Why a Gluten-Free Diet?
A Gluten-Free Diet is the only treatment for Celiac Disease (CD) and/or Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH). It is a life-long committed diet and should not be started before being properly diagnosed with CD/DH. When gluten is removed from the diet, the small intestine will start to heal and overall health improves. Medication is not normally required. Because osteoporosis is common and may be profound in patients with newly diagnosed CD, bone density should be measured at or shortly after diagnosis. Consult your physician regarding specific nutritional supplementation to correct any deficiencies. The diagnosed celiac should have medical follow-up to monitor the clinical response to the gluten-free diet. Dietary compliance increases the quality of life and decreases the likelihood of osteoporosis, intestinal lymphoma and other associated illnesses. Adapting to the gluten-free diet requires some lifestyle changes. It is essential to read labels which are often imprecise, and to learn how to i
