Living trouble-free with coeliac disease

It is said that after the diagnosis, coeliac disease is no longer an illness, but an attitude towards life, due to the fact that after beginning the special treatment the general wellbeing rapidly improves; however, one has to learn to live according to new rules, which are given through the dietary change. The numerous gluten-free products, developed by various food makers, have significantly contributed to raise the life quality of those affected by this disease. Gluten-free products are available nearly everywhere, also in super markets, as convenience food or to use for home cooking and baking. The limitations in the diet only make themselves noticeable when eating in restaurants, cafés or canteens as the choice of gluten-free products is still limited there. However, also in this sector the situation has been improving year by year, also thanks to the dedication of the coeliac disease associations, as well as the rising awareness by the various institutions and media. On our website you can find restaurants all over the world that offer gluten-free food.

At school

Lots of schools are able to guarantee gluten-free meals for children; however, it is still important that parents make sure that the teachers and the kitchen staff know about the problem. With the large choice of gluten-free sweet and salty snacks also special situations, like school trips or birthday parties, can be solved in a trouble-free manner.

Adolescence

“Exceptions” in a gluten-free diet are especially frequent with adolescents, because many find it hard to accept the fact that they have to eat something different from everyone else or they do not want to show this openly. The absence of immediate symptoms can easily lead to further occasional exceptions. What should be done in these cases? Assignment of guilt or – even worse – threats, are certainly out of place. It is better to properly enlighten the adolescents. In special cases, where for example the relationship between the parents and the young adolescent affected by coeliac disease is difficult, a psychologist could step in. The problems in adolescence are usually temporary and do not exclude the possibility that with time a “normal” life with coeliac disease may develop.