Guide

Living gluten-free.

Everything you need to know about recognizing the symptoms, getting tested the right way and taking the first steps toward a body in balance.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, triggers an immune reaction that damages the villi of the small intestine. As a result, the body absorbs nutrients poorly, even when the diet is rich.

Unlike an allergy, it does not go away with time. The only treatment is a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet, and the good news is that the gut heals on it.

How to spot the problem

The most common signs. None of them alone is a diagnosis.

Digestive issues

Bloating, chronic diarrhea or constipation after meals that contain wheat.

Chronic fatigue

Exhaustion that doesn't go away even after rest, often with “brain fog”.

Skin changes

Eczema, unexplained rashes or dry skin linked to the state of your gut flora.

Low iron

Trouble keeping your iron up, or anemia despite supplements, because of poor absorption.

The road to a reliable diagnosis

Don't cut out gluten before testing! For antibodies to be detected, your body has to be exposed to gluten.

First stop

Gastroenterologist

1

tTG-IgA

Blood

The primary blood antibody test.

2

Total IgA

Blood

Rules out IgA deficiency, which can give a false negative result.

3

EMA

Blood

An additional endomysial antibody test to confirm the suspicion.

4

Biopsy

Procedure

The gold standard: shows how damaged the intestinal villi are.

What to eat and what to avoid

On your plate

  • Rice, potatoes, buckwheat, quinoa, millet, corn
  • Meat, fish, eggs and legumes
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Dairy without additives
  • Oats only when labeled “gluten-free”

Avoid or limit

  • Wheat, rye, barley, spelt, kamut
  • Malt and regular beer
  • Regular oats (cross-contamination)
  • Breaded and battered food
  • Sauces and soups thickened with flour

Gluten also hides in spice blends, ketchup and cured meats. Always read the label.

From knowledge to your plate.

The Bez zrna app helps you in the grocery store and in the kitchen.

  • AI label scanner
  • HOMA-IR calculator
  • Premium recipes in 9 languages

Other guides

This guide is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. For a diagnosis, interpreting your lab results or any change in treatment, talk to your doctor.