac disease. Most people with the disease have general complaints, such as:
• Intermittent Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
Sometimes people with coeliac disease may have no bowel symptoms at all. Coeliac disease symptoms can also mimic those of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, crohn’s disease, parasite infections and anaemia.
Symptoms that could indicate coeliac disease could be:
• Anaemia
• Stomach upset
• Joint pain
• Muscle cramps
• Skin rash
• Mouth sores
• Dental and bone disorders (such as osteoporosis)
• Tingling in the legs and feet (neuropathy)
Some indications of lack of nutrients being absorbed that may result from coeliac disease include:
• Weight loss
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramps, gas and bloating
• General weakness and fatigue
• Foul smelling or greyish stools that may be fatty or oily
• Stunted growth (in children)
• Osteoporosis
*If you have any of these symptoms or you feel you could suffer from this disease please seek medical advice immediately.
Coeliac Symptoms
Coeliac symptoms are varied and can include:
Bloating
Diarrhoea
Wind
Constipation
Tiredness
Anaemia
Mouth Ulcers
Headaches
Sudden or unexpected weight loss
Hair Loss
Skin Rash (Dermatitis herpetiformis)
. Osteoporosis
Depression
Infertility
Recurrent Miscarriage
Joint / Bone pain.
Coeliac symptoms can often be misdiagnosed or confused with the Symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or even a wheat allergy/intolerance sometimes even diagnosed as stress related.
It was previously thought that coeliac sufferers were expected to be underweight however most sufferers are of a normal weight or even overweight.
To accurately diagnose coeliac you will first need a specific blood test (It is vital that you continue to eat gluten for 6 weeks prior to this blood test.)
Once you have the results of you blood test whether it be positive or negative you may require an endoscopy to clarify diagnosis.
(The blood test will check for tissue transglutaminase antibodies (TGA) and /or endomysial antibodies (EMA). A negative result does not mean that you do not have coeliac you may need further tests.)
SO.... if you are concerned you have coeliac disease and have not already been diagnosed CONTINUE TO EAT GLUTEN and make an appointment to see your GP to discuss your concerns and symptoms as soon as possible to receive the relevant steps to a diagnosis.
ENDOSCOPY - (Biopsy of the gut) this involves a passing a small flexible tube, known as an endoscope, orally down into the small intestine. (This can be done using a local anaesthetic on the throat or/and a sedative). Small samples of your gut lining are collected (Biopsy) and checked to cross reference the damage typically caused by coeliac.
Bloating
Diarrhoea
Wind
Constipation
Tiredness
Anaemia
Mouth Ulcers
Headaches
Sudden or unexpected weight loss
Hair Loss
Skin Rash (Dermatitis herpetiformis)
. Osteoporosis
Depression
Infertility
Recurrent Miscarriage
Joint / Bone pain.
Coeliac symptoms can often be misdiagnosed or confused with the Symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or even a wheat allergy/intolerance sometimes even diagnosed as stress related.
It was previously thought that coeliac sufferers were expected to be underweight however most sufferers are of a normal weight or even overweight.
To accurately diagnose coeliac you will first need a specific blood test (It is vital that you continue to eat gluten for 6 weeks prior to this blood test.)
Once you have the results of you blood test whether it be positive or negative you may require an endoscopy to clarify diagnosis.
(The blood test will check for tissue transglutaminase antibodies (TGA) and /or endomysial antibodies (EMA). A negative result does not mean that you do not have coeliac you may need further tests.)
SO.... if you are concerned you have coeliac disease and have not already been diagnosed CONTINUE TO EAT GLUTEN and make an appointment to see your GP to discuss your concerns and symptoms as soon as possible to receive the relevant steps to a diagnosis.
ENDOSCOPY - (Biopsy of the gut) this involves a passing a small flexible tube, known as an endoscope, orally down into the small intestine. (This can be done using a local anaesthetic on the throat or/and a sedative). Small samples of your gut lining are collected (Biopsy) and checked to cross reference the damage typically caused by coeliac.
Adapting to Change
Diet & Treatment
Adapting to a whole new way of eating is something that is going to take some getting used too, especially if you have never had to be food conscious previously. Once you have been diagnosed your G.P will be able to refer you to a dietician to help you with the transition to becoming gluten free.
Reading labels and being food aware is vital for your gut to recover from any damage done by the gluten previously in your diet. Look for products that show on the label 'Gluten Free' also read the ingredients and check the allergy advice on the label, some products may not contain gluten but may however be made on a production line handling gluten based products, these will say 'May Contain', these foods are non-consumable also as we need to avoid contaminated foods.
During food preparation you will need to make sure that there is no contamination with other foods you may be preparing as this can also cause cross contamination. When preparing food or eating out make sure your food is cooked, prepared and served completely separate to any gluten based or gluten containing produce.
The basic foods you can eat are:
Rice
Corn
Fish
Meat - NOT PROCESSED
Cheese
Milk
Eggs
Fruit
Vegetables
Pulses - Such as Beans, Peas and lentils.
There are also many gluten free brands and products to replace items that are commonly made with gluten based products such as:
Bread
Flour
Cakes
Pasta's
Gluten based products are typically made from:
Wheat
Barley
Rye
(Coeliac sufferers may also have a sensitivity to some oats.)
It is important to make healthier food choices as part of your coeliac management. Eating a balanced diet is advisable for all people but more so when you have certain health conditions that will benefit greatly from dietary changes.
