• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Strength and Sunshine
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Celiac Disease & Food Allergies
  • Coaching
  • Media & Press
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Celiac Disease & Food Allergies
  • Coaching
  • Media & Press
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
×
Home » Gluten-Free Living » The ABCs Of Celiac Disease

The ABCs Of Celiac Disease

Published: Aug 18, 2015 · Modified: Jul 23, 2017 by Rebecca Pytell · This post may contain affiliate links.

From A to Z, the ABCs of Celiac Disease. An autoimmune disease that means more than just being gluten-free. A Celiac must learn so many terms, so many new habits, precautions, and facts, but they are not alone. 1 in 133. A Celiac is strong, we can learn how to handle our disease and we can do it with a smile on our face and a positive outlook on the healthy life we can have once we are diagnosed.

The ABCs Of Celiac Disease | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 From A to Z, the ABCs of Celiac Disease. An autoimmune disease that means more than just being gluten-free.

Autoimmune disease - It's not an allergy.

Bloating - The all too real "Celiac Baby" that forms when you get glutened.

Celiac Disease - This is self-explanatory.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis - The skin manifestation of Celiac Disease.

Eating out - It can be done...with some preparation and major precautions.

Food fears - Those foods you got sick from will be ingrained in your head as forever evil.

Gluten-free - It's a lifestyle, not a fad.

Heredity - Celiac Disease is a genetic condition.

Invisible illness - Most of the time Celiac Disease can't be seen, or diagnosed by a look. The suffering is inside.

Just pick the croutons off - An all too familiar phrase Celiacs hear. Two words. Cross-contamination.

Kindness - The most important thing for a newly diagnosed Celiac is kindness.

Life-long - Celiac Disease never go away. The is no cure.

Mal-absorption - While still ingesting gluten, the body can not absorb necessary nutrients to thrive.

New products - You will never see a happier person than a Celiac finding a new gluten-free product.

Oats - That tricky grain that IS gluten-free by nature, but must be certified for no common processing cross-contamination.

Protein - Gluten is the protein that is triggers the body to wage war on itself by attacking the small intestine, creating a false immune response to the "invader".

Quinoa - Quinoa is a life saver.

Regular cleaning - To keep gluten from getting into your body, a Celiac must constantly be cleaning the kitchen and areas of contamination.

Symptoms - Celiac Disease can manifest in many symptoms or no symptoms at all. That's what makes it so tricky to diagnose

Testing - Not always reliable, but there are a host of options including: genetic tests for HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, blood tests for Total IgA, IgA-tTG, IgA-EMA, IgG/IgA-DGP, IgG-AGA, or of course an endoscopy and biopsy of the small intestine.

Undiagnosed - The average time a Celiac goes undiagnosed is 6-10 years. That's a whole host of suffering and damage to an untreated body which may be extremely detrimental to ones health in the future.

Villi - The little hair-like structures of the small intestine that get destroyed while still ingesting gluten.

Wheat - The gluten-filled king, however NOT the only gluten-filled grain. Nor is a wheat allergy the same as Celiac Disease.

Xanthan gum - Since gluten can't be used to thicken and hold things together, xanthan gum is a safe gluten-free replacement for baking.

You can do this - Another important thing a Celiac must keep in mine is they CAN do this. They are strong warriors and with some practice and kindness, they will prevail!

Zillions of delicious foods and recipes - Contrary to popular belief, eating a strict gluten-free diet is delicious and nutritious and you don't have to be deprived of old favorites (just eat the, reinvented)!

So tell me:

+ Can you recite the ABCs backward? No...I can not. Funny story too. When we were learning the ABCs together in Kindergarten, I was so shy and wouldn't speak in the class, so my teacher thought I just didn't know the ABCs (even though I did, I was just saying them in my head). She then required me to take a note to my mom instructing her to have me check out alphabet books at the library to practice. Hahahaha!

———————————————-

Stay connected:
Facebook: Strength and Sunshine
Twitter: @RebeccaGF666
Instagram: rebeccagf666
Pinterest: RebeccaGF666
Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine
Google+: Rebecca Pytell

Related

« Smokey & Sweet Peanut Slaw
Coriander Garlic Grilled Chicken + Green Goddess Sauce »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Raia

    August 27, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    Ug, yeah... My grandmother, aunt, dad, and myself all have it; my dad can eat oats, I can't - not even certified gluten-free ones. It's a crazy life! Thank goodness for gf bloggers! 🙂

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 27, 2015 at 2:37 pm

      For while I thought I couldn't either! But thankfully, little doses and I'm fine!

