A Gluten Free Podcast

Owning Your Coeliac Disease: Speaking Up, Making Mistakes & Advocating for Yourself

• Ben Hampton

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A Gluten Free Podcast
Episode 70 

In this solo episode of A Gluten Free Podcast, I’m diving into something deeply personal and often uncomfortable—owning your coeliac disease.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed for years or are still figuring out what gluten free life looks like, chances are you’ve experienced awkward social situations, been mocked, questioned, or made to feel like you're being “too fussy.” But the truth is: this isn’t a diet trend or a preference—it’s a strict medical prescription for a chronic autoimmune disease. And it’s time we stopped apologising for it.

Living gluten free isn’t always easy, and coeliac disease can make us feel isolated or even ashamed. But in this episode, I want to flip that script and encourage you to own your diagnosis, speak up for your needs, and find strength in vulnerability and advocacy.

In this episode, I’ll talk about:

  • Why you should never feel guilty for having coeliac disease
  • How to speak up about your diagnosis with confidence, even in uncomfortable social settings
  • The importance of making mistakes—and learning from them—on the gluten free journey
  • Why being your own advocate is crucial, and how doing so can help support others in the coeliac and gluten free community
  • Letting go of shame and replacing it with self-respect, clarity, and community
  • How we can work toward more understanding and compassion by sharing our real-life experiences

This is a heartfelt episode for anyone who has ever struggled with the emotional side of coeliac disease—and a reminder that your health and safety are never a burden.

Links & Resources

Get in Touch

I'd love to hear your thoughts or your own story about living with coeliac disease:

  • 📷 Instagram: @a.gffamily
  • 📧 Email: aglutenfreefamily@gmail.com
  • 📝 Read my column A Gluten Free Family in The Australian Coeliac magazine, released quarterly for Coeliac Australia members.

Disclaimer

The content shared on this podcast reflects the personal experiences and perspectives of the host and guests. It is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified medical professional before making changes to your health, treatment, or diet.