Newly Diagnosed with Celiac Disease? Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Being diagnosed with celiac disease can be quite an overwhelming experience. Most people have many questions about their health and diet during this time. Below are some frequently asked questions that will give you a head start on your journey towards living a healthy, gluten-free life.
When will I feel better?
Most people feel better within days of beginning a gluten-free diet. Your small intestines, however, will begin to heal over several months.
If I don’t have symptoms, do I still need to follow a gluten-free diet?
Can I meet my nutritional needs?
Yes, the gluten-free diet can provide all of the nutrients your body needs. It is important to eat variety of foods from all four food groups from Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide that are allowed on the gluten-free diet. If you are considering a vitamin and/or mineral supplement, see your health professional. Many supplements today are gluten-free.
Can I eat some foods that contain gluten?
No. It is recommended that your diet be completely gluten-free. Most people end up ingesting small amounts of gluten occasionally, but your goal should be complete avoidance.
If I eat gluten in error, what are the consequences?
Some people may experience stomach pain, cramps, bloating, diarrhea and fatigue. Symptoms will resolve once gluten is removed from the diet.
What foods are safe and which are not?
Learning how to eat gluten-free takes time and patience, but you do not have to do it alone. It is recommended that all newly diagnosed individuals with celiac disease see a registered dietitian to learn the gluten-free diet. Your gastroenterologist can refer you. Visit Dietitians of Canada to search for a dietitian online. How do I grocery shop for gluten-free products?
To follow a gluten-free diet, it is absolutely essential that you learn to read food labels. Ingredients in a product can change at any time and without warning, so read the ingredient list every time you shop. If you still have questions about a product, call the manufacturer. Many products list a toll-free phone number on the packaging. Large grocery and health food stores often have a gluten-free section. Visit the Specialty Food Shop online to view our selection.
Can I eat out?
Yes! Many restaurants today are aware of the gluten-free diet. Always pick a restaurant that you feel comfortable with. The servers, chefs and management should be able to tell you their policy for making gluten-free meals and answer all your questions. Even if a restaurant has gluten information available, it is still a good idea to talk to the manager to make sure that cross contamination is minimized. If you are not confident in their abilities, then go to another restaurant!
How do I prepare gluten-free meals?
There are many great cookbooks dedicated to gluten-free cooking and baking. Choose one that’s right for you!
Is having a biopsy necessary?
A biopsy of the small intestine is considered the gold standard in diagnosing celiac disease. Only having a blood test means there is a small chance of a falsely positive test.
I’ve already stopped eating gluten, but now my doctor wants me to have a biopsy, will the results be accurate?
In order for the biopsy to be accurate, you must continue to eat gluten containing foods. You may be able to reduce the amount of gluten you eat, but you must consume a small amount each day for the biopsy to be accurate.
Where can I find more information?
Contact the Specialty Food Shop Registered Dietitians
The Canadian Celiac Association
Health Canada Information on Celiac Disease
If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, you must follow a gluten-free diet, even if you don’t have the traditional symptoms. Damage to the intestine is still happening and you are still at risk of developing the long term side effects of untreated celiac disease.
| Page published on 2010-05-07 |
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