Celiac disease (also known as Celiac Sprue) is a chronic digestive disease caused by an intolerance to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats.  In susceptible individuals, gluten damages the lining of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. Celiac Disease is considered an autoimmune disorder because the body's own immune system causes the damage,  It is also classified as a disease of malabsorption because nutrients are not properly absorbed.

Gluten is not listed as one of the eight major allergens because the
sensitivity people have to gluten is not an allergic reaction, it is an intolerance.  Recent findings estimate that 2 million people in the U.S. have celiac disease or about 1 in 133 people, yet 97% of people are unaware that they even have the disease.  Because Celiac Sprue
manifests in so many different, seemingly unrelated, symptoms, people
are often misdiagnosed and the disease is not recognized by doctor or
patient.  Some common symptoms of Celiac Disease include bloating,
gas, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, skin rashes, tingling or numbness, mouth sores, discolored teeth, joint pain, delayed growth, poor weight gain, thin bones, infertility, headaches, irritability, and depression.

Cheryl Fawn, CHHC, AADP was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2005.
She had varied symptoms all of her life such as eczema, fatigue,
bloating, and disordered eating patterns, which her physicians never
connected with gluten intolerance.  It wasn't until she took matters
into her own hands, that she discovered the true cause of her
symptoms.

Since Cheryl must eat gluten-free herself, she has an extensive
knowledge of acceptable and non-acceptable foods for those living with Celiac Disease.  She helps her clients to better understand and manage their condition by providing them with ideas for substitute foods and making sure they are not eating any hidden gluten.  She also custom creates a food plan best suited to each individual.  If you are
diagnosed as a Celiac or suspect you may have the disease, contact
Cheryl for a free phone consultation.