What is Coeliac Disease?

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Gluten Free Australia   > What is Coeliac Disease

Coeliac Diseases of "Celiac" as it is known in America is a auto immune disorder that effects the small intestine and the way it absorbs nutrients. It effects the way people digest their food and can cause sensitivity of the lining of the small intestine.




Coeliacs are allergic to gliadin a small protein found in wheat, barley, Malt and Rye.

Coeliac Disease has many other names including c(o)eliac sprue, non-tropical sprue, endemic sprue, gluten enteropathy or gluten-sensitive enteropathy and sometimes gluten intolerance.

A Coeliacs reaction to gluten can be inflammation of the bowel issue which can lead to damage in the small intestines which interferes with nutrient absorption.

There is only one way to really get on top of coeliac disease and that is a life style change - a gluten free diet.  Coeliac disease is caused by a reaction to the proteins in wheat - but is not the same as a wheat allergy. Coeliacs should avoid gluten from any source.

Coeliac Disease and Gluten Intolerance can have similar symptoms - they both fall under the category of the "gluten syndrome".

Gluten Intolerance does not always come with the same damage to the gut as coeliac disease.

More on gluten Intolerance...