What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) damages the small intestine.
This damage makes it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients properly, leading to various symptoms and health complications.
According to Health Canada, celiac disease affects 1 in every 100-200 people in North America.
As many as 300,000 Canadians could have this disease, with many remaining undiagnosed.
Common questions after celiac diagnosis
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, you likely have many questions:
Browse local dietitians with expertise in celiac disease and gluten-free nutrition. Each profile includes their specific areas of focus, location, and booking information.
A celiac diet means adopting a strict gluten-free diet for life as a treatment for celiac disease.
A gluten-free diet avoids barley, rye, oats (regular, non-gluten-free oats), wheat and triticale aka BROW(t).
In celiac disease, gluten (proteins, glutelins and prolamins, found in these listed grains) damages the small intestine resulting in symptoms, poor absorption of nutrients and skin rashes and itching in some people.
It’s important to note some people with celiac disease do not have any symptoms; however, it is still recommended for them to follow a gluten-free diet to prevent further damages to the small intestine and other long-term health complications.
Celiac dietitians typically have clinical experience working in hospitals, GI offices or clinics that treat patients with diagnosed and undiagnosed celiac disease.
These RDs will also partake in continuing education to stay current with the latest research, treatment guidelines, and best practices in celiac nutrition.
A celiac dietitian can help you with the following:
We make it easy for your to find a specialized celiac dietitian in BC.
Check out the dietitians listed on this page (or jump here), click on their profiles to read more about their qualifications, experience, and services.
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Many people starts eating a gluten-free diet without screening for celiac disease, making diagnosis complicated later on.
The 2004-2005 Canadian Celiac Health survey reported that it took on average 11.5 years after the onset of symptoms for adults to be diagnosed with celiac disease.
The testing for celiac disease becomes inaccurate when you have already eliminated gluten from your diet.
It is important if you have any signs and symptoms of celiac disease to get the screening test (commonly known as the TTG test – IgA anti-transglutaminase antibody test) done prior to avoiding gluten.
A celiac diagnosis means adopting a gluten-free diet for life, this also means you have to be diligent in avoiding cross contamination at home and eating out, regular medical follow ups to make sure your body is healing, as screening for other conditions and deficiencies.
It is recommended to screen your first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) for celiac since they have a 10% chance of having celiac disease.
This is different than eating a gluten-free diet due to gluten intolerance.
Need help finding the right dietitian?
Not sure where to start? Our “match with a BC Dietitian” pathway can help you get matched to a dietitian based on your needs and preferences, check your insurance coverage, and book your first appointment with confidence.
The gluten-free (GF) diet is not just a trend – it is a medical necessity for people with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This month, our team of BC Dietitians collaborated and presented at the GF Expo 2025 in Vancouver, where dietitians, celiac patients, gluten-sensitive folks, and innovative
According to Health Canada, Celiac disease affects 1 in every 100 – 200 people in North America. As many as 300,000 Canadians could have this disease and many remain undiagnosed. Read on to learn more about what Celiac Disease is, how to avoid cross contamination, when you need to choose certified
Happy Lunar New Year! We’re excited to share a special recipe that blends cultural symbolism with plant-based goodness: Gluten-Free Crispy Vegan Dumplings that shaped like money bags as symbolism of good fortune and wealth in Chinese culture. Filled with a savory mixture of mushrooms, greens and flavors, each dumpling is
I was invited to host a cooking class for UBC students in the Student Recovery Community (SRC). The SRC community is an inclusive peer-led space designed to support students who are in recovery or curious to explore their relationship with alcohol, drugs, eating disorders and/or addictive behaviors. One of the nutrition topics
Find a celiac dietitian
Our “match with a BC Dietitian” pathway can help you get matched to a dietitian based on your needs and preferences, check your insurance coverage, and book your first appointment with confidence.
