500,000 people in the Uk are apparently suffering from Coeliac Disease without even knowing it. It’s a disease where the body attacks itself, sending out antibodies to attack cells which it believes are harmful. Their body triggers an immune response to gluten in the gut and the immune system sends out responses which aren’t all tummy related.

It can often be misdiagnosed, which means that many are suffering. It can be that children miss days of school,adults miss days of work;  it can trigger depression, and, in terms of ongoing health, it can have a huge impact on life.

It isn’t all doom and gloom though, the symptoms can be reversed by cutting gluten out of the diet. Although it’s a problem that affects the gut, symptoms can be varied. Gastrointestinal problems are common, nausea, diarhoea and constipation can be wrongly linked to IBS.

Mouth ulcers can also be linked, and can be a symptom of a generally run down immune system.

Tiredness is almost an everyday symptom,but can also be linked to gluten intolerance.

Skin rashes can also be a problem, a rash like dermatitis can appear on the elbows and knees, and can be easily tested.

Anaemia can occur too, as can deficiencies in B vitamins.

Neurological problems can become apparent too. Co-ordination, balance and speech can be affected.

So there are a surprising range of symptoms that can be connected to Coeliac disease, if you feel that you can identify with these things then it may be time to visit your doctor and get tested,or try your own experimentation and try leaving gluten out of your diet and see if you can identify any changes as a result.