(image courtesy of www.senza-g.com)
Perhaps you have just been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, Dermatitis Herpetiformis, Non-Celiac Gluten-Sensitivity or a Wheat Allergy. Sit back, take a deep breath!
We know you are now 100% committed to following a gluten-free diet – let’s not call it a “diet”, but rather a lifestyle – but initially you will need a little help navigating this new world absent wheat, barley and rye. The task of keeping safe in various settings such as when dining out, attending school, traveling, socializing and even in your home, may seem daunting at first, but education is key and armed with the essential information provided here on CeliacCorner, you will soon be on your way to embracing your new lifestyle!
Good nutrition is important for everyone, but it is critically so for newly diagnosed Celiacs. Because Celiac is a disease of malabsorption, your body may have been starved of nutrients which are vital to maintaining a healthy body … and mind. Shortly after being diagnosed, it is recommended to meet with a registered dietitian or nutritionist, preferably one specializing in Celiac Disease & eating gluten-free, to help with the transition. Be sure to read CeliacCorner’s Celiac 101 sections to learn which nutritional deficiencies often occur.
If ever there were a time to be given a diagnosis of Celiac/DH, gluten-sensitivity or a wheat allergy, it would be the present. With the ever-increasing variety of gluten-free products available, and the wide variety of allowable fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables, fish, meat & poultry – no one should ever feel deprived. Try not to dwell on the foods you can no longer eat, and focus on simply replacing gluten-containing foods with healthy, safe alternatives. Keep in mind though, even gluten-free packaged/processed foods may not contain the healthiest of ingredients, so choose wisely!
Soon you will be so accustomed to living the GF lifestyle, you may one day find yourself coaching another newly diagnosed! Good Luck on your Celiac journey – let us know how you are doing. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter too! Be sure to visit the following CeliacCorner sections:
Celiac 101 What Can I Eat What Can’t I Eat Other Sources of Gluten Alcohol & Medication Dining Out Traveling Food Recalls Gluten-Free Grains & Flours Help with Label Reading Preparing the Kitchen Truth or Myth? Gluten Free Shopping Made Easy Then, browse on over to: Blogs, Recipes, Restaurant Listings & Reviews, Product Reviews and other Tips!Newly diagnosed and feeling a little overwhelmed? Read the following articles from two our our guest authors, which are sure to help! After the Diagnosis, Coping with Celiac Disease & Gluten-Sensitivity Gluten-Free and Lovin it!
Other Helpful Articles/Information:
Download: “Jump Start Your Gluten-Free Diet! Living with Celiac/Coeliac Disease & Gluten Intolerance” from the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center
Heading to College with a gluten intolerance? Download this! from the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and check out our Resource page for additional information for college-bound students.
Be sure to read through our list of the latest breaking CD news & lifestyle articles HERE.
