What is Coeliac (Celiac) Disease?
Understanding Coeliac Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Living Gluten Free
Coeliac disease (sometimes spelled celiac in the US) is an autoimmune condition triggered by eating gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For those of us at Coeliapp, coeliac disease is at the very heart of our story and the reason our app exists: to make living gluten free easier, safer, and more connected.
What Causes Coeliac Disease?
Like many autoimmune diseases, the exact cause of coeliac disease isn’t fully understood, but we do know it’s a genetic condition. It can remain dormant for years, only becoming “active” after being triggered — sometimes in childhood, other times well into adulthood (even in your 60s or beyond).
Coeliac disease affects both men and women, though statistically, it’s more common in women.
Symptoms of Coeliac Disease
Coeliac symptoms can vary widely, which is why many people go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed with conditions like IBS. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Digestive issues: bloating, cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, excess wind
Fatigue, headaches, or brain fog
Malnutrition due to poor nutrient absorption (e.g., low iron, B12, or vitamin D)
What’s happening inside your body? When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine, damaging the tiny villi that absorb nutrients. Over time, this damage leads to nutritional deficiencies and a wide range of health problems.
How is Coeliac Disease Diagnosed?
If you suspect you may have coeliac disease, it’s important to see a healthcare professional rather than self-diagnosing. The diagnosis process usually involves:
Blood tests – the first step to check for antibodies linked to coeliac disease.
Endoscopy with biopsy – a gastroenterologist examines a small tissue sample from the gut to check for damage to the villi (flattening is the hallmark of coeliac disease).
Because symptoms often overlap with IBS, colitis, bacterial imbalances, and other gut-related conditions, professional testing is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Living With Coeliac Disease: Going Gluten Free
The only treatment for coeliac disease is a strict gluten free diet. By removing gluten completely, the immune response switches off and the gut lining can begin to heal — allowing your body to properly absorb nutrients again.
But going gluten free isn’t always simple. Here are a few key areas to consider:
1. Reading Food Labels
Gluten can hide in many packaged foods under names like “thickener” or “starch.” Regulations differ worldwide: in some countries gluten must be clearly labelled as an allergen, while in others, labelling is less strict. If you travel, always check food standards for that country.
2. Avoiding Cross-Contamination at Home
Even tiny amounts of gluten (as little as 1/100th of a slice of bread) can trigger a reaction. To stay safe:
Use separate appliances like toasters and chopping boards.
Store gluten free food away from gluten-containing products.
Clean utensils and surfaces thoroughly before preparing gluten free meals.
3. Eating Out With Coeliac Disease
This can be the toughest challenge. Always ask staff if they understand coeliac-safe preparation, including:
Cooking food separately from gluten-containing items
Using fresh utensils and cookware
Ensuring deep-fried food is cooked in a dedicated gluten free fryer
To make life easier, download Coeliapp — our app helps you find, rate, and review gluten free restaurants and cafes near you.
4. Drinks & Hidden Sources of Gluten
It’s not just food — gluten can sneak into drinks like beer, hot chocolate, and even some plant-based milks (such as oat milk). Always double-check labels and familiarise yourself with safe brands. Our app’s gluten free marketplace can also help you discover trusted products and services.
Final Thoughts
This blog only scratches the surface of coeliac disease. For further support and evidence-based information, organisations like Coeliac Australia are a fantastic resource, offering tools such as a self-assessment quiz and updated medical guidelines.
At Coeliapp, our mission is to make living gluten free easier — whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’ve been navigating coeliac disease for years. Remember: this blog is for general information only. Always seek professional medical advice for your health and diet.
