I don’t know about you, but after finding out that I would be changing my diet forever, I was scared. I did what I do best when I am scared – I research and gather as much information as humanly possible. I wanted to get my hands on every book that I could that told me about Celiac Disease and the gluten-free diet. In this post I am going to share the books that helped me out.
The first book I read was Dangerous Grains. I was fascinated by this book. The sheer number of ailments or symptoms that can be attributed to the grain-filled diet is amazing. I highly recommend this book – not only if you are following the gluten-free diet, but if you are suffering from any symptoms of an unknown cause. Heck, even if you do know the cause, the book is probably still worth reading, you never know if your diet may be connected.
Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic came out shortly after I began the gluten-free diet. I don’t think I have ever rushed out so quickly to purchase a book before. Remember, I was information gathering. 🙂 In this book, Dr. Peter Green and Rory Jones write about Celiac Disease and all you ever wanted to know about it. Celiac Disease is one of the most underdiagnosed autoimmune diseases. It is said that 1 in 133 people actually have Celiac Disease, yet only 97% are undiagnosed. That is huge! I really liked learning what happens to your body when you have Celiac Disease and how it can recover once gluten is removed.
Wheat-Free, Worry-Free. Danna Korn has written several books on Celiac Disease and the gluten-free diet. This book is very informative on every aspect of the diet from symptoms to recovery & food. Danna’s son, Tyler, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 1991. She founded R.O.C.K (Raising Our Celiac Kids), a support group for families with kids on a gluten-free diet. I liked this book so much that I also purchased Kids with Celiac Disease and Living Gluten-Free for Dummies.
Gluten-Free Diet – A Comprehensive Resource Guide. I purchased this book after Jon was diagnosed in July 2006. This is an excellent book to have on hand. My book is outdated, but Shelley has a revised & expanded edition out now! There is so much useful information in this book. I love all of the gluten-free specialty foods companies that are listed with their contact information included!
Recognizing Celiac Disease: Signs, Symptoms, Associated Disorders & Complications. I received a complimentary copy of this book to review & was impressed with all of the information in it. This book is very technical, so it is not as easy to read as some of the others that I have listed above. I particularly liked the lists of all of the health manifestations of Celiac Disease. There are so many things that can be related, you just don’t even realize.
I have learned so much over the past 4+ years and continue to learn more & more every day. I have a thirst for knowledge when it comes to Celiac Disease & the gluten-free diet. My hope is that by arming myself with this knowledge I can help other people. Whether I am helping someone by sharing the newest gluten-free products on the market or a new recipe or restaurant, I enjoy doing what I can.
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If you are interested in helping to raise money for Celiac research, please visit The University of Maryland Research Center and purchase an awareness bracelet or magnet for your car, van or truck. More than 40,000 bracelets have been sold so far!
