If you have recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease, you might not realise that you may qualify for gluten free foods on prescription. It makes a big difference to have support right away when you need to change your diet and lifestyle, removing gluten from your diet entirely for health reasons. There are different ways that you can approach this change in lifestyle, but with gluten free foods on prescription, providing you with a range of staple, cupboard essentials that are gluten free, you can enjoy gluten free white bread, gluten free brown bread, and find the items you need to take on gluten free baking at home. How does the system work, and who does it help?
What is the process for being diagnosed with coeliac disease?
If you suffer with the following symptoms, you should consider getting tested for coeliac disease.
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach ache
- Bloating
- Unintentional weight loss
- Mouth ulcers
- Type 1 diabetes
- IBS
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
- Anaemia
The testing for coeliac disease is simple; a blood test can be taken. You may also be required to undergo a biopsy of the small intestine as confirmation of the diagnosis. During the testing period for coeliac disease, you’ll be required to maintain your existing diet, eating foods that contain gluten to ensure tests are accurate. You will likely be referred to the hospital to a specialist team, including a dietitian and gastroenterologist, to understand what your diagnosis means and the importance of following a gluten free diet once you are diagnosed.
What is a gluten free prescription?
After confirmation that you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, you may be eligible for gluten free foods on prescription. If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, gluten free prescriptions are managed by your GP; in Scotland, it is managed by your pharmacy. There are different types of products available depending on where you live, so always check with your healthcare provider. You’ll find a range of staple foods available on prescription, including a range of gluten free bread and flour products.
Who is helped by gluten free prescriptions?
Any person who is coeliac can benefit from gluten free foods on prescription, depending on the area of the country in which they live. If you are newly diagnosed, it certainly provides you with peace of mind that you have cupboard essentials every day, whether or not you yet know how to put together a meal plan and shopping list that contains solely gluten free items. Even for those who have lived gluten-free for a long time, having a regular supply of gluten free foods can help you to adhere to your diet. It gives you that confidence to prepare meals and plan ahead with the prescription part of your plans.
What should I do next if I want to access products that are gluten free foods on prescription?
If you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, the next step is to see if you qualify for a prescription of gluten free products. Some brands provide free samples, enabling you to try products that you’ll have access to on prescription. Gluten free foods on prescription help you to gain access to everyday staple items, while supermarkets improve year upon year in providing gluten free products of a wider range.
Checking if you are eligible for gluten free prescription products is a great start to your gluten free journey. Ensure that you have received all the necessary information from your GP or healthcare professional during and beyond your diagnosis, and you can find the best gluten free prescription foods in your region to serve you with gluten free bread, pizza bases, crackers, flour mixes, and more, depending on the area of the country that you live in. There is nothing better than making your own gluten free white bread or going on a gluten free baking journey, if you know that you have the correct ingredients to hand. Gluten free prescription products provide you with this safe foundation and help to transform your life.
