Coeliac disease is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. People with coeliac disease have specific genes which means that they can develop coeliac disease when they eat gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley and a wide range of foods that contain these ingredients including bread, pasta, cereal, pizza, crackers and biscuits as well as less obvious sources such as ready-made sauces, canned soup, oven chips, sausages, ready meals and more.
It is also important to make sure any food you eat is not contaminated with gluten accidentally as even small quantities can lead to the gut lining becoming inflamed. There are a range of handy tips to help you avoid cross contamination whether you’re at home or eating out.
Once gluten has been removed from the diet, most people with coeliac disease begin to feel better fairly quickly. However, it can take a while for the gut to fully recover and some people may continue to experience symptoms for upto a year. If you are concerned about any symptoms you are experiencing on a gluten-free diet, make an appointment with your GP who will be able to refer you on to a dietitian.