Coeliac Disease

Coeliac disease is not an allergy or an intolerance. It’s an autoimmune disorder where the immune system reacts abnormally to dietary gluten, results in damage to the small intestine. This typically leads to malabsorption of nutrients and gastrointestinal symptoms. Coeliac disease affects 1.5% of Australians, however around 80% are undiagnosed.

The symptoms of coeliac disease may include:

• Diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Flatulence
• Anaemia
• Weight loss
• Osteoporosis
• Infertility
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Mouth ulcers
• Dermatitis herpetiformis (skin rash)

Coeliac disease can also be asymptomatic.

A strict gluten free diet (with no traces of gluten) is the only way to treat and manage the condition. Our gut health dietitian can support you to understand how to manage a gluten free diet for coeliac disease, including understanding gluten-free foods, label reading and managing your social life with coeliac disease.

Click here to book an appointment with Rebecca, our gut health dietitian.