Coeliac or Celiac?
How is it spelled? It’s like a spelling test! Where both answers are right! Here in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, we like the “o”. In the US and Canada, you remove the “o”, but it’s still pronounced the same way! Either way, the message is super clear… stay clear of gluten!!
Understanding Coeliac Disease.
Imagine you have a tummy that doesn’t like certain types of food. That’s what happens to people with coeliac disease. There’s a special protein called gluten in some foods. When people with coeliac disease eat gluten, their body gets very upset. Their tummy doesn’t like the gluten and says, “Ouch! That doesn’t feel good. My tummy hurts!” They may have to race to the toilet many times. They may feel tired, get headaches, feel sick, or ache all over. Sometimes, these pains can take days to go away! Even one tiny crumb can make this happen. It’s often referred to as being “Gluttoned” by people who have Coeliac Disease.
To feel better, people with Coeliac Disease just like you, must be very careful about what they eat. We need to steer clear of foods with gluten such as cakes, bread, and pizza. We need to be very mindful to avoid “cross-contamination.” That can happen when a utensil such as a spoon, a fork, or even a chopping board has got little bits of gluten crumbs left on it and then unknowingly you use it and then get “Gluttoned”… and sick!
But it’s not all bad…here’s the GOOD NEWS! There are lots of yummy gluten-free foods they can enjoy instead. And ingredients that can be switched to make the food safe for them to eat. Even cakes and brownies can be made gluten-free! And your friends and family probably won’t be able to taste the difference…They are SOOO YUMMY!!
When your friends and family know that you have Coeliac Disease they will try and remember to be kind and helpful. But sometimes they forget. Always be super aware and have your “Gluten Radar Alert” on at all times!
Ask questions to make sure foods are safe for you to eat.
Questions like:
“Has this food been made with any gluten in it?”
“Is this food safe for me to eat? I have Coeliac Disease.”
If you have Coeliac Disease, remember that there are loads of super fun delicious gluten-free foods for you and your friends and family to try! Just like Gluten Free Freddie does! Mmm did someone mention gluten-free brownies??
