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

by Alessio Fasano, Susie Flaherty (With), Rich Gannon (Foreword by)

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, world-renowned expert and 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." Other highlights include:

- The differences between celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy

- Current best practices for gluten-related disorders at any age

- Practical information on setting up a gluten-free kitchen, reading labels, and staying safe and healthy in a world filled with hidden sources of gluten

- The psychological impact of a diagnosis and its effect on a family

- Groundbreaking research for prevention and therapy

- Reliable and accurate resources for patients, parents, and physicians

- And even recipes for an authentic gluten-free Italian dinner from Dr. Fasano's home kitchen

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Gluten Freedom benefit the Center for Celiac Research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781681620510
Publisher:	TURNER PUB CO
Publication date:	04/29/2014
Pages:	368
Sales rank:	694,383
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

World-renowned pediatric gastroenterologist and research scientist Alessio Fasano is founder and director of the Center for Celiac Research at Massachusetts General Hospital, the first research and treatment center for celiac disease, wheat allergy, and gluten sensitivity in the U.S. Dr. Fasano created the Center in 1996 to advance the treatment, research, and awareness of celiac disease; his research established the prevalence of the autoimmune disorder as one in 133 in 2003. A national and international keynote speaker, he is also widely sought by national and international media and has been featured in hundreds of outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, CNN, Bloomberg News, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, "Good Morning America, " VOGUE, and numerous health-related websites and magazines. Trained in Naples, Italy, Dr. Fasano is visiting professor at Harvard Medical School and chief of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

Nationally award-winning higher education writer and editor Susie Flaherty is director of communications for the Center for Celiac Research at Massachusetts General Hospital. The former speechwriter to university presidents and international bank executives has led a wide variety of marketing and strategic communications projects, including a stint as senior editor at the University of Maryland. Her current work at the Center for Celiac Research includes promoting Dr. Fasano's research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of celiac disease and other autoimmune disorders. A member of the National Association of Science Writers, Susie is also an accomplished singer and songwriter.

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. 

Table of Contents

List of Contributors — xi Acknowledgments — xii Foreword by Rich Gannon Preface — xv Introduction — xix PART ONE: Gluten Enters the Picture Chapter One Gluten Gets Into the Gut—and Other Places — 5 Chapter Two New Clinical Faces of Gluten Freedom — 21 Chapter Three The Spectrum of Gluten-Related Disorders — 27 Chapter Four Making Sense of Gluten, Leaky Gut, and Autoimmunity — 51 Chapter Five Getting the Right Diagnosis — 65 Chapter Six Gluten and Your Brain — 89 PART TWO: Learning to Live Without Gluten Chapter Seven Living Well on the Gluten-Free Diet — 109 Chapter Eight Gluten-Free Cooking and Dining — 129 Chapter Nine Dinner With Dr. Fasano — 157 PART THREE Gluten-Free for Life Chapter Ten Pregnancy and the Gluten-Free Diet — 169 Chapter Eleven Gluten-Free Milestones in Childhood — 187 Chapter Twelve Navigating Gluten-Free Family Life — 205 Chapter Thirteen Getting Through College Gluten Free — 221 Chapter Fourteen Gluten in Your Golden Years — 233 PART FOUR Going Beyond Gluten Chapter Fifteen Preventing Gluten-Related Disorders — 255 Chapter Sixteen New Treatments and Therapies — 269 Epilogue Making Wishes Come True — 281 Recommended Reading — 287 Resources — 299 Appendix: Apps for Mobile Phones — 303 Glossary — 305 Index — 315

Interviews

"The most accurate, comprehensive, and current guide to understanding why and how gluten can cause problems and to help separate fact from fiction." —Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD

Editorial Reviews

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)

From the Publisher