Many people have heard of coeliac disease but may not fully understand what it means. Start by explaining that it’s an autoimmune condition, not just a food preference or intolerance. A simple way to put it is:
"Coeliac disease is when my immune system attacks my body whenever I eat gluten. Even tiny amounts can make me really sick."
You don’t need to overload them with medical details, but helping them understand that this is a lifelong condition, not a trend or a choice, is important.
Some people assume a little gluten won’t hurt, so it’s essential to be clear about the risks. Rather than saying, “I’ll feel sick,” explain what happens when you accidentally consume gluten:
Letting them know that even cross-contamination (like crumbs on shared butter or a cutting board) can be dangerous makes them more aware of why you need to be extra careful.
Instead of just saying, “I can’t eat gluten,” provide specific examples:
✅ Safe foods: Fruits, vegetables, plain meat, fish, rice, and naturally gluten-free grains like quinoa.
❌ Unsafe foods: Anything with wheat, barley, oats or rye—including bread, pasta, soy sauce, and even some seasonings.
If they are hosting a meal, offer to bring a dish or suggest simple gluten-free recipes to make things easier.
People may not realize how serious coeliac disease is, so be ready to correct some common myths:
❌ “You can just eat a little bit, right?” → No, even a crumb can trigger a reaction.
❌ “You can just take a pill to fix it.” → There is no cure or medication—strictly avoiding gluten is the only treatment.
❌ “You must be fine now because you don’t look sick.” → Coeliac disease has invisible symptoms, but the damage is real.
Not everyone will immediately understand or respect your dietary needs, and that’s okay. You don’t need to justify yourself repeatedly. If someone pressures you to “just try a little,” politely but firmly say:
If someone continues to dismiss your needs, remember that your health comes first.
When friends or family go out of their way to accommodate you, show gratitude! A simple “Thank you for being so considerate—it means a lot” can reinforce positive behaviour and encourage them to continue supporting you.
Talking about coeliac disease with friends and family can feel challenging, but education is key. Be patient, clear, and assertive about your needs. The more they understand, the more they can support you in living a safe and healthy gluten-free life.
Have you had a difficult or positive experience discussing coeliac disease with loved ones? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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