There are 5 food groups:
Starchy Foods
Carbohydrate based foods such as:
Bread
Rice
Pasta
Potatoes
When opting for this food group you will need to check labels and be very aware that this is the main food group where you are going to find gluten based ingredients in your food. High fibre options such as wholemeal or wholegrain are advised as they will keep your bowel moving regularly aiding in your recovery. You will still be able to eat wholemeal and wholegrain produce as long as it is gluten free.
Starchy foods should make up roughly 1/3 of your daily diet.
Fruit and Veg
Naturally low in fat and calories and yet full of essential vitamins, minerals and fibre, fruit and vegetables are a great prevention against heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. It is generally advised that you eat 5 portions of different fruit and/or vegetables a day. (A portion is roughly 1 hand full).
Dairy Products
Cheese, milk, yogurt and cream all contain calcium, this helps bone and teeth stay strong and healthy. They also contain a good source of protein. Dairy is great for coeliac sufferers as it helps to slow or prevent the process of osteoporosis. Your recommended daily portion of dairy should be equal to 1/3 glass of milk, 1oz cheese and a small yogurt.
Meat, fish, egg and pulses.
Food rich in protein, these foods help to build and replace muscle cells within the body. Also they contain minerals, such as iron (helping to produce red blood cells), omega 3 oils (Omega 3 rich food such as mackerel, salmon and sardines are great for the heart). If you are vegan or a vegetarian you can get your protein from such foods as beans, lentils, pulses, soya and tofu.
Foods containing high fats and sugar.
This food group should be eaten in moderation as part of your balanced diet. When purchasing food and cooking ingredients try and use low fat sauces and oils to reduce the amount of fat included in your diet.
Adapting to a whole new way of eating is something that is going to take some getting used too, especially if you have never had to be food conscious previously. Once you have been diagnosed your G.P will be able to refer you to a dietician to help you with the transition to becoming gluten free.
Reading labels and being food aware is vital for your gut to recover from any damage done by the gluten previously in your diet. Look for products that show on the label 'Gluten Free' also read the ingredients and check the allergy advice on the label, some products may not contain gluten but may however be made on a production line handling gluten based products, these will say 'May Contain', these foods are non-consumable also as we need to avoid contaminated foods.
During food preparation you will need to make sure that there is no contamination with other foods you may be preparing as this can also cause cross contamination. When preparing food or eating out make sure your food is cooked, prepared and served completely separate to any gluten based or gluten containing produce.
The basic foods you can eat are:
Rice
Corn
Fish
Meat - NOT PROCESSED
Cheese
Milk
Eggs
Fruit
Vegetables
Pulses - Such as Beans, Peas and lentils.
There are also many gluten free brands and products to replace items that are commonly made with gluten based products such as:
Bread
Flour
Cakes
Pasta's
Gluten based products are typically made from:
Wheat
Barley
Rye
(Coeliac sufferers may also have a sensitivity to some oats.)
It is important to make healthier food choices as part of your coeliac management. Eating a balanced diet is advisable for all people but more so when you have certain health conditions that will benefit greatly from dietary changes.
There are 5 food groups:
Starchy Foods
Carbohydrate based foods such as:
Bread
Rice
Pasta
Potatoes
When opting for this food group you will need to check labels and be very aware that this is the main food group where you are going to find gluten based ingredients in your food. High fibre options such as wholemeal or wholegrain are advised as they will keep your bowel moving regularly aiding in your recovery. You will still be able to eat wholemeal and wholegrain produce as long as it is gluten free.
Starchy foods should make up roughly 1/3 of your daily diet.
Fruit and Veg
Naturally low in fat and calories and yet full of essential vitamins, minerals and fibre, fruit and vegetables are a great prevention against heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. It is generally advised that you eat 5 portions of different fruit and/or vegetables a day. (A portion is roughly 1 hand full).
Dairy Products
Cheese, milk, yogurt and cream all contain calcium, this helps bone and teeth stay strong and healthy. They also contain a good source of protein. Dairy is great for coeliac sufferers as it helps to slow or prevent the process of osteoporosis. Your recommended daily portion of dairy should be equal to 1/3 glass of milk, 1oz cheese and a small yogurt.
Meat, fish, egg and pulses.
Food rich in protein, these foods help to build and replace muscle cells within the body. Also they contain minerals, such as iron (helping to produce red blood cells), omega 3 oils (Omega 3 rich food such as mackerel, salmon and sardines are great for the heart). If you are vegan or a vegetarian you can get your protein from such foods as beans, lentils, pulses, soya and tofu.
Foods containing high fats and sugar.
This food group should be eaten in moderation as part of your balanced diet. When purchasing food and cooking ingredients try and use low fat sauces and oils to reduce the amount of fat included in your diet.
*Salt in your diet can raise your blood pressure which can add to the chances of heart disease and/or a stroke. Limiting the amount of processed foods, seasoning and table salt and opting to flavour naturally with herbs and spices is a healthier option.
A brief run down to a healthier diet: Remove all gluten from your diet. Avoid contaminating your food with gluten. Eat regular meals. Include slow releasing carbohydrates in moderation. Cut down on the amount of fat you consume. Attempt to eat your 5 a day. Add beans, lentils and pulses to your diet where possible. Eat more fish. Reduce your salt intake. Reduce or limit you alcohol consumption.
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