13-20 March marks Coeliac Awareness Week. At Wholelife Pharmacy and Healthfoods, we believe that fostering awareness is the first step towards a healthier, more informed community. In light of this, Coeliac Awareness Week serves as an important opportunity to recognise the realities of coeliac disease, a common but under-diagnosed chronic immune-based condition that impacts approximately 1 in 70 Australians.
Coeliac disease is not a dietary choice; it’s an autoimmune response triggered by gluten—a form of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When people with coeliac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing inflammation. This impacts the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Symptoms
Coeliac disease is characterised by a range of symptoms and can be difficult to diagnose, as the most common symptoms can often be attributed to a range of other conditions as well. However, if you regularly experience any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to speak to your team of healthcare professionals and to get tested for coeliac disease.
- Persistent digestion issues including diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, nausea, vomiting, flatulence/gas or cramping
- Prolonged fatigued
- Unexplained weight loss
- A deficiency of folic acid, iron, or vitamin B12
- Failure to thrive
- Delayed puberty in children
If you have a medical history or have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, you should consider discussing coeliac disease with a health professional:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Osteoporosis
- Autoimmune disease (such as Type 1 diabetes or autoimmune thyroid disease)
- Unexplained infertility or recurrent miscarriage
It is important to remember that coeliac disease can be developed at any time, even if people have previously tested negative. Though there isn’t a cure for the condition, it can be managed by avoiding all forms of gluten—which, with so many excellent gluten-free food options on the market, is much easier than it used to be!
Diagnosis
If you are concerned that you, or a loved one, may have developed coeliac disease, it is crucial to adhere to the following steps to get diagnosed.
Don’t stop eating gluten!
This may sound counterintuitive, but beginning a gluten-free diet prior to being tested will cause the test results to be unreliable.
Blood testing
Your doctor will likely require you to get a blood test to measure certain antibodies. If your test results come back negative, they will investigate other causes for your symptoms.
Positive antibody tests are insufficient on their own, so if your results DO show positive, your doctor will still require you to undergo additional testing.
Biopsy
To confirm coeliac disease, you will be sent for a gastroscopy, which involves taking several microscopic samples of the small intestine. Biopsies are examined under the microscope to check for damage in the samples. If present, these indicate coeliac disease.
Treatment
Unfortunately, coeliac disease cannot be treated. It is for life and to maintain optimal health, you need to comply with a gluten-free diet. Check out some of the gluten-free recipes available on our blog!
The key to managing coeliac disease effectively is being well-informed about any food products that contain gluten, and understanding how to substitute for these or avoid them altogether. WholeLife Pharmacy and Healthfoods proudly stocks a range of gluten-free products and alternatives, making it easier for those with coeliac disease to navigate their dietary needs without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Additionally, we welcome you to pop into your nearest WholeLife store to chat through any concerns with one of our pharmacists, nutritionists, or naturopaths. Your health and happiness is our number one priority and this year, during Coeliac Awareness Week, we’d like to honour that by encouraging you to access the support available to you, to ensure that coeliac disease impacts your life as minimally as possible.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Speak with your medical practitioner, pharmacist or health professional to establish a treatment plan appropriate for you.
References
Coeliac Australia (2023) ‘Coeliac disease’, Coeliac Australia Organisation. <https://coeliac.org.au/learn/symptoms/>.
Coeliac Australia (2023) ‘Symptoms’, Coeliac Australia Organisation. <https://coeliac.org.au/learn/symptoms/>.