Coeliac Disease vs Gluten Sensitivity & My Diagnosis Story
Introduction
For years, I didn’t understand what was happening to my body. Constant bloating, low energy, stomach pain it became my “normal.” But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.
At 18 years old, everything finally made sense. I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. In this post, I’ll share my story and explain the key differences between coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity because they’re often confused, but they’re not the same.
My Story: The Symptoms I Ignored
Looking back, the signs were always there.
I felt bloated almost every day
I had frequent stomach cramps
My energy levels were constantly low
Eating certain foods made me feel worse but I didn’t know why
I had really bad acne
I suffered with anxiety
At first, I thought:
“Maybe this is just normal.”
But it wasn’t.
Over time, things got worse. Meals that should have given me energy left me feeling drained and uncomfortable.
The Diagnosis at 18
After finally going to the doctor and pushing for answers, I went through testing. Blood tests showed very clearly that I had Coeliac disease. It was a relief to finally have answers and to get that diagnosis but also very overwhelming. I had to completely change my diet and learn quickly what I could and couldn’t eat.
What Is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition.
When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye), their immune system attacks the small intestine.
This can lead to:
Damage to the gut lining
Poor nutrient absorption
Long-term health issues if untreated
Even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger a reaction.
What Is Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity?
Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is different.
People with NCGS:
Experience symptoms when eating gluten
But do not have the autoimmune response or intestinal damage seen in coeliac disease
Common symptoms include:
Bloating
Fatigue
Brain fog
Digestive discomfort
The key difference:
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition and gluten sensitivity is not.
Life After Diagnosis
After my diagnosis, I had to completely rethink my diet.
At first, it felt restrictive.
But over time, it became empowering.
I started to:
Understand my body better
Choose foods that actually made me feel good
Focus on whole, nourishing meals
And most importantly:
I finally felt like myself again.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you’re experiencing:
bloating
digestive discomfort
fatigue after eating
unexplained nutrient deficiencies
…it’s worth getting checked.
Don’t ignore what your body is telling you!
Final Thoughts
Being diagnosed with coeliac disease at 18 changed everything for me but in some weird ways, it changed things for the better.
It forced me to take control of my health and understand what my body truly needs.
Whether you have coeliac disease or suspect gluten sensitivity, the most important step is awareness.
Listen to your body. Ask questions. And don’t settle for feeling “just okay.”
