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Living with Celiac Disease

It was seven years ago that I received my wake-up call and was diagnosed with celiac disease. At first, it seemed overwhelming. It can be very frustrating to learn that a lot of the things you have been eating contain gluten. So what do you do now?

First, be thankful that you have a diagnosis and can move on with your life. You don't need to be on a lifetime of medications that can have serious side effects. Second, your body can now begin to heal itself and you will be feeling so much better. You will become healthier and more active as your body receives the right nutrients.

Let's look at a short description of what Celiac disease is. Celiac sprue is an autoimmune disease which damages the surface lining of your small intestine. The "villi" within your small intestine become damaged and cannot properly absorb the food you eat. This causes a whole host of problems, including mal-nutrition, weight loss, mineral and vitamin deficiencies, diarrhea, heartburn, migraine headaches and the list goes on. 

No one has the same symptoms. Your symptoms are unique to you. In fact, Celiac disease may not show up until later in life when you have experienced some form of stress-related event in your life.

There are thousands of people who are going thru the same thing you are. according to the Center for Celiac research, there may be as many as 1:133 Americans who are affected by Celiac Disease. 

The good news is that much progress has been made for those of us who suffer from Celiac disease. Many companies have great products that you can order off the web. Many grocery stores are carrying gluten free products on their shelves. Finding gluten free foods and baking mixes has become easier and easier. There are dedicated gluten free bakeries in many metropolitan cities across the country. And fresh baked goods are only a click away on the web.

Many of the articles in this section deal with various issues relating to Celiac disease. Be sure to look at X-Contamination. This is very important for you to understand and take action on. 

The next one would be Gluten Free foods you can eat. This list will get you started on clearing out your pantry and re stocking with a whole host of new things to try.

Traveling and eating out are the next big ones on the list. These articles help you navigate as you go out and live your life.

My goal is teach you how to cook and bake your own gluten free "culinary" delights right at home. I'm in the trenches right there with you.

I want you to have great success with your baking and cooking. You need to be confident in your ability to make great tasting food. When a non-celiac asks you for your recipe for brownies or sugar cookies or that great coffee cake you made to take with you to the school meeting, you can smile and say "Sure! But you may need to stock up on a few interesting ingredients!"

All my best to you!

Kathy

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