      Reply
  2. Christine

    August 25, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    Great info. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 25, 2015 at 4:21 pm

      Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  3. Dawn @ overboard Creations

    August 23, 2015 at 11:26 am

    This is a really good article, and I am a very avid ribbon awareness fan. Thanks for the share.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 23, 2015 at 11:36 am

      Sure?

      Reply
  4. Sandy Sandmeyer

    August 22, 2015 at 10:35 pm

    Great post and it's wonderful education for those of us that don't know much about celiac disease.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 23, 2015 at 7:19 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Lisa

    August 22, 2015 at 7:23 am

    What a great way to explain Celiac! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 22, 2015 at 7:42 am

      Thanks Lisa!

      Reply
  6. Deborah

    August 21, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    Celiac Disease is tricky to the newly diagnosed, but with your enthusiasm it can be managed! I often find that those with Celiac are much more knowledgeable about food in general, as well. Like you--Exhibit A! 🙂 . Thank you for informing us.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 21, 2015 at 10:55 pm

      I totally agree that when you have a food allergy or autoimmune disease and food/health becomes paramount in your life, the knowledge you must gain about food is so great. But it's all for good reason!

      Reply
  7. Tianna

    August 21, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    wow seriously educational. Celiac is tough, but obviously it can be done with some preparation and knowledge. thanks for this!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 21, 2015 at 12:07 pm

      Sure!

      Reply
  8. Life Breath Present

    August 21, 2015 at 8:51 am

    I love how you were able to sum up so much about Celiac disease through the alphabet! 🙂

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 21, 2015 at 8:53 am

      A fun little challenge 😉

      Reply
  9. Sonali- The Foodie Physician

    August 18, 2015 at 11:32 pm

    Thanks for sharing such a creative and informative post! Great job!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 11:34 pm

      Sure, thanks!

      Reply
  10. Autumn

    August 18, 2015 at 8:39 pm

    A very educational post!! I think this could really help a lot of people who read it.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 11:19 pm

      How so?

      Reply
  11. Brandi Clevinger

    August 18, 2015 at 8:14 pm

    Even if a person doesn't have Celiac Disease, this is a great list to be aware of! I would love it if you would share it at my Chronic Friday Linkup.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 8:18 pm

      Thanks Brandi!

      Reply
  12. Evolve with Mary

    August 18, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    Great post Rebecca, what a creative way to share and remember facts about Celiac Disease, I'm going to share this with a few of my friends. 🙂

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 5:05 pm

      Thanks Mary.

      Reply
  13. Linda @ Veganosity

    August 18, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    Great post, Rebecca! Ugh! Why do teachers feel the need to humiliate shy children? There should be a mandatory class that teaches teachers how to handle shy kids. I was so shy in grade school, so I know what it felt like to be embarrassed by the teacher.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 4:23 pm

      Haha, I was the shy girl my whole life, but also the best student....except for knowing my ABCs apparently 😉

      Reply
  14. Tiffany

    August 18, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    Perfect way to present the information! Plus I learned something about oats. I've often wonderful if I have celiac disease and I have been a little fearful of wheat and oats. This helped clear some things up. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 12:40 pm

      Sure!

      Reply
  15. Heather@hungryforbalance

    August 18, 2015 at 11:19 am

    I love this Rebecca. You have taken a serious topic and made it easy to read and informative at the same time. I think that too many people do not understand the seriousness that is Celiac's disease.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 12:40 pm

      They don't! Thanks Heather!

      Reply
  16. Daria

    August 18, 2015 at 10:23 am

    Cute post and very informative! I didn't realize it goes undiagnosed 6-10 years. That is a lot of time left untreated. I found out I had Lupus about 9 1/2 years ago. I remember I would complained about my joints hurting in my kness when I was in my twenties. I sometimes wonder if I had it all along and didn't know it. Thanks for sharing...

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 11:15 am

      That's how I feel about my Celiac! I can so strongly and clearly remember many times feeling so so sick after eating, but since I was young, I wouldn't say anything and just thought I ate too much!

