Celiac disease (CD) is also referred to as gluten sensitive enteropathy (GSE), gluten intolerance, or celiac sprue. It is considered to be the most under-diagnosed common disease today, potentially affecting 1 in every 133 people in the USA. It is a chronic, inherited disease, and if untreated can ultimately lead to malnutrition. Gluten intolerance is the result of an immune-mediated response to the ingestion of gluten (from wheat, rye, and barley) that damages the small intestine. Nutrients then quickly passed through the small intestine, rather than being absorbed. To develop celiac disease (CD) three (3) things must be present:
- You must inherit the gene.
- You must consume gluten.
- You must have the gene triggered.
Common triggers may include stress, trauma (surgeries, pregnancy, etc.), and viral infections. Approximately 1 in 20 first-degree relatives could have CD triggered in their lifetime. The disease is permanent and damage to the small intestine will occur every time you consume gluten, regardless if symptoms are present.
(Above excerpt: Gluten Intolerance Group of North America)The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. Embracing this change in eating and lifestyle can be challenging but the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. See the section titled Cooking Gluten-Free and More for suggestions, hints, recipes and more!
Celiac Disease and Gluten-free Diet Support Center provides important resources and information for people on gluten-free diets
Celiac Disease Foundation
Celiac Sprue Association/USA, Inc.
Celiac Sprue Research Foundation
Online listing of gluten-free websites and resources
Raising Our Celiac Kids (R.O.C.K)
Gluten-Free Living is a national magazine for people with gluten sensitivity
The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
Danna Korn’s website, Gluten Freedom, provides more information on living gluten-free
Living Without is a quarterly magazine for people with allergies especially gluten and dairy. There are recipes, resources and helpful articles.
Naperville (IL) Gastroenterology & Dr. Stephen Holland’s website. Scroll down to “celiac disease” and follow links to GF restaurant list, GF foods lists, GF over-the-counter and prescription drug lists and more
National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) |
