Keep in mind that this is one health concern that you should not self-diagnose.  Both celiac disease and the gluten-free diet used to treat it are complicated and come with potential health risks if mismanaged.  In other words, “if in doubt – check it out!” 

Understanding Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a medical condition that occurs when the body cannot tolerate a type of protein called gluten. Gluten is found in grain products.

Gluten causes the lining of the intestines of people living with celiac disease to become inflamed and damaged.  This damage, in turn, causes a number of very uncomfortable symptoms including diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, cramping and bloating.  People living with celiac disease may also develop a chronic skin rash, known as dermatitis herpetiformis. 

There is no cure for celiac disease.  However, avoiding ALL foods that contain the gluten protein can help to manage the symptoms of this condition.

Following a Gluten Free Diet
A gluten-free diet eliminates all sources of the gluten protein.  This can be challenging as gluten is part of many common foods.  However, it is still doable. 

Gluten is found in wheat (including bulgur, spelt and kamut), rye, triticale and barley; grains we use to make a wide variety of foods.  People with celiac disease must avoid ALL foods that contain these grains.  This includes breads and other baked goods, pastas, cereals, and packaged foods that use these grains as ingredients.  Processed meats, such as hot dogs, may also be eliminated from the diet as these products may use gluten-containing grains as fillers.  

Gluten-free versions of foods such as baked goods, cereals, pastas, and breads are available and are becoming increasingly easier to find on our grocery store shelves.  These foods are, however, typically more expensive than similar foods that contain gluten.  In addition, because the formulations of commercially made foods can change,  people living with celiac disease need to pay careful attention to food labels and stay up-to-date on the ingredients in their favourite foods. 

[new]
A gluten-free diet does not eliminate all foods!  Simple, wholesome foods can all be part of a gluten free diet, including:

• vegetables and fruits
• fluid milk
• cheeses
• most yogurts
• lean, unprocessed meats, fish, and poultry
• meat alternatives, such as legumes

Organizations like the Canadian Celiac Association are a key source of support for people following a gluten-free diet.   

If in Doubt – Check it Out!
The vast amount of health information available to all of us has increased the tendency to self-diagnose health concerns.  With respect to celiac disease, this is a bad idea.  Celiac disease and the gluten-free diet can be complicated; it’s important to receive a diagnosis and treatment advice from skilled health care providers.  If your gluten-free diet is poorly planned, it can limit your ability to take in nutrients that are essential for health.

Celiac Disease is Different From Wheat Allergy
It’s also important to understand the celiac disease is different from a wheat allergy.  Allergies occur when an individual’s immune system wrongly recognizes foods or parts of foods as harmful and then launches a response that produces physical symptoms. 

Typical symptoms of a wheat allergy include eczema, hives, hay fever, and asthma.  A wheat allergy is generally treated using a wheat-free diet.  Other grains such as triticale and rye can still be part of the diet.  Only wheat and wheat-containing foods are eliminated. 

The cause, symptoms, and treatment of celiac disease are different than those seen in someone who has a wheat allergy.  Individuals living with celiac disease are not allergic to gluten or gluten containing foods.  Instead, this protein irritates the lining of their intestines, which causes this lining to breakdown and pain to occur. 

People with celiac disease must avoid more than just wheat.  Instead, all grains that contain gluten are eliminated, including wheat (including bulgur, spelt and kamut), rye, triticale, and barley.

If you think you have a food allergy or celiac disease, do not attempt to diagnose yourself. Instead, visit your doctor for sound advice and, if necessary, get a referral to a registered dietitian who can help you meet your goals for healthy eating. 

People with celiac disease can feel better and enjoy a better quality of life by following a gluten-free diet.   However, this diet is not for everyone and seeking reliable health information will help you understand if a gluten-free diet is right for you. 

[endpage]
Learn More
Celiac Disease
Canadian Celiac Association

Celiac Disease
My Health 

Gluten Free Diet
Dietitians of Canada