Monday 3 March 2014

Coeliacs disease... The yes, the no's and the maybe's


Coeliac Disease

It is estimated that at least 1 in every 60 Australian women and 1 in every 80 men are affected by coeliac disease.  Around 80% of Australians affected remain undiagnosed.

So what is it?
Coeliac disease is when our immune system reacts to a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, oats etc.  It is not fully understood why someone develops coeliac disease however we do know that it is partly genetic in origin. Current research is aimed at establishing what triggers the immune to respond so severely to gluten and whether age or stress is a factor.
 

As diverse as the human race is, so are the symptoms of coeliac disease which can range from:

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms e.g. diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, cramping, bloating, abdominal pain

  • Fatigue, weakness and lethargy

  • Iron deficiency anaemia and/or other vitamin and mineral deficiencies

  • Failure to thrive or delayed puberty in children

  • Weight loss; although some people may gain weight

  • Bone and joint pains

  • Recurrent mouth ulcers and/or swelling of mouth or tongue

  • Altered mental alertness and irritability

  • Skin rashes such as dermatitis herpetiformis

  • Easy bruising of the skin

People with coeliac disease remain sensitive to gluten throughout their life, so understanding how to manage your nutrition may be a challenge.  However be assured a strict gluten free diet will ease the symptoms and have you feeling more energetic, mentally alert and sleeping better.
 

·          Unprocessed Meat/ Poultry/ Fish
·         Vegetables and salads provide great meal accompaniments
·         Barbecues are great for entertaining with gluten free friends/family. There are many gluten free sausages, rissoles and beef patties available. Salads can easily be made gluten free, along with gluten free salad dressings
·         Roasts are another great idea for a main course and gluten free gravy mixes are readily available. Just ensure that any glazes, coatings or stuffing  are also gluten free
·         Gluten Free dips can easily be found at the Supermarkets or consider using veggie sticks
·         For a treat buy gluten free biscuits

To support your lifestyle and reduce inflammations in your gut we suggest Metagenics InflamX which is a nutritional support especially created to decrease inflammation in the digestive tract.  It contains extracts of ginger, turmeric, rosemary and bioflavonoids and is in a base of easily digested, low reactive, rice protein.


Metagenics InflamX  is on special this month to coincide with our BLOG.  And just to make certain it is the best product for you, we are happy to offer a FREE 5 minute VEGA test.  Bookings are essential. Simply phone to make an appointment.

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