What is Coeliac Disease?

Also known as coeliac sprue, non-tropical sprue,
gluten enteropathy or celiac disease, it is a genetic intolerance to gluten.

Whether you spell it Coeliac disease, or Celiac, depends on where you live, but the condition is one of a number of autoimmune diseases. This is where antibodies or lymphocytes are produced that attack the body, in this case, damaging the lining of the small intestine.



Symptoms of coeliac disease

How do you know if you have coeliac disease? As the condition presents with many different symptoms it can often take some time to diagnose.

This list of symptoms of celiac disease may help you to decide whether it is worth visiting your doctor for blood tests.

If you have suffered from symptoms for ages before being diagnosed you might like to share your story of celiac disease with other visitors to this site. It is easy to do, just use the simple to use form on this page.

Failure to thrive

If it is your child who's health concerns you, there are signs to watch out for. I was diagnosed as a baby due to my failure to thrive and constant upset stomachs after being fed solid food. Read my story.


Facts about coeliac disease

You can't catch coeliac from another person, it is not infectious. It is a hereditary condition although many people do not know that they have it. Sometimes known as silent celiac, it can be triggered at any age, by as yet unknown causes.


Due to its genetic nature, celiac can run in families. If one person is diagnosed with the disease the chances are that other family members will also have it.


How common is celiac?

The answer to this question tends to depend on where you live. Coeliac disease is more common in the western world and celiac awareness has increased dramatically over the last twenty years.

Figures quoted by Dr James Braly suggest that 1 in 100/200 people here in the UK now suffer from Coeliac as opposed to 1 in 600 in the 1970's. When I was diagnosed in 1960 it was considered rare. However, up to 97 percent of these people do not realise that they have the condition!


Is there a cure for celiac disease?

Contrary to earlier beliefs, if you are diagnosed with celiac you have it for life. There is no cure, but treatment of coeliac disease is possible with a gluten free diet. This isn't a type of weight loss diet, gluten free eating has to become a way of life in order to keep healthy, if you have celiac or related conditions.


Where can I get more information about celiac?

Well, you are in a good place already. Here at The Gluten Free Chef, you'll find loads of information on all aspects of celiac and the gluten free diet.


A Celiac disease support group can also be a good place to go to for advice. You can add your own page to the site publicizing the group you belong to, or check for groups in your area. This facility is new and will eventually prove a useful addition but you do have to help me here a bit!


Gluten allergy or intolerance?

How can you tell if you have a gluten allergy or intolerance or celiac disease? This article will explain the difference.


Depression and celiac disease

Is there a link between depression and celiac disease? Can it cause mood changes? Feeling depressed is certainly something you are likely to experience when first diagnosed. It can take time to gain a positive state of mind regarding your condition, but once your health improves you will feel more confident.


Celiac and anorexia

Many undiagnosed celiacs lose weight dramatically, possibly leading to a misdiagnosis of anorexia. If the body isn't absorbing the nutrients it needs celiac and anorexia both need to be considered by your health care provider.


Celiac disease in pregnancy

Problems due to celiac disease in pregnancy and beforehand are common. Following the gluten free diet can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.



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Copyright© 2007. Please note I am not a doctor, just a fellow sufferer of coeliac disease.
Therefore no information on this site should be taken as medical advice.
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