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 Gluten Free Kitchen
From our bakery in North Yorkshire we produce delicious gluten-free 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.