According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease is one of the most common genetic conditions in the world. Celiac is  multi-symptom, multi-system activated by eating gluten -the proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. Symptoms are varied are not always gastrointestinal.

The Celiac Disease Foundation is one of the single most comprehensive sources for information and support for people diagnosed with this disease. From people who have children with CD to adults who have eaten gluten all their lives and are suddenly thrust into a life without. The foundation has a list of symptoms that can be a guide to start talking to your doctor. If you have any of these symptoms you should talk to your doctor esspecially if you have family members who have been diagnosed with CD or any other auto-immune disorder. Just remember that the symptoms listed can also be indicative of other diseases, so please only use this as a guide to start up a dialog with your doctor.

• · Recurring bloating, gas or abdominal pain
• · Chronic diarrhea or constipation or both
• · Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• · Pale, foul-smelling stool
• · Unexplained anemia
• · Bone or joint pain
• · Behavior changes/depression/irritability
• · Vitamin K Deficiency
• · Fatigue, weakness or lack of energy
• · Delayed growth or onset of puberty
• · Failure to thrive (in infants)
• · Missed menstrual periods
• · Infertility male and female
• · Spontaneous miscarriages
• · Canker sores inside the mouth
• · Tooth discoloration or loss of enamel

Have you or a family member ever been diagnosed with the following?

• · Type 1 Diabetes
• · Dermatitis Herpetiformis
• · Thyroid Disease
• · Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
• · IBS
• · Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• · Fibromyalgia
• · Peripheral Neuropathy
• · Sjgren’s Syndrome
• · Eczema

IF YOU ARE NEWLY DIAGNOSED:

Remember, this is your body, and you know your body and the way it reacts and the problems you are having better than anyone else. Be honest with your Doctor. He only spends a few minutes with you so make sure you come armed with the tools he needs to diagnose you properly.

Also, be honest with your family. If you are newly diagnosed you need to relay how serious this disease can be if not managed through your diet. You will have to go through the cabinets and the pantry, the freezer and fridge and pull out all the foods and condiments that you can no longer eat. Put them on the counter and show your family that these are the things that you need to find alternatives for or completely eliminate from your diet. It is much easier for a family to be on board if you let them in. Celiac Disease is not a private disease. Every time you go to a restaurant, every time you eat at someone else’s house and every time you go to a function where there is food served, CD will be there and it will be public.

Be bold and strong, decide how you are going to cook for your family. If you are economically able, and have the time, cooking regular meals from your family while you are cooking gluten free for yourself is possible. But you MUST not cross contaminate. You should have your own toaster, food processor, and you will have to have a separate set of pots and pans and mixing bowls. Remember, this is a serious thing and you must take it seriously in order for your loved ones to also take it seriously.

And lastly, take a deep breath. You are not alone and it is not the end of the world. You have taken a big step by visiting GlutenFreeLife.TV. There are many other reliable resources on the internet and in books. Seek them out and get informed. Knowledge will be your best weapon against Celiac Disease. Remember, we are here for you.

Please Note: This web site is designed for information purposes only and not meant to diagnose or replace the advice of a physician. The owner of this web site is one of those who have to eat gluten free and is providing the information here only as a service to the GF community.