Help after diagnosis

Once you, or your child, have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, you can then start getting to grips with the gluten-free diet.

Making the necessary changes to your diet may seem daunting at first, and you may not know where to begin...

...however it does get easier and there are many sources of support available to help you along the way!

• Learning which foods which are naturally gluten-free  will help you get started preparing suitable meals and snacks.  
  
  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 gluten-free and can be eaten freely on a gluten-free diet.
  
  Use these links to learn more about the gluten-free diet and tools available to help you choose safe foods. 
  
• Joining Coeliac UK can give you access to lots of detailed information and resources about living with coeliac disease.
  
  Find out more information about what services and information we provide by clicking here. You can also check out our shop, which stocks a range of gluten-free cookery books.
  
• Your specialist doctor or GP 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 take gluten out of your diet.
  
  You may see your dietitian at your local hospital out-patient department or at your GPs surgery.
  
  If you're not sure if you've been referred to a dietitian, check this with your doctor. Consultations with a dietitian within the NHS are free.
  
  You could keep a record of what you, or your child, normally eat over a 2 or 3 day period and take this along to your appointment. A good idea is to make a list of 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'll have something to refer to later. Be sure to ask about a follow-up appointment.
  
• Talking to other people in the same situation as yourself can really help you find your feet!
  
  Coeliac UK has nearly 100 voluntary groups across the UK.
  
  They are an invaluable source of support -  many groups organise meetings, 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, please click here.
  
• Checking out local supermarkets and the internet for gluten-free products.
  
  Many supermarkets stock a range of specialist gluten-free foods. The range of available products has increased over the last few years, and will probably vary between stores.
  
  Products may be kept in a specialist 'free-from' aisle, or placed among other foods, or sometimes even both - so make time to investigate! You may have to visit more than one shop to get a good idea of what's out there.
  
• Ensuring you find out about accessing gluten-free products on prescription.  Click here to read more about this.
  
  There are hundreds of products available from a number of manufacturers. It's advisable to try as many products as possible, as they all vary in taste, texture and palatability!
  
  Many manufacturers produce starter packs, which is 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 email our Food and Drink team via our 'contact us' form for a list of gluten-free manufacturers and their contact details.