Living With Coeliac Disease

Are wheat and gluten off the menu? Let Amanda create a diet plan to suit your needs

For people with coeliac disease, gluten causes their immune system to produce antibodies, which then attack the delicate lining of the bowel, preventing the absorption of essential nutrients from food.

This condition is often diagnosed in young children after weaning, once cereals and grains are introduced into the diet. Symptoms, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating and severe tiredness, can become severe if left untreated and it is common for someone with the condition to require supplementation of extra vitamins and minerals. If you have coeliac disease and wish to follow the diet, please ensure that you avoid even small amounts of the following: Bread, pasta and breakfast cereals Biscuits, cakes and pastries Malt vinegar, soy sauce, mustard and mayonnaise Some tinned soups and sauces Crisps and similar snacks, plus chips (fries) Wheat germ Cooking oil (mixed vegetable oil) can contain wheat-germ oil, so use sunflower or olive oil instead Beer and whisky are made from grain containing gluten, but other alcoholic drinks such as wine and cider are gluten-free Oats can sometimes be tolerated but it is not recommended that you eat these, as some oats may contain a small amount of gluten. Oats are often processed and stored in the same mills as wheat. Some medicines contain gluten, so you must check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking them. Foods you can eat whilst on the plans Many foods do not contain gluten, including: All fruit, salads and vegetables potatoes rice and maize (corn) nuts (raw) Red meat, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy products Gluten-free substitutes are available from most supermarkets. You can also get staples such as gluten-free flour, breads, biscuits and pasta on prescription. There are excellent books available on gluten-intolerance, including general guides and recipe books. There is an excellent help group (in the UK) for sufferers of coeliac disease, call their helpline on 0870 444 8804 and speak to your GP before beginning any change of diet.