According to new research from the Mayo Clinic, Celiac Disease affects approximately 1 in 100 people. When individuals with Celiac Disease consume gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, the absorptive surface of the small intestine is damaged. This greatly decreases the body’s ability to absorb nutrients causing vitamin and mineral deficiencies that deprive the brain, nervous system, bones and other organs of essential nourishment. Continued exposure to gluten creates an increased risk for developing secondary diseases and disorders including certain types of cancer. The development of Celiac Disease involves a combination of genetic, environmental and immunological factors. It can occur at any age and may be triggered by a gastrointestinal or viral infection, severe stress, surgery, pregnancy or another life-changing event.

(continue reading…)

Eating gluten-free does not have to be expensive. If you’re grocery bill has skyrocketed since beginning a gluten-free diet these tips and tricks will help you make gluten-free living a little bit more affordable.

The most expensive part of eating gluten-free is the cost of pre-packaged foods which are specifically marketed as gluten-free products: cereal, waffles, snacks, desserts, baking mixes, pizza crusts etc. These foods are high in cost and low in nutrients therefore the value of what you get for your money is very low. By limiting the amount of these expensive gluten-free convenience foods and replacing them with naturally gluten-free options you’ll drastically lower your grocery bill. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started:

(continue reading…)

February 14, 2007 was the day I went completely gluten free, months before I received a diagnosis of celiac disease.* I was so ill that I couldn’t leave the house and I was unable to follow through with our Valentine’s Day plans and decided that with or without a diagnosis I was committed to the gluten free diet for life, starting today.

My path towards a diagnosis was long and painful. I surpassed the average of 11 years that it takes to get diagnosed with celiac disease in North America (compared to 3 weeks in Italy!). What started with frequent tummy aches, digestive problems and excruciating stomach pains as a child turned into bloating, fatigue, depression, brain fog, irritability and mood swings as a teenager and continued into my adult life.
(continue reading…)