Help after diagnosis

1. Learn which foods are naturally gluten-free 

All types of rice, potato, corn (maize), plain meat, fish, eggs, cheese, milk, most yoghurts, fruits, vegetables and pulses (peas, beans and lentils) are naturally glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. -free and are suitable for the diet.

Coeliac UK provides ingredient and grain checklists to help you. These checklists are available from the Gluten-free Diet and Lifestyle page of this website.

2. Join Coeliac UK

If you become a Member or Subscriber, we can give you lots of detailed information about living with coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. .

You can find out more information about what services and information we provide on our website. You can also check out our online shop which stocks a range of gluten-free cookery books.

3. See a dietitian

Your gastroenterologistA doctor who specialises in the digestive system. or GPYour local doctor or General Practitioner. should refer you, or your child, to a dietitian who will be able to give you individual advice and a step by step plan on how to remove gluten from your diet.

You may see your dietitian at your local hospital out-patient department or at your GP surgery.

If you're not sure if you've been referred to a dietitian, check with your doctor. Consultations with a dietitian within the NHS are free.

One suggestion ahead of your appointment is to keep a record of what you, or your child, normally eat over a two or three day period. Take this diary along with you to your appointment. Also, note any questions or specific concerns that you would like to discuss.

Your dietitian should give you written information and a contact number to support the advice that they give you, so you will have something to refer to later. Be sure to ask about a follow-up appointment.

4. Talk to your GP about getting products on prescription 

In the UK, people with coeliac disease can have for gluten-free food on prescription. The foods on prescription are generally staples in the diet such as bread and pasta rather than biscuits and cake items. The gluten-free foods that are prescribed are agreed by a body called the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBSThe Advisory Committee of Borderline Substances is responsible for deciding what products go onto the presciptions list. ).

There are hundreds of products available from a number of manufacturers. Try as many products as possible, as they all vary in taste, texture and palatability. Many manufacturers produce newly-diagnosed packs which are an easy way to get to know what ranges are available. The best way to do this is to contact a number of manufacturers directly for specific information on what they make.

You can contact us for a list of gluten-free manufacturers and their contact details.

5.Talk to other people in the same situation

Coeliac UK has nearly 100 voluntary groups across the UK.

They are an invaluable source of support - many groups organise meetings, cooking and baking demonstrations, coffee mornings, evenings out, and fun events to help raise awareness of coeliac disease.

To find out more information and to see if there is a group near you, visit our local Groups page.

6. Check out your local supermarkets and the internet for gluten-free products.

Many supermarkets stock a range of specialist gluten-free foods and the range of available products has increased over the last few years.

Availability may vary between stores.

Products may be kept in a specialist 'free-from' aisle, placed among other foods, or sometimes even both - so allow yourself time to investigate. You may have to visit more than one shop to get a good idea of what is out there.