One of the toughest parts for bread lovers once they have been diagnosed with coeliac disease is readjusting to live on a new gluten free diet without traditional wheat-based bread and other staple products. Do not fear though, you may be eligible to apply for products that are gluten free on prescription, opening up a whole new world of staple goods such as gluten free bread, gluten free flours, and a range of other cupboard staples and essentials. It may seem like a challenging change in lifestyle, but there is support out there to help you find the correct diet that is nutritious and delicious.
What is a gluten free prescription?
Once you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease you may be eligible for a prescription. Depending on the area you live in this may take on a different form. For example, in England gluten free prescriptions are managed by your GP, while in Scotland the process is dealt with by your pharmacy. The process begins with your doctor diagnosing you with coeliac disease, and then prescribing you gluten free products, such as a range of staple foods, to be collected from your pharmacist.
Which gluten free products can I access on prescription?
It’s important that as soon as you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease that you begin to plan ahead, but you should not start a gluten-free diet until your diagnosis has been confirmed by your doctor. A meal plan is a good idea to get you going with a gluten free diet, but it’s also important that you have ready access to a range of staple goods, just as you would with foods that contain gluten.
Gluten free products on prescription include gluten free bread, a range of gluten free flour blends and mixes that allow you to make your own bread and cakes at home, pizza bases, crackers, cereals, and more. The region you live in will determine what specific types of food are available to you, but you can rest assured that you’ll have access to a range of staple, cupboard essentials that keep you going.
Naturally gluten free
It’s important to remember that there are many ingredients that are naturally gluten free. It is understandable that before you were diagnosed with coeliac disease you may not have ever thought about this, but there is a lot that you might already include in your diet that are gluten free. This includes eggs, meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables, which gives you a broad base of options to plan meals and get your gluten free diet off to a great start!
Always speak with a healthcare specialist
We would advise that you speak with a dietitian after you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease. Long-term review appointments with your doctor are also crucial to understanding how your health is adapting to a gluten free lifestyle.
If you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease there is no need to fear. Gaining access to gluten free products and staples such as gluten free bread options is easier than ever before. With gluten free foods available on prescription, and everyday supermarket ranges broadening every year, there are some delicious ways to live a gluten free lifestyle and diet in a cost-effective way.
