Coeliac disease is an auto-immune disease, where the body produces antibodies that attack the lining of the small intestine, and the microscopic protrusions, called villi, which are involved in helping us absorb our food, becoming flattened, leading to a multitude of symptoms. In Coeliac disease this attack is triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Some people with Coeliac disease also react to oats, so in the meal plan oat and oat products are also excluded. Symptoms of Coeliac disease may range from mild to severe, and can include: Bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, wind, tiredness, constipation, anaemia, mouth ulcers, headaches, weight loss, hair loss, skin problems, short stature, depression, infertility, recurrent miscarriages and joint/bone pain.
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin condition also caused by gluten intolerance. It affects fewer people than Coeliac disease, but the two conditions can be related. Symptoms are: Red, raised patches, often with blisters that burst with scratching, severe itching and often stinging, a rash which most commonly occurs on the elbows, knees and buttocks but can affect any area of the skin.
Both Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis patients need to completely exclude all gluten and gluten containing products from their diet. Even small amounts must be eliminated. Beware that some manufactured food items which you would think would be fine, may actually contain gluten as an additive, so if there is any doubt, do not include the product. For a monthly updates list see The Food List.
Specially produced gluten free products are made for people who follow a gluten free diet, these include breads, biscuits, pasta and flour, and some of these are available on prescription, but only for patients formally diagnosed with Coeliac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis.
The following meal plan is an example plan of a healthy diet which completely excludes gluten, with options there for specially produced gluten free items. Use this to give you an idea of what are healthy nutritious foods to include, but don’t forget to vary your food choices and to drink plenty of water through the day.
* Check The Food List
As with all the meal plans this is merely a guide and must not be stuck to rigidly! You must eat a variety of different meats / fish / alternatives, complex carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables every day, and drink plenty of water. Adapt the plan to suit your own needs and vary portions and food choices from day to day.