Living with celiac disease and managing your symptoms can be challenging at times, there is no doubt. There is no cure for celiac disease, the only treatment is a gluten-free diet. There is little to no help when it comes to the medical profession in my personal experience. We need more research and education.

More often than not, after diagnosis, we are simply told “Don’t eat gluten” and that just doesn’t cut it. There is so much more to living with celiac. It seems we are sometimes both the student and the teacher. However, with trial and error and a little guidance and support, it gets easier. I am learning how to live my best life with celiac disease and not let it hold me back.

It has been a little over 2 years now since I was diagnosed with celiac disease and some days I feel like I am in control and other days are complete chaos! The never-ending uphill battle to not get sick when you leave the house is something that you just can’t explain. My biggest pet peeve is when someone calls me a picky eater. No, I would just rather not be sick for days.

The information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. I am not a doctor, I am just sharing my personal experiences with celiac disease. Please consult a medical professional if you think you might have celiac disease.

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Tips For Managing Celiac Disease:

1. Learn About Gluten: Educate yourself about gluten and hidden sources. It is very sneaky. While it’s well known that wheat, barley, and rye contain gluten, it can also be hidden in sauces, gravies, processed foods, medications, and cosmetics. Meeting with a dietitian who specializes in celiac can be helpful.
2. Learn To Read Labels: Always read food labels carefully to identify gluten-containing ingredients.
3. Join Support Groups: Connect with local or online celiac support groups. They can provide valuable information, tips, and emotional support from people who understand what you’re going through. I have learned so much through online support groups. There are also celiac travel groups!
4. Cook at Home: Use naturally gluten-free ingredients like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, rice, and potatoes. There are gluten-free substitutes for almost anything, such as Mac and cheese and pizza. I love quinoa bowls, gluten-free quesadillas, veggie tacos, etc…Things I always have on hand…Gluten-Free and Vegetarian: Easy Snack Options for Busy People
5. Be Cautious When Dining Out: When eating at restaurants, inform your server about your dietary restrictions. Ask about gluten-free options and food preparation methods to avoid cross-contamination. Honestly, this one is tough for me because I rarely find someone that seems to understand the severity of the situation. I tend to stick to 100 percent gluten-free restaurants. If you live in the Austin area…Gluten Free Eats and Drinks In Austin Texas
6. Cross-Contamination: Be vigilant about preventing cross-contamination in your kitchen if it is not 100 percent gluten-free. You can cook gluten free meals first to avoid cross-contamination. Ensure that your kitchen is thoroughly cleaned before preparing gluten-free meals. My kitchen is mostly gluten-free but my husband does have some gluten items, especially bread. Gluten-free bread is too darn expensive. That being said, he is extremely careful and I have not been glutened at home. I buy squeeze bottle condiments and we have separate peanut butter jars, etc…
7. Social Situations: Consider bringing your gluten-free dish to parties or eat ahead of time so that you can just enjoy the company worry-free. My friends have been great since diagnosis and always have something for me.
8. Travel Planning: Research gluten-free dining options and accommodations in advance when traveling. Pack gluten-free snacks and backup meals in case safe options are limited. Read Traveling With Celiac Disease- Tips For Navigating Long Haul Flights for more tips!
9. Medications and Supplements: Check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that any medications or supplements you take are gluten-free. You may need to contact the manufacturer. Some medications and supplements may contain gluten as a filler. I learned this the hard way with my melatonin.
10. Food Intolerances: Sometimes, especially in the beginning we can’t tolerate many things. For me, it was soy and dairy. I survived off baked potatoes, salads, and fruit smoothies for several months. I have since been able to add them back in but in small doses. Other things, even though gluten-free, I can’t touch. This is where the dietitian will be helpful.
11. Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your health and ensure that your diet is effectively managing your condition. If you are still showing symptoms but are completely gluten free there may be something else going on.
12. Educate Friends and Family: This is often a tough one as well. Help your loved ones understand celiac disease and the importance of avoiding cross-contamination. The more they know, the better they can support you.

Remember it will take time to adjust to living gluten-free. Living with celiac disease can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude is essential. There will be setbacks and it is frustrating. However, with patience, persistence, and support you can successfully manage celiac disease and live your best life! Focus on the foods you can enjoy and experiment with gluten-free recipes. Try my Taco Peppers – Gluten Free, Vegetarian, And Low Carb this is a recipe everyone will love.

If you think you may have celiac disease speak with your doctor. Learn the symptoms at www.celiac.org or read What is Celiac Disease – Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment for more information.

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