Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK (coeliac.org.uk). When people with the disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, spelt, barley, unripe spelt grain, oats (unless certified gluten free), small spelt, amelcorn, kamut and triticale), their body attacks its own tissues, destroying the delicate linings of their guts and causing painful digestive symptoms as well as malnutrition and serious complications.
If left untreated, it can cause gut damage and serious health complications like osteoporosis. The only treatment for this condition is a strict gluten free diet for life. Even tiny amounts of gluten may cause people with coeliac disease to have symptoms in the short term, and gut damage long term.
But do you know that even the gluten lurking in your kitchen can keep you sick even if you are eating gluten-free?
On this Coeliac’s awareness week (9-15th May), we would like to share few tips about how to make your kitchen gluten free. Whether you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, an intolerance to gluten, or if you live with someone suffering from this condition, these tips will help you to avoid accidentally getting gluten in your own home or help your family members to protect their health.
Regardless of which choice you make, here are five steps you can take to make your kitchen gluten-free.