What is Coeliac (Celiac) Disease?
Coeliac (or Celiac) Disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system has an abnormal reaction to gluten.
In people with Coeliac Disease, the lining of the small intestine is damaged when gluten is consumed, causing damage to the Villi (small, fingerlike projections which line the small intestine and are responsible for nutrient absorption), making it inflamed and flattened. This can lead to malabsorption and numerous other health issues
Coeliac Disease can be present in people of all ages and genders and can develop at any age.
Current statistics from Coeliac Australia show that approximately 1 in 70 people have coeliac disease, with 80% of cases remaining undiagnosed.
People with Coeliac Disease can effectively manage the condition by following a strict gluten free diet.
While there is currently no cure, removing gluten completely from one’s diet often alleviates symptoms and can allow the lining of the small intestine to heal.
My Experience
My diagnosis as a coeliac and transition towards a strict gluten free diet was not an easy process and as many of my symptoms were not obvious, came completely unexpected.
I was 13 and suffering from severe acne and perioral dermatitis, numerous mental health struggles and was constantly sick with a cold. At the time I was seeing a dermatologist who ordered regular blood tests which continued to show an abnormally low white blood cell count.
I was referred to a hematologist who ordered what seemed like hundreds of different tests, found out I was anemic and had numerous other vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Further testing discovered my coeliac antibodies were high, indicating the possibility of coeliac disease. From this, I was sent to a gastroenterologist who performed an endoscopy and biopsy testing for villous atrophy, which confirmed I was coeliac… and that’s the short version.
5 years later and my blood counts have drastically improved.
While there are a growing number of resources available for managing being gluten free, there is still a lack of awareness and education surrounding the condition.
Although the importance of sticking to a strict gluten free diet is undeniable, it is not always easy.
Living as a Coeliac
There are numerous physical, emotional and social challenges that come with living gluten free that I am continually learning how to manage. There is definite lack of resources and information regarding how the condition impacts individuals on an emotional and social level, which is why Tabi May Life focuses on providing assistance and advice on how to manage these and make the most of what you can eat.
Through product reviews, recipes, eating out guides, and general information and advice on how to live gluten free, Tabi May Life helps those with coeliac disease live in a way that isn’t limiting.
Find Out More
Coeliac Australia is an organisation which works to increase awareness of the condition and assist those living with Coeliac Disease by providing numerous resources, support services and up to date, credible information. To find out more about symptoms, diagnosis and access further information, visit their website at: https://www.coeliac.org.au/
Related:-
Sources:-
Leave a Reply