as part of nsw’s coeliac awareness week, i thought i’d write a bit more about what it is and what it’s like for those who have it.
as posted on The Coeliac Society of Australia’s website –
Coeliac disease (pronounced seel-ee-ak) is a condition in which the mucosa (lining) of the small bowel (intestine) is damaged.
In untreated coeliac disease, the lining of the intestine becomes inflamed and has a characteristic flat appearance (like a threadbare carpet). This is referred to as villous atrophy. The surface area, which enables the absorption of nutrients and minerals, is seriously reduced (to the size of a table or less) which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Can Coeliac Disease be cured?
People with coeliac disease remain sensitive to gluten throughout their life, so in this sense, they are never cured.
http://www.coeliac.org.au/dis-what.html
some symptoms of Coeliac Disease include – fatigue, anaemia, cramping and bloating, nausea and vomiting, easy bruising of the skin, recurrent mouth ulcers, altered mental alertness (all which I have/had myself) – however some people may be asymptomatic (no symptoms at all)
diagnosis of Coeliac Disease is more than trialing a gluten free diet (which i’ve done) – a blood test screening can diagnose you or you will need to have a gastroscopy so they can do a biopsy of your small bowel (which i haven’t done yet).
if you suspect that you may have coeliac disease, then do not change your diet until you’ve see your doctor for a blood test or had the gastroscopy!! i never did, i went straight to cutting gluten out of my life and i don’t know whether i’ll ever go back to it for the 6-week challenge and testing… it’s not worth me being sick for a few months and not being able to take care of Jasper.. i’m happy now!
for more information on coeliac disease, visit
http://www.coeliac.org.au
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeliac_disease
http://www.gesa.org.au/leaflets/coeliac-disease.cfm
you can also read my gluten free food blog, where i post about the gluten free, yeast free food i’ve found or made 🙂
to end, i will add that going gluten free isn’t as dismal and boring as people think! i find myself eating healthier and fresher foods – hardly any pre-packaged junk, no fast food except for sushi or salads 🙂 i find it empowering to know what i’m putting into my body is good for ME