Coeliac disease (also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy or coeliac sprue or gluten intolerance) is a condition of the small intestine caused by a complex immunological response provoked by gluten. Gluten is a storage protein found in wheat and other cereals like rye, barley and oats. Coeliac disease manifests as an array of debilitating symptoms but by following an appropriate gluten-free diet, sufferers can make a full recovery.

For those who are allergic to certain foods, such as wheat or eggs, it is easy to banish them from the diet when they are presented in a natural whole form. However, it is not easy to be sure that those same allergens will not turn up in some pre-prepared food, for example, in sauces.

One food ingredient that is commonly on the receiving end of bad press is monosodium glutamate, or MSG. However this is unfounded. Monosodium glutamate can be safely used to add flavour and appeal to foods, and even to reduce sodium levels in foods.

Many migraine sufferers claim that their attacks are triggered by certain foods. The body's failure to inactivate the natural amines present in the food may explain why some people are affected more than others.

Summer is the season of travelling and vacations. It is also the season of "Tourista", an illness which, though confused with the stomach flu, which may be caused by contaminated food and drink. You can reduce the risk of sickness spoiling your holidays by taking some simple precautions.

Surveys show about 20% of all adults believe they have food allergies. When a full evaluation and diagnosis has been performed, however, only 1 to 2% of people suffer from allergies. Because their immune systems are not yet fully developed, young children are likely to be more affected than adults.

Contrary to popular beliefs about foods being chock-full of additives and artificial flavourings, it is natural foods which trigger the majority of food allergies.