Understanding Coeliac Disease and How to Support Those Living With It
Coeliac Awareness Week in Australia is an important time to highlight the realities of living with coeliac disease, clear up misconceptions about gluten intolerance, and educate people on how to safely accommodate someone with coeliac disease.
Many people assume that a gluten-free diet is just a lifestyle choice, but for those with coeliac disease, it is a serious medical condition that requires strict avoidance of all gluten-containing foods, including even the smallest traces of cross-contamination.
This blog explains the difference between coeliac disease and gluten intolerance, tips to prepare food for someone with coeliac disease, what teachers should know about coeliac students, and what the public should understand about this autoimmune condition.
Coeliac Disease vs. Gluten Intolerance – What is the Difference?
There is often confusion between coeliac disease and gluten intolerance, but the difference is significant.
Coeliac Disease
- An autoimmune condition, where consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine.
- Even tiny amounts of gluten can cause severe reactions, malabsorption of nutrients, and long-term health complications.
- The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet, with no exceptions and zero tolerance for cross-contamination.
Gluten Intolerance (Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity)
- People with gluten intolerance experience digestive discomfort, bloating, and fatigue after eating gluten, but gluten does not cause internal damage.
- While gluten-free eating may ease symptoms, small traces of gluten do not have the same serious health consequences as they do for someone with coeliac disease.
Why This Difference Matters
Many people choose to follow a gluten-free diet for personal reasons, but for someone with coeliac disease, small amounts or even a crumb can cause serious harm. If you are preparing food for a diagnosed coeliac, cross-contamination is a real concern, and extra care must be taken.
Read why we have our meal independently tested for gluten here >
How to Prepare a Meal for Someone With Coeliac Disease
If you are hosting a coeliac for a meal, it is essential to understand the level of care required to prevent cross-contamination.
Ask These Questions Before Cooking
- How strict do I need to be when preparing food for you?
- Do you have some suggestions so I can prepare the right meal for you?
- Would you prefer to bring your own meal for peace of mind? (many may prefer this option).
- Would you like a We Feed You meal? I've planned a gluten containing meal for everyone but would still love you to come, please choose one and let me know.
Steps to Prevent Cross-Contamination
- Do not use shared toasters, cutting boards, or utensils that have touched gluten. Even a small amount of contamination can cause a reaction.
- Thoroughly clean all surfaces, cookware, and hands before preparing gluten-free food.
- Check ingredient labels carefully—some unexpected products, such as soy sauce, stock cubes, and spice blends, contain gluten.
- Do not double-dip into spreads, butter, or condiments that may have been contaminated with gluten. Always use a fresh spoon or knife.
Gluten-Free Foods That Are Naturally Safe
- Fresh meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.
- Plain rice, potatoes, legumes, and dairy products.
- Gluten-free grains such as rice, quinoa, buckwheat, and millet.
Teachers and Coeliac Students – What You Should Know
If you are a teacher with a coeliac student in your class, it is important to take their dietary needs seriously. Coeliac disease is not a fussy eating preference, and even small amounts of gluten exposure can have serious consequences.
Why Teachers Need to Be Aware
- Coeliac disease is not an allergy, but it is a lifelong medical condition that requires strict gluten avoidance.
- Symptoms of gluten exposure can include stomach pain, nausea, fatigue, and brain fog, which can significantly impact a student’s ability to concentrate and learn.
- Unlike allergies, symptoms may not appear immediately, but internal damage occurs instantly upon gluten exposure.
How Teachers Can Support a Coeliac Student
- Ensure no food sharing happens in the classroom, as young children may not understand cross-contamination risks.
- Keep a gluten-free treat on hand for classroom celebrations, so the student is not excluded from birthday cakes or food-related rewards. It's probably best to have this approved by the parent first.
- Avoid using wheat-based craft materials like regular playdough, pasta, or flour-based activities unless they are certified gluten-free.
- Listen to the student and their parents—if they say they cannot eat something, respect their dietary needs.
Important Things the Public Should Know About Coeliac Disease
- Gluten-free is not a fad diet for people with coeliac disease—it is the only treatment for their condition.
- Cross-contamination is a serious issue, and even a crumb of gluten can cause an immune reaction.
- People with coeliac disease are not being difficult—they wish they could eat without worrying, but their health depends on strict gluten avoidance.
- Dining out can be stressful, as many restaurants do not take gluten-free requests seriously. Proper training for staff is essential to keep coeliac customers safe.
- Coeliac disease can impact mental health, as social limitations, anxiety around food, and constantly explaining their condition can be exhausting.
Final Thoughts: How You Can Help Raise Coeliac Awareness
Coeliac Awareness Week is an opportunity to go beyond just recognising the condition and take action to support those who live with it.
By understanding the risks of cross-contamination, asking the right questions, and making small changes, you can help create a safer, more inclusive environment for people with coeliac disease.
If you are looking for certified gluten-free meals that are suitable for coeliacs, explore our range of gluten free meals at We Feed You. Our meals are independently tested and endorsed by Coeliac Australia, ensuring they are gluten-free and free from cross-contamination risks.
For more information about coeliac disease, visit Coeliac Australia’s official website or check out our gluten-free meal options at We Feed You.
We also have a list of FAQs: Gluten-Free Meal Delivery with We Feed You
