Everything you've always wanted to know about coeliac condition

If someone has coeliac condition then they are intolerant to gluten and are therefore unable to eat any foods which contain gluten. If you're wondering what this funny-sounding word means, then read the next section! Both children and adults can have coeliac condition.

Gluten is a substance which is contained in some cereals, for example wheat, oats, barley, spelt and rye. To all intents and purposes, gluten itself is not particularly nutritious. However, it works – as the name suggests – like a glue. This glue hold the cereals, which are ground to make flour, together and ensures that the bread remains elastic during the baking process.

If someone has coeliac condition then they are probably not the only one amongst their family and relations as whether or not someone has the condition has something to do with heredity. In any case, coeliac condition may initially develop when you start including gluten in your diet. For example, babies with coeliac condition are fine just as long as they are only drinking their mother's milk. However, they get sick as soon as they try to eat mash containing gluten.

People who have coeliac condition are unable to tolerate gluten or any foods containing gluten. It makes them unwell.

If someone with coeliac condition continues to eat gluten, then they may become severely ill. The extent of the illness is different for everyone but they may experience stomach aches, nausea and diarrhoea and suffer from a fat, constantly bloated stomach. Children often lose their appetite and are slow in growth. They are always tired and no longer want to play. Gluten may also do a great deal of damage within the body, in particular in the intestine where your food is digested. That is to say, the gluten destroys the so-called "intestinal villi" which are tiny finger-like projections in the intestine which help you to digest your food. The intestinal villi also enable the body to absorb nutrients such as vitamins from food.

You should go and see your doctor if you suspect coeliac condition. They will carry out tests on the patient's blood and later perhaps also their intestine as well as their stomach as this is the only way to determine whether someone really has coeliac condition.

Unfortunately, coeliac condition cannot be cured using any medicine. The only remedy is to stop eating foods which contain gluten. This means that you have to know exactly where gluten can be found and where it can't. At first, you have to get used to it and keep an eye on what you are eating, however you get the hang of it pretty quickly and are able to lead quite a normal life, the same as other people.

Many foods inherently contain no gluten, for example rice, maize and potatoes, milk and dairy products, meat, fish and eggs as well as fruit and vegetables. There are also many foods which have been especially manufactured for people with coeliac condition. These can be identified by the "crossed-out ear of corn" on the packaging.
All foods comprising cereals which contain gluten, for example biscuits, cakes, pasta and bread, are obviously forbidden. It is also best to steer clear of all products when you don't know exactly what they contain.
If you want to know more, take a look at our exciting quiz "What can I eat?"

If there is a "crossed-out ear of corn" on the packaging, then you can be sure that it is a gluten-free product.