      Reply
  17. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl

    August 18, 2015 at 9:27 am

    I love this, Rebecca! And way to get creative with some of those letters! 😉

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 11:16 am

      Hahaha, I happily took the challenge 😉

      Reply
  18. Christine - The Choosy Mommy

    August 18, 2015 at 8:54 am

    This is a fab list! I have a friend who has Celiac disease so I most def. will be sharing this with her enjoyment 🙂

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 8:57 am

      Just a lighthearted post!

      Reply
  19. Emily @ My Healthyish Life

    August 18, 2015 at 7:53 am

    Cute post! I was wondering what you were going to put for "Z" 🙂 I actually can say the ABC's backward.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 7:56 am

      Z was easy 😉 Hahahaha! Omg! You're so good with all that stuff! Teach me!!

      Reply
  20. Susie @ SuzLyfe

    August 18, 2015 at 7:46 am

    A great primer... but can you sing it?

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 7:51 am

      Haha 😛

      Reply
  21. Marci

    August 18, 2015 at 7:21 am

    Great post. I hear from a lot of readers who have Celiac and are looking for recipe options.

    Reply
    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      August 18, 2015 at 7:51 am

      This post has nothing to do with that, but okay.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hey there, welcome to Strength and Sunshine! I’m Rebecca and I'm so glad you're here! This is your go-to destination for delicious, fun, and (mostly) healthy gluten-free and allergy-free recipes, tips & tricks, advice, as well as celiac and food allergy coaching services! More about me



Search

Never Miss A Post

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Air Fryer Zucchini Chips (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
  • Gluten-Free Blueberry Crumb Bars
  • Blueberry Chia Jam
  • Grilled Portobello Mushroom Steaks
  • Strawberry Banana Bread (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Trending Posts

  • Slow Cooker Applesauce | Easy, Simple, No Added Sugar
  • Slow Cooker Apple Butter (No Peeling Required!)
  • Cold Italian Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Allergy-Free)
  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Scones (Vegan, Allergy-Free) Healthy Starbucks Copycat
  • Homemade Apple Cider (No Added Sugar)
  • Gluten-Free Apple Fritter Bread (Vegan, Allergy-Free)

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Rebecca
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Contact

  • Contact
  • Services
  • Media & Press

Copyright © 2022 Strength and Sunshine LLC

Related

Break through that midweek slump with a cozy plate Break through that midweek slump with a cozy plate of apple cinnamon French toast 😍🍎🍞

Super easy gluten-free apple cinnamon french toast with a fresh cinnamon apple compote so you won’t need any maple syrup! Vegan and allergy-free 😘

Find the full recipe on Strength and Sunshine 🥳
https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-apple-cinnamon-french-toast-vegan/

#apple #applecinnamon #frenchtoast #veganbreakfast #glutenfreebreakfast #allergyfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #egg-free
Crispy, crunchy, dippable veggies 🤤🥒 * Air F Crispy, crunchy, dippable veggies 🤤🥒
*
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips (Gluten-Free, Vegan) 🤤🥒🍅
*
These Crispy Chips Of Zucchini are 👇
Gluten-Free ❤️
Allergy-Free 🧡
Vegan 💛
Low-Carb (Keto Options) 💚
Oil-Free & Sugar-Free 💙
Easy, Quick, Healthy Simple Ingredients 💜
Perfect Appetizer, Snack, or Side Dish 💗
*
Like Italian fried zucchini...just gluten-free, eggless, no dairy, and no deep-frying! Thin slices of fresh zucchini, dipped in a simple Italian seasoned breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to perfection in your @gowiseusa . Dip these yummy veggie chips in marinara sauce, ketchup, spicy tomato sauce, or whatever your heart desires! 😍😋😚
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! 👆👆
https://strengthandsunshine.com/air-fryer-zucchini-chips/
*
#zucchini #zucchinichips #friedzucchihi #oilfree #airfryer #airfryerrecipes #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #feedfeed #airfryerrecipe #appetizerrecipe #healthysidedish #glutenfreelife #plantbasedvegan #kidapproved #italianfood #appetizer #justeatrealfood #glutenfreefood #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #foodallergymom
Soft moist pillows of pumpkin goodness studded wit Soft moist pillows of pumpkin goodness studded with dark chocolate chips 🤩🎃🍫

