September 13 is National Celiac Awareness Day. Long before my days of having to remove gluten from my daughter's food allergies and Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE), I was well aware of Celiac disease. The more articles I post regarding severe food allergies and gluten-free recipes, the more response I receive regarding Celiacs. It's refreshing to see that the education about Celiac Disease and gluten-free diets is paying off. There are now a lot more resources to help people coping with Celiacs.

Contrary to popular belief, celiac disease is not an allergy to wheat but a genetic autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack itself when gluten is ingested.

Short-term symptoms of Celiac Disease include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating after gluten ingestion
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Long-term symptoms of Celiac Disease include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Anemia
• Osteoporosis
• Chronic weight loss

Sticking to a gluten-free diet can be tough for an adult suffering with Celiac Disease. I can tell you first-hand that it is even tougher to keep a child on a gluten-free diet.

Whether you're an adult suffering from Celiac Disease or you're raising a child with EE or a severe gluten allergy, there are plenty of resources to help.

Here are some tips, recipes and resources for going gluten-free. Some of these tips were provided by Dr. Wahl at ChicagoHealers.com.:

• Most supermarkets carry gluten-free products as do specialty stores, online stores and most restaurants. When baking, there are great substitutes for wheat flour now available. They contain a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch and potato starch, which can be substituted 1:1 for wheat flour in many recipes. These ready-made, all-purpose, gluten-free flour products are available at many grocery and specialty stores, as well as on-line. Here is a list of reviews of gluten-free products I've tried and reviewed. Here is a list of gluten-free recipes I have tried.
• In order to accommodate those living with celiac disease, many restaurants now offer gluten-free menu options. However, when eating out, always inform the server that you are on a gluten-free diet when once seated. Ask to speak to the manager and go over menu choices and preparation before ordering. The manager will alert the kitchen staff and chef to insure that your food is prepared safely. Buddy's Pizza is a great example of a local restaurant that has a gluten-free pizza.
• When traveling, staying in a residence-type hotel with a kitchenette makes it easier to follow a gluten-free diet.
• Sleep-away camp can still be fun for a child with celiac disease or a gluten allergy. Just work with the camp directors and staff to insure a safe experience for your child. Some camps will even provide a section of a freezer and a microwave so pre-made foods can be sent from home while following the camp menu with gluten free alternatives.
• Find a local celiac support group to create a network in your area of people dealing with the same condition.
• Gluten-free treats and recipes can also help. Here is a list of gluten-free Halloween Candy.
• Celiac Specialties is a local bakery that prepares delicious gluten-free treats. Click here for a review and more info on Celiac Specialties in Rochester and in Novi, Michigan.
• Although the internet is filled with misinformation, the following websites are accurate and provide a tremendous amount of information on how to live a gluten free life:
  www.GlutenFree.com
  www.GlutenFreeMall.com
  www.CeliacDisease.net
  www.CsaCeliacs.org

About ChicagoHealers.com
Chicago Healers (http://www.chicagohealers.com/) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website.  With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit http://www.chicagohealers.com/.