Latest news with #CoeliacAwarenessMonth
The Courier
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Courier
Errol's Lass O'Gowrie delivers gluten-free dining without the drama - and with a showstopping cheesecake
In the quietly beautiful village of Errol, between Perth and Dundee, something quite special is happening in a friendly little restaurant called Lass O'Gowrie. Known for its charm, excellent food, and warm welcome, this cafe and bistro has been winning hearts with its monthly themed dinners – and in February, it was gluten-free night. For those of us who live gluten-free not by choice, but by necessity, this was more than just a night out. It was a celebration of inclusion. I went along with my husband, my cousin John, and his wife Nic – like me, Nic has to eat gluten-free – and we were buzzing with anticipation. May is Coeliac Awareness Month, so it feels fitting to share how rare and refreshing it was to attend a dining event where, for once, we didn't have to quiz the waiter, interrogate the ingredients, or brace for disappointment. Everything on the menu was safe and made without compromise. That's something people without dietary restrictions often take for granted, but for those of us with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, it's a rare luxury. Lass O'Gowrie is the kind of place that makes you feel at home before you've even stepped through the door. Dog-friendly, family-friendly, wheelchair accessible – and just plain friendly – it's a hub of good food and good vibes. Owned by Ali and Bob Abercrombie, Lass O'Gowrie has been based out of the village's old Victoria Hall for three years and has gone from strength to strength. Their special nights feature a set menu (with two choices per course), themed around different dietary or culinary focuses. February's theme was all gluten-free, with plenty of vegan and dairy-free options as well. The menu, sent out in advance, had us drooling before we even arrived. For starters, the standout was a velvety butternut, coconut, and peanut butter soup – gluten-free, vegan, and utterly sensational. It was, hands down, the best soup any of us had ever tasted. Creamy, nutty, slightly sweet and warmly spiced, it was a dish that turned me from a soup sceptic into a convert. The alternative starter – a zingy salad of feta, orange, mint, and oatcakes – was light, fresh, and a perfect counterbalance. My husband polished it off with glowing praise. For mains, the options were a hearty beef lasagne or a parmigiana di melanzane. I went for the parmigiana, despite normally avoiding it when dining out. As someone who makes it often at home, I have high standards. But Lass O'Gowrie nailed it – tender layers of aubergine, perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, and just the right amount of golden, bubbling cheese, all served with a bright, crunchy salad. It was both indulgent and light, a tough balance to strike. The lasagne looked equally appetising, with gluten-free pasta and a rich, meaty ragu. By dessert, we were already full but far from finished. This course was where the gluten-free magic really shone. I chose the baked raspberry cheesecake – something I rarely get to enjoy in restaurants due to the dreaded biscuit base. Not here. Made with gluten-free biscuits, this cheesecake was satisfyingly indulgent, creamy, fruity, and came with a layer of passion fruit mousse. It was divine. My husband opted for the apple and blackberry crumble with custard, and we shared desserts. The crumble was like something your mum would make, but with a restaurant's polish – warm, comforting, and every bit as satisfying as a glutenous version. One of the many lovely touches of the evening was the drinks offering. We were served a choice of two pre-mixed cocktails – one alcoholic, one not – and both thoughtfully crafted. The dangerously delicious raspberry rose fizz, with a hint of mint, was so good John and I ended up having three or four – while the drivers at our table stuck with the non-alcoholic version, which was just as delightful). It was yet another element that showed how much care and creativity had gone into the night. Beyond the food and drink, it was the atmosphere that made this evening feel so special. The service was relaxed but attentive, the kitchen staff cheerful and visible through a hatch, and the surroundings rustic and cosy. You could tell that everyone at Lass O'Gowrie genuinely enjoys what they do. We were the last to leave, lingering over cocktails and blethers while the staff wiped down tables with smiles still on their faces. What struck me most, though, was the sense of ease. There was no stress, no food envy, no awkward substitutions. For once, Nic and I didn't feel like the 'difficult' diners. The team had also accommodated Nic's additional dietary needs in advance, ensuring she