Diagnosis
Coeliac disease in an inflammatory condition of the gastro-intestinal tract.
It is sensitivity to Gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
Medical opinion differs on the subject of oats.
Some can tolerate "pure, uncontaminated oats"..and sadly, some of us can't. Be guided by your Dietician or other Medical professional.
By consuming products containing gluten, the gut wall becomes damaged and the victim feels generally unwell.
Long term ingesting of Gluten may result in a Coeliac developing several more severe conditions.
The lining of the small intestine is covered with small finger like projections called villi.
The villi increase the surface area within the intestines to maximise food absorption. In healthy people, this happens easily.
However, in a Coeliac, by ingesting gluten, the villi become inflamed and atrophied and essential nutrients are not absorbed properly.
Symptoms
Coeliac disease can affect anyone and at any age and the Symptoms do vary for different people.
Statistically speaking, it tends to affect more females than males and it is not unknown for babies or mature 86 year olds to be diagnosed.
The disease also tends to run in families.
Numbers of Coeliacs in the UK are growing, through improved diagnostic techniques and raised awareness.
Children’s symptoms can begin to show as early as the weaning stage. They may be irritable, have diarrhoea, vomiting and pass pale stools.
Adults tend to have anaemia, diarrhoea, vomiting, (may have) weight loss, fatigue, moth ulcers, hives, abdominal pain, bloating and generally feel unwell. This list of symptoms isnt complete...there are lots of others....
There is no such thing as a typical Coeliac.
"To be a Coeliac you have to be thin" Just not true at all!!
However, there are a number of proven Coeliacs who have more rounded, generously proportioned figures. (thats my excuse and I am sticking to it!)
Treatment
At Present, there is no cure for Coeliac disease, although research does continue.
The Medical Experts advise those diagnosed to follow a strictly Gluten free diet for life.
In time this will allow the villi to grow back, allowing the absorption of essential nutrients to take place. It will take months for the bowel to recover completely.
A minority of people with Coeliac disease may also need to follow a wheat free diet if they do not respond solely to a Gluten free diet.
Some brands of Gluten free products do contain Codex Wheat Starch, a special washed wheat starch that is low in gluten to within the very strict limit set for Gluten free.
Wellfoods products do not contain Codex wheat starch.
Individual tolerance levels vary in relation to Codex wheat starch, malt extracts and oats.
Your health care professional, i.e. Dietician, will provide specific guidance relevant to you.
By following a Gluten free diet, Coeliac disease can be controlled and you can lead a healthy life.
Wellfoods ...its real food...minus the gluten.