Page 3 - Scleroderm NZ Inc Newsletter November 16

Coeliac Disease - finding support

Scleroderma NZ member, Pam Dempsey, has coeliacs. here's how she copes.

I was diagnosed with coeliac disease nearly Coeliac disease is a permanent
20 years ago and a few years later with intestinal intolerance to dietary
scleroderma and then later became dairy gluten.
intolerant.
In Coeliac disease the lining cells of the small bowel
Way back then it was (intestine) are damaged and inflamed. This causes a
difficult to be on a gluten- flattening of the tiny, finger-like projections, called villi,
free diet as there was very which line the inside of the bowel. The function of the
little help available and the normal villi is to break down and absorb nutrients in food.
Internet was not an option When these villi become flat in coeliac disease, the surface
for help. area of the bowel is greatly decreased which interferes
with the absorption of nutrients and minerals from food.
These days it is so much This may lead to deficiencies in vitamins, iron, folic acid
easier as Coeliac NZ and calcium. Sugars (such as lactose), proteins and fats
(Auckland) is an amazing are sometimes poorly absorbed as well. Around 1 in every
organisation that provides an excellent service to those with 100 people in NZ has coeliac disease.
coeliac.
Coeliacs are sensitive to gluten, the protein portion of
There is a wonderful website providing coeliacs with so much wheat, rye, barley and oats. This reacts with the small
information in every way. There is plenty of information these bowel lining damaging it and causing loss of the effective
days on the Internet. absorption surface area of the villi. Coeliac disease is
treated by a life-long gluten-free diet. Coeliacs will
There are also support groups throughout New Zealand who remain healthy so long as they adhere to a gluten free
have local co-ordinators (I am the Manawatu co-ordinator). diet.

Our role is to contact with newly diagnosed coeliacs and give
them the support and help they require. We have frequent
support-group meeting, a great way to chat, learn and share,
especially with the newly diagnosed. If you are looking for
some support or help, see website www.coeliac.co.nz or email
admin@coeliac.co.nz and we'll help! Coeliac NZ publish a
very good magazine with recipes, hints and new foods.

The range of gluten free food in supermarkets / organic stores
these days is amazing. And when shopping the labelling /
codes are clear and easy to understand if the product is gluten
free. Reading labels is essential.

If you are not sure of the gluten content of any food, use the
general rule 'if in doubt, leave it out'!!! It's so much easier
than years ago. It can be challenging at times if you're invited
to a friend's home for a meal or eating out. However, you
usually find that cafés and restaurants offering gluten-free
food are safe places to eat at with no cross-contamination.

There are lots of eating places now and your local area
coordinator can help you find your local ones.

www.scleroderma.org.nz