What is Coeliac Disease and How You can Have Gluten Free Food Delivered From our Online Shop
Coeliac disease (pronounced see-lee-ak, spelt celiac disease in other countries) is an autoimmune disease.
Gluten is a protein which is found in wheat, barley and rye. In people with coeliac disease it triggers an immune reaction. This means that eating gluten damages the lining of the small intestine. Other parts of the body may also be affected.
The gluten free diet is the treatment for coeliac disease - it will allow your gut to heal and your symptoms to improve.
Where is gluten found?
The most obvious sources in the diet are bread, pasta, breakfast cereals, flour, pizza bases, cakes and biscuits.
It can also be found in foods such as soups, sauces, ready meals and processed foods such as sausages.
What can I eat?
The gluten free diet is made up of:
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Naturally gluten free foods such as fruit and vegetables, rice, potatoes and lentils.
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Processed foods which don't contain gluten, such as ready meals and soups
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Substitute foods such as specially made bread, flour, pasta, crackers and biscuits.
You can buy gluten free food online through our gluten free filter on our online shop
Seven steps towards a healthy, balanced gluten free diet
Having Coeliac Disease doesn’t mean that you can’t eat healthily. Here are list seven steps towards a healthy, balanced gluten free diet.
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Eat regular meals based on starchy carbohydrate such as rice, potatoes, yams, gluten free grains such as millet, quinoa and teff, gluten free breads and gluten free pasta. These foods are a good source of energy and can also provide fibre, calcium, iron and B vitamins.
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Aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
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Reduce the amount of fat in your diet, especially saturated fat which is found in animal products including butter, and full fat dairy foods.
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Reduce sugar and sugary foods. Sugar is often added to sweets, biscuits, cakes and full sugar fizzy drinks.
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Eat plenty of fibre. Good sources include brown rice, high fibre/multigrain gluten free breads, pulses (peas, beans and lentils), nuts and seeds, fruit and vegetables and potatoes in their skins.
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Cut down on salt. Foods particularly high in salt include processed foods, ready meals and snacks such as crisps. Avoid adding salt to meals and try using herbs and spices to add flavour instead.
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Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Try to have two days a week where you don’t drink any alcohol.