Tell Me What to Eat if I Have Celiac Disease: Nutrition You Can Live With

Celiac disease has many names, such as gluten intolerance, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, and non-tropical sprue. Each name describes a life-long autoimmune disorder in which a person’s body cannot tolerate a group of grain proteins known collectively as gluten. Gluten can be found in wheat, rye, barley, and any derivatives of these grains. Celiac disease was once thought to be rare but is slowly being recognized as one of the most prevalent genetic disorders in the United States.
The only definite treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a 100-percent gluten-free dietfor life. Following a gluten-free diet is not an easy task, but it can help prevent complications and symptoms that are associated with this disease. People with celiac disease need help to manage their diets and their lives, and, through this book, I hope to provide enough practical information for them to do just that.
The good news is that individuals with celiac disease are not alone. There are all types of groups that provide resources and support for people with celiac disease and for their families. As awareness of this disease grows, so does the pool of resources. There are more choices today than ever before for people with celiac disease.
This book serves many purposes. It will help people who have been clinically diagnosed understand what celiac disease is and the complex diet therapy that treats it. It teaches those who have the disease (and their families) how to manage their diet so that they can lead a more comfortable, normal, and healthy life. Physicians, nurses, dietitians, chefs, food service staff, and other healthcare professionals may also find this source useful as they come in contact with people who suffer from celiac disease. This book also contains stories, tips, ideas, and recipes from people who have celiac disease. My hope is that people with celiac disease will feel more connected and inspired by others who share in their condition.

This book should not substitute visits to a physician and a dietitian who specializes in celiac disease and gluten-free diets. It should also not be used as your solitary means of treating your disease. Instead, the book should be used as a complement to their instruction and as a reference when needed.