Spare a thought for those who have no alternative but to eat gluten-free

As the hospitality industry starts to reopen its doors, people are able to go out to eat in for the first time in a long time, writes Rebecca Shearer.

However, those suffering from coeliac disease are not able to rejoice in the fact we can have a meal out with friends again.

Coeliac disease is an auto-immune condition in which the body fails to digest gluten.

Following a gluten-free diet sounds so much easier than it is and people often mistake a gluten-free diet to be a lifestyle choice.

Coeliac disease and gluten intolerances aren’t a choice and nor are they a lifestyle. Having to eat a gluten-free diet means constant planning and reading labels just to stop from getting ill.

The next time you’re desperate to make spaghetti bolognese but the supermarket is out of pasta, don’t reach for the gluten-free version just because “it’s all they had”, because that means shortages for those who are gluten intolerant.

Some restaurants and cafes try to offer a limited version of their menu that is gluten-free.

But it is important to know that if gluten-free food comes in to contact with even the slightest bit of gluten, someone who is gluten intolerant will know about it within 24 hours.

So, as Coeliac Awareness Week takes place from May 10-16, take some time to consider how you can help. When you’re reaching for the glutenfree sandwich because you fancy “being healthier”, please consider if there’s an alternative.

Rebecca is urging people to be more “gluten aware”.