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Real stories from the Compass.

Practical guides, myth-busting, and honest reflections on gluten-free living across Africa.

Prescription pills spilling from an amber pharmacy bottle
Hidden Gluten
Hidden Gluten · 2 min read

Does Your Medication Contain Gluten? Here's Why You Should Check

For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, avoiding gluten isn't just about food; it extends to everything consumed, including medication.

Written by Ngina Kabicho, Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner

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African market stall with grains and cassava
Awareness
Awareness · 3 min read

Celiac Disease in East Africa: Myths vs Facts

Awareness of celiac disease is still growing across East Africa. This piece sets the record straight with simple myth vs fact breakdowns.

Written by Ngina Kabicho, Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner

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Child's open lunchbox on a school desk
Family
Family · 3 min read

Is Gluten Stealing Your Child's Energy and Focus? What Every Parent Needs to Know

Many common foods contain gluten. For some children, gluten may be affecting their energy, focus, and overall well-being in ways you might not realise.

Written by Ngina Kabicho, Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner

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Chapati served with a bowl of ndengu
Living Gluten-Free
Living Gluten-Free · 5 min read

Living Gluten-Free: Why Celiac Disease Is More Than Just a Food Intolerance

That seemingly harmless plate of chapati ndengu could be wreaking havoc on your body. Here's what living with celiac actually involves.

Written by Ngina Kabicho, Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner

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Natural sugar alternatives — honey, coconut sugar and dates
Nutrition
Nutrition · 2 min read

Healthy Sugar Alternatives for Celiacs: Coconut Sugar, Date Sugar & Monk Fruit Sweetener

Living with Celiac disease means paying close attention to what goes into your food — and sugar is no exception. Here are three natural alternatives that are kinder to your body.

Written by Ngina Kabicho, Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner

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Office break room table with mandazi, biscuits and cake
Workplace
Workplace · 3 min read

The Hidden Economic Impact of Gluten Intolerance in Kenya

Gluten intolerance isn't just a personal health issue. It's costing Kenya millions in lost productivity, healthcare, and limited access to alternatives.

Written by Ngina Kabicho, Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner

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Rolled oats in a rustic ceramic bowl
Debate
Debate · 2 min read

Oats & Gluten: Safe or Risky for People with Celiac Disease?

Some people with celiac and NCGS eat oats with no issues, while others react badly. Let's break down what's really going on.

Written by Ngina Kabicho, Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner

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Cup of instant coffee next to a jar of coffee granules
Hidden Gluten
Hidden Gluten · 2 min read

Hidden Sources of Gluten: Even Your Coffee Might Have It

Think gluten is only found in bread, chapati, cake, or pasta? It could be hiding in your morning coffee, and lots of other places.

Written by Ngina Kabicho, Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner

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Glass of milk beside a slice of buttered bread
Myth-Busting
Myth-Busting · 3 min read

Understanding Gluten: Myths, Facts & Why It Matters in Kenya

'Oh, gluten-free? So no milk, right?' Let's break down what gluten actually is, in a way that makes sense.

Written by Ngina Kabicho, Certified Gluten-Free Practitioner

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FreeNo diagnosis required · Instant score

Free 2-Minute Gluten Sensitivity Assessment

Not sure whether gluten is the problem? Answer twelve quick questions and get your Gluten Sensitivity Score, a plain-language explanation of what it means, and whether further assessment is worth your while — on screen and by email.