Under the microscope

Actress Caroline Quentin, 54, answers our health quiz

CAN YOU RUN UPSTAIRS?

YES I can. I exercise three times a week for at least an hour — circuit training, a bit of running or cycling. I also love swimming.

WORST ILLNESS?

THREE years ago, a blood test showed that I had antibodies for coeliac disease, meaning my body reacts adversely to gluten [a protein in wheat, barley and rye]. I’ve suffered with symptoms such as diarrhoea, anaemia and vomiting for 30 years. I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome at 23 and lived all that time thinking that’s what it was.

HOW DID YOU TAKE THE NEWS?

I’M THRILLED to be feeling better now that I’m off gluten — I’m not having all the bloating and headaches.

EVER DIETED?

I’VE tried faddy diets, but a joyful by-product of cutting out gluten has been that I’ve dropped two dress sizes. I’m 5 ft 3 in and am a size 16 on top and a 12 on my bottom.

COPE WELL WITH PAIN?

I’M PRETTY good, actually. I’ve had two babies (Emily, now 15, and William, 11), so I have a good pain threshold.

POP ANY PILLS?

NO, BUT I do have a friend who makes amazing juices with spirulina [an algae-based supplement] and kale, and I have one if I am feeling low.

EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?

I’VE been depressed, yes, but never diagnosed with clinical depression.

GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?

YES. The great thing about being a coeliac is your fruit and veg intake shoots up. In the old days, I’d have thought: ‘It’s 11am, I’ll have a cup of tea and a biscuit’, but now, I’ll have a banana instead.

ANY VICES?

DAIRY. Coeliacs are more likely to develop lactose intolerance, although usually it’s temporary. My doctors have offered a test, but I’m choosing not to find out at the moment. I don’t want someone to tell me I can’t ever eat another piece of Somerset brie.

IS SEX IMPORTANT?

YES. It doesn’t matter who it’s with!

ANY FAMILY AILMENTS?

MY MOTHER passed away two years ago and I’m pretty convinced she had coeliac disease. She had osteoporosis and anaemia — classic signs, as over time the gut can become damaged, stopping it absorbing nutrients.

WOULD YOU HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY?

NO. I’M quite beautiful enough.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE?

NOT much. I sleep well, but wake early because I live in the country. The dawn chorus is just lovely.

BIGGEST PHOBIA?

IT USED to be rats, but I had a session where they show you pictures of rats and do a bit of cognitive behavioural therapy. I really recommend it.

LIKE TO LIVE FOREVER?

NO. I’LL be happy in my allotted time.

An ESTIMATED half a million people in Britain have undiagnosed coeliac disease. Go to isitcoeliacdisease.org.uk to take an online assessment.