May is Celiac Disease Awareness month. I was diagnosed with celiac disease in March. Celiac disease requires a gluten-free diet. It can be a challenge but I am feeling so much better.
Celiac disease is an auto-immune disease that affects the small intestines. It’s genetic and affects about every 1 in 100 people. There is no real treatment; a gluten-free diet will ease the symptoms and help heal the small intestines.
There are so many symptoms that often time are missed. Here is a pretty comprehensive list of symptoms. It can be difficult to diagnose because not all of the symptoms are related to the digestive system.
Gluten is not just wheat but rye and barley as well. And gluten is in all kinds of things, even products you wouldn’t think of. Like toothpaste. I think that was the most surprising one for me when the dietitian mentioned it. Gluten is used to thicken all kinds of packaged foods.
I stick mostly to fruits, veggies, dairy and meat now.
Here are some resources I have found helpful:
The Celiac Disease Foundation
University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center
I also have used the following cookbooks:
Disclosure: If you click on the book you will be taken to the Amazon page for each book. I am an amazon associate and these books are linked to my account. I do receive money if you purchase but I fully endorse these books. I bought them for myself and really do use them. No one has asked me to push these books.
Do you have a favorite gluten-free recipe or book? If so please share in the comments!