Super easy gluten-free soft pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, vegan and allergy-free 😘🍪

Find the full recipe on Strength and Sunshine 🥳
https://strengthandsunshine.com/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies/

#pumpkin #pumpkincookies #chocolatechipcookies #vegancookies #glutenfreecookies #allergyfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree
When you want both the summer and fall vibes at on When you want both the summer and fall vibes at once…😙🍂👙

Super moist, soft, fluffy Pumpkin Zucchini Bread! 🤩🎃🥒🍞
Gluten-free, vegan, allergy-free, full of fruits and veggies! 😁

Find the full recipe on Strength and Sunshine 🥳
https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-zucchini-bread/

#pumpkin #zucchini #pumpkinbread #zucchinibread #glutenfreebread #veganbread #allergyfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree
Say farewell to berry season with these sweet, ten Say farewell to berry season with these sweet, tender, buttery crumb bars! 🫐
*
Gluten-Free Blueberry Crumb Bars (Vegan, Allergy-Free) 😍🤤🫐
*
These Beautifully Blissful Blueberry Bars are:👇
Gluten-Free ❤️
Allergy-Free 🧡
Vegan 💛
Kid-Approved 💚
No Added Sugar 💙
Simple and Easy 💜
Delicious Dessert, Brunch or Breakfast Treat 💖
*
With that homemade blueberry chia jam sandwiched between a tender and buttery gluten-free shortbread style crust and delicious crumb topping, served warm with some vegan vanilla ice cream...not too sweet, just enough to satisfy all your fruity blueberry dreams 🙌🫐🥰😘
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! 👆👆
https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-blueberry-crumb-bars/
*
#blueberries #blueberry #bakingfromscratch #blueberryrecipes #bakingwithkids #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #blueberrypie #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #feedfeed #thebakefeed #bakersofinstagram #glutenfreelife #wildblueberries #foodallergymom #kidapproved #veganbaking #vegandessert #glutenfreedessert #glutenfreefood #glutenfreebaking #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #dessertbars
Early Autumn Vibes in these Apple Cinnamon Muffins Early Autumn Vibes in these Apple Cinnamon Muffins! ✌️🍎

Fluffy, bakery-style muffins, gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-free! Filled with fresh chopped apples and coated in cinnamon sugar goodness! 😋🥰🍎

Find the full recipe on Strength and Sunshine 🥳👇
https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-apple-cinnamon-muffins-vegan/

#apple #applecinnamon #applecinnamonmuffins #veganmuffins #glutenfreebreakfast #allergyfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree
Are you still holding out on the pumpkin or have y Are you still holding out on the pumpkin or have you given in? 🤔

Let your first taste of pumpkin spice be these copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Scones! Gluten-Free, vegan, and allergy-free, one of Strength and Sunshine’s fan-favorite pumpkin recipes! 🎃🥰😋

Find the full recipe on Strength and Sunshine 👇🥳

https://strengthandsunshine.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-scones-vegan/

#pumpkin #pumpkinscones #pumpkinspice #veganbreakfast #glutenfreebreakfast #allergyfree #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree
The solution for your bounty of blueberries!🫐 * The solution for your bounty of blueberries!🫐
*
Blueberry Chia Jam (Vegan, Gluten-Free) 😍🫐
*
This Berrylicious Blueberry Jam is 👇
Gluten-Free ❤️
Allergy-Free 🧡
Vegan 💛
Sugar-Free, Keto, & Paleo 💚
Kid-Approved 💙
Healthy & Customizable💜
Quick & Easy, 2 Ingredients 💖
Sweet Spread, Filling, Topping, & More! 💝
*
Just like the strawberry chia jam you all loved, this blueberry chia seed jam is just as easy with two ingredients and endless customizations and uses! Blueberry jam is one of my favorites for a PBJ and you’ll need a batch for an upcoming recipe I’ll be sharing in 2 weeks! 🫐🤩
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! 👆👆
https://strengthandsunshine.com/blueberry-chia-jam/
*
#blueberryjam #blueberrychiajam #blueberry #blueberries #wildblueberries #chiajam #chiaseeds #homemadejam #summerfruit #blueberryrecipes #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #allergyfree #keto #paleo #celiac #foodallergies #feedfeed #glutenfreelife #foodallergymom #kidapproved #eatrealfood #glutenfreefood #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease