During a routine check-up, I had an endoscopy done—nothing urgent, just part of staying on top of my general health. But the results showed some signs of damage to my small intestine that raised a red flag. My GP suspected celiac disease and ordered a blood test to investigate further. The results came back positive: I have celiac disease.
Not something I guessed or assumed—this was confirmed through proper medical testing.
So what exactly is celiac disease? And what should you do if you have it too?
What Is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition that affects how your body responds to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine. This causes inflammation and damage to the tiny finger-like structures (villi) that are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food.
In short: gluten = immune response = gut damage = health problems.
Symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but they often include digestive issues like diarrhoea, bloating, gas, constipation, and nausea. There can also be non-digestive symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog, anaemia, skin rashes, and even mood disorders. Left unmanaged, coeliac disease can lead to long-term complications like malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and even an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
What Causes Celiac Disease?
While we still don’t know everything about celiac disease, the leading cause is believed to be genetics. In fact, people with a family history of celiac disease are much more likely to develop it. If you carry certain genes—most commonly HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8—you’re at increased risk. However, having these genes doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop the disease, but their presence is considered a prerequisite in most diagnosed cases.
Sometimes, celiac disease can be “triggered” later in life by stressful events, infections, surgery, pregnancy, or other changes in health that affect the immune system.
What To Do If You’re Diagnosed
If you’ve been diagnosed, the solution is both straightforward and life-changing: stop eating gluten. Completely. Forever.
There’s no cure or medication for celiac disease. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. That means no wheat, rye, barley—or anything made with them. It also means reading labels, asking questions at restaurants, and learning to spot hidden sources of gluten in sauces, processed foods, and even medications.
But here’s the thing: once you remove gluten from your diet, your body can heal—and the difference is remarkable.
You Can Still Live a Very Normal Life
When I first heard “gluten-free for life,” I’ll admit—it sounded daunting. I imagined never eating bread, pasta, cake, or my favourite foods again. But as I’ve learned, the gluten-free lifestyle is not a limitation—it’s a pathway to feeling like yourself again.
In fact, living gluten-free is more achievable now than ever before. Most grocery stores stock gluten-free alternatives for nearly everything: bread, pizza bases, biscuits, flour, and even beer. Restaurants are more aware and accommodating than they used to be. With a bit of knowledge and preparation, you can travel, eat out, entertain friends, and live fully—without feeling like you’re missing out.
There’s a learning curve, sure—but after a while, checking labels becomes second nature. You’ll find your favourite gluten-free brands, recipes that work for you, and restaurants that get it. And the best part? You start to feel so much better.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve just been diagnosed with celiac disease, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. But trust me when I say this: life doesn’t end at diagnosis—it gets better. Once you start giving your body what it needs and avoiding what it can’t tolerate, you’ll start to feel like yourself again—often even better than before.
Yes, celiac disease requires daily awareness and care—but it does not define your life. With a gluten-free diet, you can thrive. I know, because I’m doing it.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on personal experience and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you think you may have celiac disease, speak to your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider.
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