Michael Obiora

I was diagnosed with coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. just over two years ago and it was huge weight off my shoulders. Although I was now faced with having to adapt my diet, it was good to finally know what was causing me so much discomfort.

I have always been active, and I'm very much into sports and fitness. I've also always had a healthy appetite.

Before diagnosis every time I ate I would be left feeling unwell with constant trips to the bathroom or an uncomfortable swollen feeling in my stomach. This went on for three years from the age of 17 to 20. I kept food charts, was told I suffered from IBSIrritable bowel syndrome - a common but poorly understood chronic (long-term) condition where the normal functions of the bowel are disrupted and tried all sorts of remedies, but nothing seemed to work, which became increasingly frustrating.

The final straw came when I was playing football at the park with some friends. We all sat down to take a break after running around for a few hours having brought a picnic with us. My friends happily tucked into their sandwiches, but after a few bites of mine I felt like my stomach was expanding. I was so unwell that my friends had to take me home.

I was now determined to find out once and for all why this was happening to me. After some blood tests and an endoscopyAn investigation that looks inside your gut. The endoscope is a thin flexible tube that you swallow. It has a light and a camera and is passed via the mouth and into the upper part of the gut that is affected in coeliac disease. , I was diagnosed with coeliac disease. I immediately began to familiarise myself with the condition, trying to find out how it could be controlled. I was told that there was no cure, and that the only way to manage the condition would be to completely avoid glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. . I then went on to learn that basically everything I ate contained this!

I was glad that I knew what the problem was, but now I was faced with the realisation that I had to change my diet. This terrified me! What about my favourite breakfast cereals? My beautiful pizza? And worst of all… my beloved blueberry muffins?

For the first few weeks after my diagnosis I was very disciplined. I would carefully read labels on my food and with the help of my family I stayed away from wheat and gluten.  Unfortunately, with time, the cravings got the better of me. Separation from my favourite foods caused me to binge, even though I knew it was damaging to my health. It was also psychologically damaging because I realised how much harm I was causing myself.

I endeavoured to continue with my exercise regime and favourite sports but struggled terribly. The unfamiliarity of my diet and the restrictions that it imposed on what I could eat caused my energy levels to drop and brought about mood swings. I also began to lose the enjoyment that I had previously taking from eating.

This forced me to do some further research, and it was this that led me to Coeliac UK. It was very comforting to see that I was not the only person who had the condition, and that there was a charity out there that offered support and guidance. The Food and Drink DirectoryOur annual Directory of gluten-free food and drink which manufacturers voluntarily submit to. that Coeliac UK provides has literally changed my life. My weekly shop now consists of me in health food shops and 'free fromA range of food that is free from certain allergens - for example gluten or dairy. ' sections armed with my Directory!

I wanted to prove to myself that I could still be as active on my new gluten-freeWhen a food has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten so it is safe for people with coeliac disease to eat. diet, so my partner and I decided to run the London 10K on behalf of Coeliac UK. It was fantastic to see all the participants and spectators who turned out for their charities and it was a great feeling crossing the finish line.

I have never felt healthier than I do now. Coeliac UK has shown me that there is no need for cravings. There are many alternatives out there, and I still get to eat my cereal, blueberry muffins, and pizza - all gluten-free of course. Fortunately the number of dietary options for those with coeliac disease continues to grow and hopefully there will be even more choice available soon.

Having coeliac disease has taught me to be disciplined. I always call ahead before I go to restaurants, hotels or on flights to make sure that they can accommodate my condition. The caterers on set have also been very accommodating, making sure that they have a separate menu for me, and that kitchen equipment isn't contaminated in any way by wheat or gluten.

I don't think people with coeliac disease should worry, just remain disciplined. If you have changed your diet and you are feeling good, you've proved that you can overcome the challenges of coeliac disease.

Michael Obiora - actor and writer, starring in Hotel Babylon, Eastenders, Grange Hill and more, diagnosed aged 20, now 24.