Online Resources and Support for Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is a chronic illness that affects the digestive system. People with Celiac Disease have damage to their small intestines due to intolerance to the protein gluten. It is believed that Celiac Disease is an inherited disorder that can be triggered by physical trauma to the body: pregnancy, childbirth, stress, after surgery or a viral infection.

In Celiac Disease, malnutrition often occurs because the villi in the small intestine are damaged and destroyed. The purpose of the villi, small finger-like protrusions that line the small intestine, is to allow the nutrients from the foods we eat to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Unfortunately, there is not a cure for Celiac Disease and the only treatment available is following a gluten-free diet.

Living with a chronic illness like Celiac Disease can be very overwhelming, particularly when first diagnosed. When we stop and think about all of the foods and products that contain gluten that they need to eliminate, it may seem hopeless to the patient. Products that contain gluten are wheat, rye, barley, certain medicines and supplements. The patient has to learn a whole new way of living, cooking and dealing with what is happening to their body. New patients tend to frantically seek out support online and resources where they can research Celiac Disease and find others who can relate to them.

Some great online resources include:

Celiac Disease Foundation

The Celiac Disease Foundation is a national organization that is known of around the world. Since 1990, the Celiac Disease Foundation has been committed to advocating for Celiac Disease research. Their mission also includes supporting individuals with Celiac Disease and their families through offering information on how to have a better quality of life while dealing with the illness. Celiac patients can sign up for membership to the CDF for $35 a year.

Celiac.com

The Celiac.com website was created in 1995 by Scott Adams, a Celiac Disease patient. According to Scott, his goal with his website has been to help as many Celiac patients as he possibly can with getting a proper diagnosis and learning how to live gluten-free lives.

Scott's site at Celiac.com receives over 3 million visitors a year who are searching for information and support on Celiac Disease. Scott also has the Gluten Free Forum as an extension to his website that offers support to patients and their families. The forum currently has close to 19,000 registered members.

Celiac Sprue Association

The Celiac Sprue Association, founded in 1984, is a worldwide, non-profit organization that is committed to helping Celiac Disease patients and their families. The CSA was founded by a Celiac Disease patient, Pat Murphy Garst from Iowa. The association provides patient support through website, phone and email consultations. They work with the food industries and government to implement labeling practices that can help Celiac Disease patients better shop for gluten-free products. The CSA also publishes every year "The CSA Gluten-Free Product Listing". Celiac Disease patients can become members of the CSA for $33.00 a year.

Celiac Forums

The Celiac Forums, with over 2,600 registered members, provides tons of great information and tips on eating properly with Celiac Disease. There are tips on how to dine out, recipes, and a section devoted for children with Celiac Disease. The forum has a wealth of information that can prove beneficial to those suffering.