About Coeliac Disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Coeliac disease affects your small intestine.
Having coeliac disease means that your body thinks that food containing gluten, found in wheat, barley, rye and oats, is an enemy and therefore tries to attack it!

Eating gluten means that the finger-like projections in the small intestine, the villi, are flattened and can’t absorb food properly. Because of this rection you may feel ill, tired and have a bloated tummy if you eat gluten.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis is similar to coeliac disease, but it affects the skin. This means that if you have Dermatitis Herpetiformis and you eat gluten it will effect your skin badly.

But there is good news………………………..

By avoiding foods that contain gluten you will feel better in no time.

Having coeliac disease and Dermatitis Herpetiformis means that you have to be careful with what you eat, and make sure you don’t eat any gluten. Having a balanced and healthy diet means that you will not be affected by your coeliac disease, this means eating enough fruit, vegetables and calcium.

For more information on the disease why not visit this amazing site:

www.childrenfirst.nhs.uk

The process of being diagnosed with coeliac disease:

  • Firstly you will go to the doctor if you are feeling un-well, you may not be eating properly, feeling tired or have a bloated tummy. The doctor after asking you questions will take a small blood sample, and then you will need to wait for the results.
  • If the test comes back positive, then you will need to go into hospital for a small operation. The operation will take a small sample of your small intestine, that can then be analysed through a microscope. For more information on the operation and hospital visit try the following website: www.childrenfirst.nhs.uk
  • After finding out that you have coeliac disease you will visit a dietician, who will explain all about the foods you are and aren’t able to eat. It is very helpful to visit Coeliac UK, who will give you lots of information, and have a food and drink booklet telling you all the delicious food that you can eat. You can also join the local Coeliac UK meetings and meet lots of people with coeliac disease in your area. Why not have a look at their website at www.coeliacuk.co.uk

What is important is knowing what is, and isn’t safe to eat, so concentrate!

NOT able to eat

  • Wheat
  • Barley
  • Rye
  • Oats, there is a lot of arguing about oats, some say they are safe, other not, so the best thing is to stay away.

ABLE to eat

  • Anything natural (except those above!)
  • Potatoes
  • Rice
  • Fruit and Vegetables
  • Fresh plain meat and fish
  • Natural dairy products

Look out for

  • Ready meals
  • Anything that is processed

It is very important to read labels to make sure food is gluten-free, many have ‘Allergy Advice’ boxes which makes life a lot easier.

It is very important not to eat gluten, as it can damage you health, so be careful.



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