At HECK!, we believe everyone should enjoy great food, whether you're gluten-free by choice or coeliac by necessity. With so many myths still around, we’re here to set the record straight for Coeliac Awareness Month!
There’s still a lot of confusion out there when it comes to coeliac disease, and that can make life even trickier for those living with it. With Coeliac Awareness Month shining a spotlight on the condition, we thought it was the perfect time to bust some of the most common myths. Whether it’s misunderstandings about symptoms or outdated ideas about what you can and can’t eat, these myths can get in the way of proper diagnosis and support. So, we’re setting the record straight, because living gluten-free shouldn’t mean living with misinformation too.
1. “Coeliac disease is a food allergy”
Wrong! Coeliac disease is not a food allergy or an intolerance. It’s actually an autoimmune condition. That means when someone with CD eats gluten, their immune system wrongly attacks the lining of their small intestine. Ouch. The only treatment? A lifelong, strict gluten-free diet.
Think you might have CD? You can take a quick and easy self-assessment on the Coeliac UK website.
2. “Coeliac disease is rare”
Nope. Coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 people in the UK, which makes it more common than many people realise. What’s even more surprising is that around half a million people are living with it and don’t even know.
Again, if you’re unsure, it’s worth trying the Coeliac UK self-assessment tool.
3. “You have to have tummy troubles to have CD”
Not true. While symptoms like stomach pain or diarrhoea can happen, they’re not the only signs. CD can cause issues all over the body, and everyone experiences it differently. Other symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Iron deficiency
- Mouth ulcers
- Skin rash
- Sudden weight loss
- Balance problems
4. “Only kids get coeliac disease”
False again. CD can develop at any age and is actually most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 40–60. While the exact reason is unknown, some experts believe triggers could include things like a recent illness, surgery or a stressful life event.
5. “You can grow out of it”
Unfortunately not. Coeliac disease is a lifelong condition. Cutting out gluten allows your gut lining to heal, but if you start eating gluten again, the damage comes back, often worse than before.
6. “A little bit of gluten won’t hurt”
It really will. Even tiny crumbs can trigger gut damage. That’s why preventing cross-contamination is so important. This includes:
- Using separate pans and utensils
- Keeping separate spreads like butter and jam
- Wiping down surfaces before preparing food
7. “You can’t eat out or have a takeaway if you have CD”
Good news…this one’s completely outdated! These days, more restaurants and takeaways than ever offer gluten-free options, and it’s a legal requirement for them to list allergens on menus. It’s still a good idea to check ahead or ring up before visiting, just to be safe.
Remember, loads of foods are naturally gluten free too, like rice, potatoes, fresh meat, fish, fruit and veg. So you’re never stuck for choice!
Check out the Coeliac UK Eating Out guide for coeliac-safe venues and handy apps that help you navigate eating out.
At HECK! we’ve got your back. We’re proud to offer a wide range of gluten-free products, and our entire factory is gluten free, so you can enjoy your favourite sausages and burgers without worry.
Got questions? Drop us a message or check out our full gluten-free range here.
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