October is Celiac Disease Awareness Month

Recent years have seen a big increase in the number of foods being sold and advertised as "gluten-free". Most people understand this refers to wheat, but many aren't sure of the purpose. October is Celiac Disease Awareness Month, to help people understand what celiac disease is and how gluten is involved.

According to the definition by the Celiac Sprue Assocation (www.csaceliacs.org), celiac disease (or CD) is not an allergy or an intolerance. CD is an autoimmune disorder that can damage the small intestine and make it difficult for people to absorb nutrients. The reaction is triggered by eating certain grain-based products, such as wheat, barley, rye, and oats, all of which contain gluten. CD is not something you can catch; you have to be genetically disposed to it, and experience some kind of trigger (which could be environmental, emotional, or physical), and have a diet that includes wheat, or barley, etc. You can find out more information at "Celiac Disease Defined" or at the Mayo Clinic's page, "Celiac Disease".

The Pottsville Free Public Library has several books available to help you manage a gluten-free diet. Below are some titles and and their call numbers to help you find them. All of these books, plus others, are available to be checked out:

Celiac Disease: a hidden epidemic (2006) -- 616.399 G825

Cooking for Your Gluten-free Teen (2013) -- 641.5 B453

The Dairy-free and Gluten-free Kitchen (2012) -- 641.3 J284

The G-free Diet: a gluten-free survival guide (2009) -- 613.2 H276

Gluten-free Girl (2007) -- 615.854 Ah34

The Joy of Gluten-free, Sugar-free Baking (2012) -- 641.5 R275