16/03/2021
While Coeliac Disease may be quute uncommon statistically (approx 1% of the world population), a significant number of cases go undiagnosed.
This is because CD has several symptoms that is common with other chronic disease and syndromes such as IBS and IBD and therefore can lead to misdiagnosis.
This is problematic as all of these conditions require different nutrition management therapies and if CD is misdiagnosed and not treated properly this can lead to further health complications such as infertility and osteoporosis.
Whille grains such as buckwheat (used in this roasted capsicum dish) is an excellent gluten free grain source for people diagnosed with CD, for those suspected of having CD are recommended to undergo a 'gluten challenge' which involves re-introducing gluten back into the diet if one has been on a gluten free diet. This challenge is needed to be taken prior to Coeliac screening using serology tests or duodenal biopsies as if not carried out this may lead to false negative results after screening.
To safely re-inyroduxe gluten back into the diet it is recommended to consume between 3-10g of gluten daily for up to 8 weeks. To build up tolerance to gradually increase the dose over approximately a week, bit still consuming gluten daily.
Gluten containing foods/products include those bases on wheat, rye, barley and oats. Approximately 2-2.5g of gluten is equivalent to:
- 1 weet bix
- 1 slice of wheat bread
- 1/2 cup of cooked wheat pasta
- 8-10 jatz biscuits
This can be a difficult time for people so it is important that proper guidance and support is obtained from your health care provider during this gluten challenge.
