15 July 2013
| Last updated on 14 May 2014May is Celiac Awareness Month
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine that occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages from middle infancy onward. Symptoms include pain and discomfort in the digestive tract, chronic constipation and diarrhea, failure to thrive (in children), and fatigue, but these may be absent, and symptoms in other systems have been described. Vitamin deficiencies are often noted in people with Celiac disease owing to the reduced ability of the small intestine to properly absorb nutrients from food.
See also: What is celiac disease
For those with celiac disease a gluten free diet has to become a way of life. There is no treatment for this disease other than a careful diet that is free from even trace amounts of gluten. Luckily in this day and age the gluten free consumer craze has made it easier for celiacs to purchase gluten free goods due to effective labeling.
The following foods are generally safe for celiacs as they do not contain any gluten naturally, however if they are tinned or packaged always check the label as preservatives and thickening agents often contain gluten.
- Rice, beans and quinoa
- Fish, poultry and meat
- Dairy and eggs (not processed)
- Fruit and vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
Many “processed foods” contain flavorings from barley or wheat. Such as malt, malt vinegar, beer, brewer’s yeast and soy sauce, just to name a few. With this in mind, it is important to read labels. There are many online sources such as the Mayo clinic where accurate information regarding safe and unsafe food for celiacs can be found, however most people suffering from the disease are aware of what they can and cannot eat. However, a gluten free diet is often a colourful one and using coconut and quinoa flours can ensure that you eat relatively normal foods. Gluten free pizza made at home is much healther than one bought in the shop, and it probably tastes better too.
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While gluten free diets might be all rage this season, living with celiac disease is not easy as the sufferer is very limited to her food and beverage choices and simple activities such as going out for a meal or taking a flight overseas have to be met with knowledge. People who suffer from this illness cannot just go about willy nilly because they have to be aware of what passes their lips at every second of every day, which is daunting when you want to be spontaneous.
It is considered insensitive to tell celiacs that they are missing out because they cannot have a cake/cookie/pasta ect. They cannot help their condition. It is also not polite to encourage a celiac to eat something containing gluten by saying, “surely, a little bit will not hurt.” When even trace amounts have an impact on their health and wellbeing. As a society we are brought up to be sensitive to people who have different beliefs, preferences and even dietary requirements so let’s make a conscious effort to extend the same courtesy to all the people in our lives who suffer from celiac disease.
