Recently I came across a book made available through the Canadian Celiac Association called "Celiac Disease for Dummies." I'm sure you have seen a few of those titles on book shelves before. I recall one was called "Windows 7 for Dummies" and another "Excel 2010 for Dummies." I knew the expression "Dummies" was to describe in very plain English how to use the computer program and not to insult the reader. The purpose of these books was, upon reading and with practice, the reader could become proficient in the use of these computer programs. I felt this book offered by the CCA would most likely explain celiac disease in a similar manner. I was intrigued and ordered the book.
"Celiac Disease for Dummies" is written by two medical doctors. Dr. Ian Blummer, MD, FRCPC a specialist in internal medicine from Toronto and Dr. Sheila Crowe, MD, FRCPC, FACP, FACG, AGAF a gastroenterologist and professor of medicine at the University of Virginia. Dr. Crowe's special interest as a gastroenterologist has been immune, infectious and food-mediated gastrointestinal disorders including celiac disease and food allergies.
When a person is diagnosed with celiac disease they must immediately eliminate gluten from their diet. How does one do that when our North American diet is filled to the brim with gluten? A high fibre diet is considered healthy, but it is the exact opposite for someone with celiac disease. Instead of grains enhancing their health, they diminish their health as the gluten is like a toxin to their system. What's the big deal? Just don't eat bread. But gluten is in many more foods than just bread. Consequently, most people find following a diet void of gluten completely overwhelming in the beginning, especially because your health is at risk. No one wants to eat a mistake, a food containing gluten.
Newly diagnosed celiac patients have so many questions as they begin the gluten-free journey. The No. 1 problem of course is "What can I eat?" A dietitian can help you get started by outlining the gluten-free diet, but not every question is related to the diet. As celiac disease symptoms are diverse with each individual so are the questions. Like, how did I get this disease? What is the villa and where is it located? Most doctors try their best to answer as many questions upon diagnosis but they will not go home with you, standing by until you have a question to answer. That is where this book is a perfect fit.
This book describes every aspect of celiac disease. They start out so simply by sharing how the intestinal tract functions with easy to follow pictures that help you understand exactly how exposure to gluten damages these areas. "Celiac Disease for Dummies" has dedicated a whole chapter on diagnosing celiac disease. Blumer and Crowe help you understand the importance of symptoms; the reason for blood tests while explaining the importance of other testing that may be required or can be made available. By relaying everything step by step, I find it helps the reader take confusion out of the process and help to answer most questions on the reader's mind. Everything from preventing cross contamination, to malabsorption and even addressing saving money on your taxes is covered in this book.
It was not written to replace your own doctor. As Crowe herself is a gastroenterologist and having specialized with patients with celiac disease she truly understands the questions people want answered or made clear.
I can understand why the CCA decided to offer this book to its members. "Celiac Disease for Dummies" is an informative tool, offering insights into celiac disease with answers to questions as well as solutions. I think these two doctors have covered all the bases with this book. Why not pick up a copy today.
Christine Benson is associated with the Celiac Association helping to bring awareness of Celiac Disease to the community. Check out other articles written by Christine on her blog at www.itsglutenfree.blogspot.com