could enjoy the evening fully and without fuss. At £29 per person, including three courses and a cocktail, it was remarkable value. Booking and paying ahead helped streamline the evening, and the limited menu allowed the chefs to focus on quality over quantity. It's a model that works for both the business and diner. Lass O'Gowrie's gluten-free night was a joyous, inclusive experience. And I have no doubt I'll be back – not just for another themed night, but for that soup alone. In a world where eating out can be fraught with anxiety and disappointment for those with dietary restrictions, Lass O'Gowrie offers something truly refreshing: peace of mind – and a damn fine cheesecake. Address: The Victoria Hall, High Street, Errol PH2 7QP Telephone: 01821 684960 Website: Disabled access: Yes Dog-friendly: Yes Scores: Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Surroundings: 5/5 Price: £29 per person for 3 courses and a cocktail/mocktail
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Rebecca Adlington says miscarriage ordeal resulted in life-changing diagnosis
Former Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington has opened up about the moment she got a "life changing" diagnosis for an autoimmune condition that affects one in 10 people Olympic swimming star Rebecca Adlington wishes she had asked her doctors to test her for coeliac disease sooner. But her story, which she is sharing this Coeliac Awareness Month, is by no means unusual. With just 36% of people with coeliac disease medically diagnosed in the UK, an estimated 500,000 people will be living with unexplained and often debilitating symptoms. It was only in October last year, aged 35, Rebecca was finally diagnosed with the chronic autoimmune condition that causes the body to react to gluten in the diet. The four-time Olympic medal-winning swimmer describes it as 'life changing', after years of upset. "As I have had multiple pregnancies, I put a lot of symptoms down to hormonal changes,' she explains. 'I suffered with stomach pain, fatigue, mouth ulcers, bloating, and constantly felt run down or ill. The tiredness affected both my personal and professional life as I didn't feel as productive or have enough energy like other people. 'Meanwhile, the mouth ulcers affected my diet as I struggled to eat sometimes as they were so painful and so many. The stomach pain was persistent. I also experienced two miscarriages and whilst my doctor couldn't pinpoint the cause, this and my stomach pain ultimately led to me being tested for coeliac disease and subsequently diagnosed.' She adds: 'If you are experiencing ongoing symptoms or issues like I had, just ask the doctor for a test. I never even thought I might have coeliac disease but I wish I had asked my doctors to test me sooner.' For this year's Coeliac Awareness Month, running throughout May, Coeliac UK is urging the public to ask their GP: 'Is it coeliac disease?' and take the charity's free online self-assessment tool to calculate their risk. People can check if they are experiencing common symptoms and, if so, it is recommended they ask for testing for the condition. But it's important to not remove gluten from your diet until you have a blood test – and possibly a biopsy – to confirm it, as this risks a potential false negative result. Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition affecting one in 100 people in the UK – yet it remains hard to diagnose. When someone with coeliac disease eats gluten, their body attacks its own tissues, causing damage to the gut and leading to serious health complications if left untreated. The only treatment is a lifelong, strict, gluten-free diet. Symptoms of coeliac disease can be recurrent, persistent or unexplained. They may include, but are not limited to, fatigue, stomach pain, anaemia, and neurological issues, such as loss of balance, brain fog and neuropathy – numbness and tingling in the body. What foods contain gluten? Foodstuffs such as flour, bread, pasta, cereals, cakes and biscuits contain gluten. But it can also be found in miniscule amounts in stock cubes, soy sauce, gravy and chocolate. A tiny amount of gluten can cause symptoms, so it's vital that coeliac sufferers avoid cross-contamination. 'Sources of contamination include breadcrumbs in toasters and on bread boards, utensils used for spreading and spooning jam and butter, and from cooking oil and water,' says Coeliac UK. Now mum-of-two Rebecca is on a strict gluten-free diet, she has seen vast improvements in her health and wellbeing. 'Since removing gluten, I feel significantly better. My mood, my energy – everything is better. I am not in pain any more. I am able to exercise more as I feel better. 