Stomach cramps, muscle pain, weight loss - These are a few signs of Coeliac Disease. Find out more about this autoimmune disease in this blog.

Coeliac (Or Celiac) Disease is an autoimmune condition where the body is unable to break down gluten-containing peptides, and the body then attacks and causes inflammation in the intestines.  

Photo from Vita Pharmed SA. Switzerland (http://www.vitapharmed.ch/news/celiac-disease)

It has a prevalence of 1% in North America and Europe.  

In Asia, cases are sporadic, but as wheat intake increases, more cases have been confirmed with duodenal biopsy.  

For a diagnosis to occur, it is best to continue with a Gluten-containing diet until results have been confirmed.  

This is because Coeliac symptoms are similar to other diseases such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis, and Chronic fatigue syndrome.  It can be difficult to diagnose accurately.

Gluten-containing foods:

1. Barley
2. Bulgar
3. Couscous
4. Durum
5. Graham Flour
6. Wheat Flour
7. Malt
8. Oats (Unless stated Gluten-free)
9. Rye
10. Semolina
11. Spelt

Processed foods that contain thickeners, modified food starch, extracts, syrups and starches may also contain gluten in the form of Wheat, Barely or Oat.  Read all labels.

These include:

Baked beans, Baking Powder, Potato chips, Candy, Chocolate milk, Cold cuts, Corn cereals, Gravy, imitation fish/crab, Salad dressing, Sauces, Seasoning mix, Canned soups, Soya sauce.

Gluten-free foods:

1. Buckwheat
2. Cassava
3. Corn
4. Flax
5. Legumes
6. Nuts
7. Potatoes
8. Rice
9. Sago
10. Seeds
11. Soy
12. Tapioca
13. Arrowroot

Celiac patients need to get versed with home cooking, and there are a number of nutrients that are important for gut health in this population.

Book in for a consult online/offline if you are unsure about your gut symptoms, and to know more about the safe use of Aloe Vera Juice, Vitamin A, B complex and Folic acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Licorice, Vitamin E, L-Glutamine, Probiotics and Zinc.