Celiac disease (an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley) is an autoimmune condition in which the inner surface of the small intestine becomes damaged, leading to reduced absorption of all nutrients. People with Type 1 diabetes are 10 times more likely than people without Type 1 diabetes to have it; and the only treatment for the condition is maintaining a gluten-free diet.
At first, a diagnosis of celiac disease may seem overwhelming, given that gluten can be found in so many things: breads, pastries, pasta, and cereals, as well as lipstick, medicines, and condiments. There’s also the potential for cross-contamination; for example, a gluten-free meal prepared with utensils that have been used with foods containing gluten can still cause problems for people with celiac disease. Until recently, few people had ever heard of celiac disease, but in recent years awareness of it — and of a condition provisionally known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity — is increasing. As a result, a wider variety of gluten-free food products is available than ever before. The following resources offer guidance on shopping, cooking, and eating safely for people with celiac disease or any other form of gluten sensitivity.
A Hidden Epidemic
Peter Green, MD, and Rory Jones
New York, 2010
A resource for people with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders, this book by the head of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University explains how gluten affects the digestive tract, discusses the symptoms of celiac disease, describes related complications, explains how to live well with the condition, and more.
The Essential Beginner’s Guide to Easy Gluten-Free Cooking
Carol Fenster, PhD
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
New York, 2013
This book contains nearly 200 recipes intended to make putting together gluten-free meals fast and easy. Part One includes information on basics, such as stocking a gluten-free pantry, and Part Two contains the recipes.
The Nation’s Leading Expert Offers the Essential Guide to a Healthy, Gluten-Free Lifestyle
Alessio Fasano, MD
New York, 2014
Written by the head of the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment at MassGeneral Hospital for Children, this book explores the latest developments in celiac research and treatment, shares best practices for dealing with gluten-related disorders, and includes recipes for an authentic, gluten-free Italian dinner.
25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 404
Braintree, MA 02184
Gluten-Free Living magazine offers guidance on nutrition and health for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. The magazine is published six times a year in print and digital form; recipes, a blog, articles on the gluten-free lifestyle, and more can be found on the official Web site, www.glutenfreeliving.com.
CELIAC DISEASE AND GLUTEN-FREE DIET FORUM
This message board (run by Celiac.com) allows people with celiac disease to share tips and advice with each other. Topics include celiac testing, dealing with celiac disease while pregnant, how to find a good doctor, and others. There’s also a section for people who don’t have celiac disease but have friends or relatives who do.