'To achieve a balanced diet, I eat things that naturally don't have gluten, like rice and potatoes, but also rely on gluten-free substitutes for items like bread and flour, but these are so much more expensive. Shopping takes longer as you have to examine every label and ingredient to make sure it doesn't contain gluten. I had lots of people recommend Coeliac UK to me when I announced my diagnosis on social media. I found their support and information so helpful when adjusting to living on a strict gluten-free diet.' Hilary Croft, Coeliac UK CEO, says: 'For those battling with unexplained symptoms, a coeliac disease diagnosis can be life changing. Our campaign aims to increase awareness of coeliac disease and we aim to reach the estimated half a million people living with the symptoms of undiagnosed coeliac disease to help guide them on the road to recovery. At Coeliac UK, we're here to help with advice and information for anyone who suspects they might have coeliac disease as well as those looking for ongoing support.' The Coeliac Awareness Month campaign looks at raising awareness of coeliac disease by sharing real stories and empowering those affected by it to recognise symptoms, complete its online self-assessment, and take the first step on the road to recovery. What is coeliac disease? Caused by a reaction to gluten in the body, coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition – not an allergy or intolerance. When sufferers eat gluten – a protein found in the grains wheat, barley and rye – the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues in the gut, damaging the lining and making it harder for the body to absorb nutrients. This can lead to chronic inflammation, discomfort and long-term gut damage. Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach ache, bloating, indigestion, constipation, wind and vomiting. Some people will also experience tiredness, weight loss, rashes, infertility and speech issues, as well as problems with their balance. Bizarrely, some people don't get any symptoms, but still suffer damage to their guts. Because symptoms are so diverse, diagnosis can be difficult and one in four coeliacs are initially diagnosed with IBS. The average length of time to be diagnosed from the onset of symptoms is 13 years, commonly aged between 40 and 60. There is no cure but it can be managed by permanently removing gluten from the diet, clearing symptoms within a couple of months although it can take up to five years for the gut to heal. TV presenter Jameela Jamil and Men Behaving Badly's Caroline Quentin have spoken about living with the condition.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
More than 75,000 people living with undiagnosed coeliac disease in Ireland
The disease leads to the body's immune system reacting to gluten found in wheat, barley and rye which can cause damage to the lining of the intestine and prevent the body from absorbing important nutrients. People with the condition need to eat foods which are gluten free. Speaking about a new awareness campaign 'Think, Test, Treat' to mark Coeliac Awareness Month, Sarah Keogh, nutritionist and dietitian, said: 'With so many people across Ireland living with undiagnosed coeliac disease, it's important that we amplify the conversation and help the public understand the symptoms and raise awareness that this is a serious autoimmune disease. "Coeliac disease has a wide range of symptoms that affects different people in different ways which can lead to misdiagnosis and many people living with coeliac disease without realising. "For example, studies show that 24pc of individuals with lactose intolerance may also have coeliac disease. "Additionally, up to 40pc of those with repeated low iron levels may need to be tested for coeliac disease. We urge those who suspect they may have coeliac disease to 'Think, Test, Treat' and a simple blood test from your doctor might provide the answer.' Symptoms of coeliac disease include constant mouth ulcers, crippling fatigue, stomach pain, regular bouts of diarrhoea, anaemia and weight loss, said the Coeliac Society of Ireland. While there is a no cure, coeliac disease can be treated by following a strict gluten-free diet. Left untreated, the disease can lead to severe complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. The 'Think, Test, Treat' campaign urges those who suspect they may have coeliac disease to take the first step to receiving a diagnosis by visiting a GP to arrange a blood-based genetic test. Coeliac disease can be diagnosed by a blood-based genetic test. It currently takes, on average, thirteen years from when someone first experiences symptoms to diagnosis, and a quarter of those with coeliac disease were previously misdiagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Dunnes Stores at Cornelscourt in Dublin will be hosting a free information event on the disease in association with the Coeliac Society of Ireland on Wednesday, May 14 from 6.30pm.
