Gluten Freedom: The Nation's Leading Expert Offers the Essential Guide to a Healthy, Gluten-Free Lifestyle

by Alessio Fasano MD, Susie Flaherty Narrated by Timothy Andrés Pabon

Overview

For centuries, bread has been known as the "staff of life." But for millions of Americans affected by gluten-related disorders, consuming gluten, the complex protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, can be hazardous to their health. In a recent poll presented by Scientific American, over 30% of Americans reported wanting to cut down or eliminate gluten from their diets; the gluten-free market is a $6.3 billion industry and continues to expand.

Now, in Gluten Freedom, Alessio Fasano, MD, founder of Massachusetts General Hospital's Center for Celiac Research, reveals the latest developments in scientific research and treatment, and the answers they provide for this rapidly expanding audience. This groundbreaking, authoritative guide is an invaluable roadmap for the newly diagnosed, for those already dealing with gluten-related issues, and for anyone who thinks they may have an issue with gluten.

Distinguishing scientific fact from myth, Gluten Freedom explains the latest research, diagnostic procedures, and treatment/diet recommendations, helping consumers make the best choices for themselves and their families. Gluten Freedom also discusses important nutritional implications for behavior-related diagnoses such as autism and conditions such as depression, anxiety, and "foggy mind."

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

THE GODFATHER OF GLUTEN-FREE
World-renowned gluten-related disorders expert Dr. Alessio Fasano presents the groundbreaking roadmap to a gluten-free lifestyle, and how millions can live better by going gluten free.

“We are so grateful that this serious and complicated disease has been thoroughly researched by experts.They provide confirmation and guidance for those suffering from the effects of gluten and continue to educate the health-care professionals treating them.” —The Central New York Celiac Support Group

“Both practical and understandable, Gluten Freedom is a great read and an invaluable reference for everyone embarking on a gluten-free diet. I highly recommend this!”—Kim Koeller, Award-winning Author of Let’s Eat Out Around the World Gluten Free and Allergy Free, Founder of GlutenFree Passport

“Gluten Freedomprovides an in-depth look at the history of celiac disease, living gluten free, and promising research and treatment prospects. . . . truly fascinating.” —Caitlin Sexton, RD, President, Greater Rochester Celiac Support Group

“In Gluten Freedom, [Dr. Fasano] cuts through the confusion and dispels the myths about gluten. An important work by one of the world’s leading experts, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the gluten-free diet.” —Alicia Woodward, Editor-in-Chief, Living Without’s Gluten Free & More

“If you’re new to the gluten-free diet, this is the first book you should buy. If you already have a shelf full of gluten-free books, make room for Gluten Freedom.” —Amy Ratner, Editor, Gluten-Free Living

“An engaging, comprehensive, and easy read, Gluten Freedom is an excellent reference for those with gluten-related disorders, their caregivers, physicians, dietitians, and the general public as well. [A] myth-dispelling, must-have work.” —Marilyn G. Geller, CEO, Celiac Disease Foundation

“Gluten Freedom is an adventure into the newest research about celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity—easily understood, very readable, and very personal.” —Tri-County Celiac Support Group, Michigan

“Gluten Freedom will help all those who have a problem with gluten understand the biological processes that underlie their health issues, plus what the latest research says about these conditions and how to treat them.” —Jane Anderson, About.com Expert in Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

“Gluten Freedom explains celiac disease in terms to be understood by the ‘patient’ as well as the professional. . . . Learn and enjoy!” —Janet Y. Rinehart, Former President of Celiac Society of America/USA; Chairman of Houston Celiac Support Group

“Gluten Freedom . . . a must-read for people with newly diagnosed celiac. . . . Easy to understand, their updates on research are nothing but groundbreaking and provide hope for all of us."

—Lee Graham, Executive Director, The Healthy Villi, New England Celiac Organization

“In an era when a gluten-free diet has become the panacea for relief of symptoms for a large number of clinical conditions (gastrointestinal, neurologic, and inflammatory), evidence-based information is sorely needed for both the public and the practicing physician to appropriately decide when gluten should be removed from the diet. This book, Gluten Freedom, by one of the world’s experts on gluten and celiac disease, provides the appropriate objective evidence to make that decision.” —W. Allan Walker, M.D., Conrad Taff Professor of Nutrition and Pediatrics, Director, Division of Nutrition, Harvard Medical School

“Immensely informative, on the cutting edge, and very, very readable.” —Cliff Hauck, Chair, Western New York Gluten Free Diet Support Group, Inc. (Chapter # 33, Celiac Society of America)

“Dr. Fasano’s insightful expertise and up-to-date research provides information that makes Gluten Freedom a must for every patient and practitioner.” —Elaine Monarch, Diagnosed Celiac and Founder, Celiac Disease Foundation

“As a pioneer in the study of gluten-related disorders, Dr. Alessio Fasano is a hero. He has dedicated his life to shining light on the science behind these pervasive conditions, and the world is privileged that he has taken his time to share his insight in this remarkable book.Don’t take a word of it lightly; he is one of the most credible experts there is.” —Danna Korn, Author of Living Gluten-Free for Dummies and Wheat-Free, Worry Free, Founder of R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170955985
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	08/14/2018
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a genetic disorder affecting children and adults. People with celiac disease are unable to eat foods that contain gluten, which is found in wheat and other grains. In people with celiac disease, gluten sets off an autoimmune reaction that causes the destruction of the villi in the small intestine. People with celiac disease produce antibodies that, in combination with immune cells, produce toxic chemicals called cytokines, which attack the intestine and cause damage and illness. 

Celiac disease is twice as common as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and cystic fibrosis combined. It affects one in 133 Americans.* A blood test is now available to screen for the presence of specific antibodies. A biopsy of the intestine (before beginning a gluten-free diet) is usually needed to make a final diagnosis. 

People with celiac disease are more likely to be afflicted with problems relating to malabsorption, including osteoporosis, tooth enamel defects, central and peripheral nervous system inflammation, pancreatic disease, organ disorders (gall bladder, liver, and spleen), and OB-GYN disorders. 

Untreated celiac disease has also been linked (in rare cases) to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, especially intestinal lymphoma. Currently, there are no drugs to treat celiac disease, and there is no cure. But people with celiac disease can lead normal, healthy lives by following a gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all products derived from wheat, rye, and barley. 

Celiac disease is not a food allergy; rather it is an autoimmune disease. Food allergies, including wheat allergy, are conditions that people can potentially grow out of. This is not the case with celiac disease, as people with celiac disease will have the disorder for the rest of their lives. 

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