Coeliac* disease (prononuced 'see-lee-ak') - is an intolerance to glueten. In susceptible people, it can damage the intestine walls and drastically reduce vitamins and minerals that can be absorbed by the body. It is usually hereditary and is diagnosed most commonly in infancy. However it is also quite common for women in their 30's to quite suddenly be diagnosed with coeliac disease; this may be due to the effects of unusually high stress levels. (* also spelt Celiac)

Gluten - a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye.

Gluten Free Diet - the only acceptable treatment for coeliac disease is strict adherence to a 100% gluten-free diet for life. An adherence to a gluten-free diet can prevent almost all complications caused by the disease. A gluten-free diet means avoiding all products that contain wheat, rye and barley, or any of their derivatives. This is a difficult task as there are many hidden sources of gluten found in the ingredients of many processed foods.

Hypoglycemia , or low  blood sugar, occurs when blood levels of glucose drop too low to fuel the body's activity. 

Lactose intolerance - many people with coeliac disease are also lactose intolerant, that is they react to diary products such as milk and cheese and often have food allergies. 

What can you do? - 

• Avoid grains containing glueten
• Check all lables
• Avoid milk products
• Limit sugar in take (see some of my sugar free recipes)
• Eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and legumes
• Join a coeliac support and information group