Is coeliac disease curable?

If you stick to a strict gluten-free diet you can live symptom-free. So far there is no known healing method whereby a person affected by this disease can eat products containing gluten again, without damaging the intestinal mucosa. At the moment a strict gluten-free diet is the only therapy which guarantees optimum health. The symptoms subside, the values measured in the serological examinations and the mucosa of the small intestine normalise themselves. That is why, after receiving the diagnosis of coeliac disease, one speaks of a dietary change which allows those affected to live a normal and symptom-free life.

Alternative treatments are being studied but not yet available. Currently, the only solution for coeliac disease is to avoid all cereals that contain gluten. The consumption of even a small amount of gluten can cause tissue damage. Gluten can be found in various types of food, therefore, shoppers must exercise great care. Here is a list of foods that can be eaten safely and those that must be avoided.

This change to a gluten-free diet is facilitated by the numerous products for those affected by coeliac disease (bread, pasta, cakes, pizza dough, flour, biscuits, sweets, frozen products). These special products are identified by the symbol of a crossed out wheat ear. This symbol guarantees that the product is gluten-free. A further help with your daily diet are the lists of food items provided by the associations for coeliac disease and available in their offices.