COELIAC DISEASE

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What is Coeliac Disease?

Also called non-tropical sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy or coeliac sprue, coeliac disease is characterised by malabsorption and an abnormal small intestinal structure which reverts to normal on removal of dietary gluten.  The protein gluten is found mainly in wheat, barley, oats and rye grains.  Malabsorption is a major problem, and the loss of vitamins, minerals, other nutrients and calories result in malnutrition, in spite of eating a good diet.  Diarrhoea is a real problem, and food allergies are usually present.

Nutrition Facts & Diet Advice for Coeliac Disease

Below is nutrition advice that may help coeliac disease. There are also a number of health supplements that could be considered

• Consider food allergies.

• Avoid all gluten grains and any foods that contain gluten (many vegetarian sausages, burgers etc contain gluten). 

• Buy a book on the subject and a gluten-free cookery book also.  You will find something on this site which is suitable.  Learn from a more detailed book about hidden sources of gluten, such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, modified food starch, some soy sauces, malt, grain vinegars and others.  Even so-called health vitamin and mineral supplements can contain gluten, so only buy the best. 

• Eliminate sugar, processed foods, dairy products and chocolate.

• Eat fresh vegetables, lentils, beans and peas, rice bran, nuts, sunflower seeds, and experiment with different fruits. 

• Include blackstrap molasses which is high in iron and the B vitamins. 

• Take linseeds (flaxseed) with water every day. 

• Eat alfalfa sprouts.

Health Supplements

Often, a combination of supplements may help in alleviating this condition. You may wish to consult a nutritional therapist for personal advice. Supplements that may be helpful in alleviating symptoms are shown below:

(please also read this important notice concerning supplement medical claims)

• Digestive enzymes (e.g. Polyzyme Forte from BioCare)

• 6-9 capsules Klamath Lake Blue Green Algae.  (This algae is very detoxifying, so start with 2 capsules and gradually build up to 6 or more over about 2 months.  Drink water to help the cleansing.  It’s high in absorbable vitamin B12 needed in Coeliac Disease)

• 1 x Advanced Antioxidant Formula (Solgar)

• 2 x True Food Vitamin B Complex (Higher Nature)

• L-Glutamine powder, 1 teaspoon three times a day in water (Higher Nature)

Recommended Health Books

health book - Fast Facts - Coeliac Disease

see also allergies and food intolerance     cookbooks