Bad gluten: What is coeliac disease?

More and more gluten-free products are hitting the supermarket shelves, but what exactly is gluten? Are gluten-free products just a passing trend? “Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in various grains, such as wheat, original spelt and spelt, barley, rye and also older grains such as einkorn and durum wheat,” says Sabina Raschle, a qualified nutritionist who works at the Zurich nutrition centre and specialises in gluten-free nutrition and coeliac disease. 

In Switzerland, roughly 1% of the population suffers from coeliac disease, in which gluten causes inflammation in the small intestine, damaging the lining of the gut. As a result, the body can’t properly absorb important nutrients from food. Many people who suffer from undetected coeliac disease can have serious nutritional deficiencies, such as iron, vitamin B12 or calcium. The latter can even cause a reduction in bone density. 

Anyone suffering from coeliac disease therefore has to avoid all foods containing gluten. Prominent examples include traditional bread, pizza, cake and pasta. But there are many other foods on the list that are surprising, such as Ovomaltine, beer, soy sauce, sachet soups and some types of stock. It’s also important to opt for gluten-free oats because although oats are actually gluten-free, traces are usually found in commercial varieties. 

The gluten-free label is a reliable indication that a product really doesn’t contain any gluten. However, as the sign showing the crossed-out ear of wheat in a circle isn’t found on every gluten-free product, those suffering from coeliac disease have to pay particular attention to the list of ingredients. “This isn’t easy in the beginning – it takes time and practice,” says Raschle. Going gluten-free is a challenge. “These plans often lack dietary fiber and nutrients that are important for digestion.” Nevertheless, gluten-free pizza or gluten-free bread can be a welcome change. Raschle's tip: “Nuts and seeds contain lots of nutrients and dietary fiber. You’re on the right track if you add these to your diet.”

It is important to eat a balanced diet. Naturally gluten-free foods include polenta, quinoa, potatoes, rice, corn, buckwheat, amaranth, millet, teff and legumes. These can be combined with unprocessed foods such as eggs, dairy products, fish, meat, tofu, vegetables, fruit and vegetable oils to create balanced meals. 

Raschle says that it’s important to consult a nutritionist because this know-how isn’t widespread. The website of the Coeliac specialist group lists members of the Swiss Association of Registered Dietitians who specialise in coeliac disease. The website of IG Zöliakie der Deutschen Schweiz (available in German, French and Italian) is another good starting point for anyone suffering from coeliac disease.

The symptoms of coeliac disease range from typical gastrointestinal complaints such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence and stomach ache to tiredness, headaches, anaemia or unexplained weight loss.

Due to the wide range of symptoms, it often takes a long time to receive a diagnosis. Coeliac disease can only be diagnosed beyond doubt by means of a blood test and – if the appropriate antibodies are found – a gastroscopy. “I strongly advise against self-tests. The results aren’t reliable,” warns Raschle.

What happens after the diagnosis? The only effective treatment against coeliac disease is a gluten-free diet. Raschle has good news: “As long as those affected stick to a 100% gluten-free diet, their intestinal lining will recover completely.”