Gluten-Free 101: What You Need to Know about Ageing and Celiac Disease
By Celiac Canada
Many Canadians reach their later years still searching for answers to ongoing health concerns - digestive discomfort, fatigue, joint pain, or nutrient deficiencies that don’t quite add up. For some, the cause turns out to be celiac disease, a condition that affects about one per cent of the population.
Celiac disease occurs when the body reacts to gluten, a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and their cross-bread grains. Over time, gluten damages the small intestine, making it harder for the body to absorb nutrients. There’s no cure, but a strict gluten-free diet can help people feel better and stay well. For those with celiac disease, food truly is medicine.
For years, celiac disease was considered a childhood disease. Now we know adults also have celiac disease, often suffering for years before being diagnosed. Diagnosis can be tricky because symptoms vary widely from person to person. With more than 200 possible symptoms - ranging from digestive issues to skin, dental and neurological issues - celiac disease is often mistaken for other conditions. When a doctor suspects celiac disease, they will order a blood test, and if the results are positive, the diagnosis is typically confirmed using a small bowel biopsy. It is very important that you continue eating gluten until all testing is complete, as removing gluten too early can lead to inconclusive results and delay diagnosis.
When celiac disease goes untreated, the body may not absorb enough protein, vitamins, and minerals needed for strength, energy, and bone health. And as we age, getting the right nutrients becomes even more important. While switching to a gluten-free diet can feel overwhelming at first, smart food choices and good planning make it manageable.
If you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease - or are living gluten-free for other health reasons - developing a few simple habits can help you eat well and feel confident.
Choose whole, naturally gluten-free foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, meat, poultry, and fish.
Make a habit of reading food labels carefully, even for products you’ve bought before – processes and ingredients can change without warning.
Look for foods labelled “gluten free” - this means they contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten and are considered safe for people with celiac disease.
Be mindful of cross-contact when preparing meals. Use clean utensils, toasters, cutting boards, and prep surfaces.
Try batch cooking simple meals that you can freeze and reheat later.
Keep simple pantry staples on hand: canned beans, rice, tuna, frozen veggies, and gluten-free oats.
Use gluten-free delivery services or grocery pickup if shopping is difficult.
Consult a registered dietitian to review your current intake and fill in any gaps.
Regular medical follow-up is an important part of managing celiac disease, especially as we age.
Eating gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up flavour or comfort. In fact, today’s gluten-free kitchens are full of delicious possibilities.
Living with celiac disease can feel isolating at times, especially if you’re newly diagnosed. Connecting with others who understand can be a real lifeline.
Celiac Canada offers programs, resources, and an active Chapter community across Alberta to support seniors and caregivers alike. The Celiac Canada Support Group on Facebook provides a welcoming space to ask questions, share tips, and feel understood. Learn more at celiac.ca.
Looking for a new go-to gluten-free recipe?
Try one of these simple, flavour-packed options from recipe developer and Celiac Canada ambassador Patricia Chuey: