Quick Summary: Coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 people in the UK, but many remain undiagnosed. This autoimmune condition requires a strict gluten-free diet for life. Understanding the symptoms, getting properly diagnosed, and learning to manage the condition are essential steps to living well.
What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten triggers your immune system to attack your own tissues. Specifically, it damages the lining of your small intestine, making it harder for your body to absorb nutrients from food.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with coeliac disease consumes gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the villi (tiny finger-like projections) in the small intestine. Over time, this damage prevents proper nutrient absorption.
Important: Coeliac Disease vs. Gluten Intolerance
Coeliac disease is NOT the same as gluten intolerance or wheat allergy. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes measurable intestinal damage. Gluten intolerance (non-coeliac gluten sensitivity) causes symptoms but no intestinal damage. A wheat allergy is an immune response but works differently than coeliac disease.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary widely from person to person. Some people have severe digestive issues, while others have few or no gut symptoms at all.
Digestive Symptoms
- • Chronic diarrhea or constipation
- • Bloating and gas
- • Abdominal pain
- • Nausea and vomiting
- • Weight loss (unintentional)
Non-Digestive Symptoms
- • Chronic fatigue
- • Iron-deficiency anemia
- • Joint pain
- • Headaches or migraines
- • Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
Getting Diagnosed
Proper diagnosis is crucial. Never start a gluten-free diet before being tested, as this can lead to false negative results.
The Diagnosis Process:
- 1. Blood Test: Tests for specific antibodies (tissue transglutaminase antibodies). You must be eating gluten for accurate results.
- 2. Endoscopy with Biopsy: If blood tests are positive, a gastroenterologist will take small tissue samples from your small intestine to check for damage.
- 3. Confirmation: A positive biopsy showing villous atrophy confirms coeliac disease.
- 4. Genetic Testing: May be used in unclear cases to check for HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes.
Living Gluten-Free: The Only Treatment
There's currently no cure for coeliac disease. The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This means completely avoiding wheat, barley, rye, and any foods containing these grains.
Good News!
Most people feel significantly better within weeks of going gluten-free. Your intestine can heal, and you can live a completely normal, active, healthy life.
At FISTPUMP, our founder has gluten intolerance and built this brand to show that dietary restrictions don't hold you back from being strong, active, and unstoppable.
Practical Tips for Going Gluten-Free
✓ Read Every Label
Gluten hides in unexpected places like sauces, seasonings, and processed foods. Always check ingredients.
✓ Avoid Cross-Contamination
Use separate cutting boards, toasters, and utensils. Even small amounts of gluten can cause damage.
✓ Focus on Naturally Gluten-Free Foods
Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, fruits, vegetables, rice, potatoes, and beans are all naturally gluten-free.
✓ Join Support Communities
Connect with others through Coeliac UK or communities like FISTPUMP who understand your journey.
Staying Active with Coeliac Disease
Having coeliac disease doesn't mean you can't be active or athletic. Once you're managing your diet properly, you can train, compete, and thrive just like anyone else.
Many elite athletes have coeliac disease. With proper nutrition and a gluten-free diet, you can build strength, endurance, and achieve your fitness goals. The FISTPUMP community is proof of that.
Need More Support?
Visit Coeliac UK for expert resources, or explore our nutrition guides and community stories for practical tips on living well with coeliac disease.