Getting the right information about your body starts with the right test and diagnosis. Have you been learning about coeliac disease? Are you wondering if this may explain some of the symptoms that you are feeling? If this sounds familiar, then we’ll give you a bit more information on coeliac disease and explain how a coeliac self test is a great support. We’ll also cover a few signs that now is the time to consider getting tested and why!
What does a coeliac self test do?
Thankfully, this kind of health test is exactly as it sounds. It is designed to detect coeliac disease in the body and give you definitive answers on how your body reacts to gluten.
At-home testing for coeliac disease is an excellent choice for those who can’t make time to see a GP. The same goes for those who are looking for a self-monitored test to help them determine if they need to see their GP. Anyone with an internet connection can order a coeliac self test. So, this easy access puts your health in your hands.
A coeliac health test allows you to take a small blood sample and get results in less than 10 minutes. These results can help you get clear answers on whether your body is struggling with coeliac disease or not. This can help you get your food-related life back under your control.
What are the benefits of a coeliac test?
A health test like this one has many advantages, even if they don’t immediately seem apparent. Let’s look at some of the benefits of a coeliac disease test. Some of them may surprise you!
Accurate information about what’s going on in your body
It’s so easy for things to happen in your body without you even being aware. In the UK, the prominence of coeliac disease has increased. That being said, many cases remain undiagnosed even with the increase. This could be from a lack of understanding of how coeliac disease works or the general public not knowing that they can access testing.
Access to proper follow-up care and management
Another reason to consider a self test for coeliac disease is so that you have a clear diagnosis. This will help you to know what comes next. If you take a test and discover that you do have coeliac disease, you’ll be able to approach your GP and other specialists. They will help you access well-deserved support and follow-up from medical professionals.
Most specialists can’t take someone at their word if they suspect they have coeliac disease. Yet, these specialists will take test results seriously. They will also know how best to move forward with your health!
Support from qualified dietitians
One of the most important facets of living with coeliac disease is making changes to your diet to help ease coeliac disease symptoms. A clear diagnosis can give you the power and advantage of working with a professional dietitian who can help you meet your nutritional needs while avoiding gluten in its many forms. Having a confirmed coeliac disease diagnosis can also help you approach nutritional specialists who focus specifically on coeliac disease.
What are signs that I need to consider a coeliac self test?
Perhaps you aren’t sure if you need to consider a coeliac test or not. Are your symptoms from coeliac disease or something else? This question in and of itself is a great reason to order a coeliac self test. There are a lot of symptoms associated with coeliac disease. These include bloating, fatigue, headaches, and aching joints.
Not only are these symptoms easy to overlook, but they also could be misunderstood as symptoms of something more severe, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a wheat intolerance. The treatment for each condition will be very different. You can start to see, then, why a diagnosis is so important!
Testing offers an easier approach to dieting
Many people avoid gluten, since they’ve thought this is better for their health. It could be just for health benefits, or they feel better when not eating gluten. Regardless, they see a gluten-free diet as their best chance at a proper diet and good health. However, a coeliac test is only going to be accurate in its results if you are eating a diet with gluten. If you cut gluten without testing for underlying conditions, you’ll never know what change actually makes a difference.
Many people find it challenging to stay on restrictive diets long-term. It can create a negative relationship with food, too. Eating a regular, non-restrictive diet, paired with proper health testing, can help put each person in control of their diet. It can also give an easier, results-based approach to doing what is best for your body and health.
When you think about all that, it makes sense that at-home health testing could be the best thing for your health, comfort, and diet. You owe it to yourself to do what is best for your body, short-term and long-term. So, this is something important to consider for all the best reasons!