Celiac Disease from a Personal Perspective

Celiac disease, when compared to alternative diseases to have in this life, is a wonderful one to have. It is entirely controllable by diet, and from a nutritional point of view, it is a healthy, tasty, totally liveable life-sentence.

Let’s Examine the Positive Aspects:

All fruit and vegetables, rice, corn, meat, cheese, nuts, seafood, chocolate, and most wines can be included in this lifesaving diet. Ex beer drinkers can even substitute some of the wonderful ciders available. Most recipes that gluten eaters enjoy can be adapted to be gluten-free. When diagnosed, what could be healthier for heart and arteries than to pass on buttered rolls, iced cakes, and fat-filled cookies?

Of course, celiac diagnosis as an adult means minor adjustments to a new way of cooking and eating. You must always carry your reading glasses so you can examine all labels for blatant and hidden traces of gluten. It also helps to have a spouse willing to experiment and adapt to your considerable dietary needs!

Moderate vigilance permits enjoyable, balanced meals at home and in restaurants, which are becoming increasingly more aware of the celiac situation due, in a large part, to efforts of the Canadian Celiac Association. After describing your “allergy” to most waiters, great care is taken that you do not have some dreadful, near-death experience on their premises. Full education does have a way to go!

When I was first diagnosed, my pathologist phoned me with the results of my bowel biopsy, saying, “How do you like steak and potatoes?” Believe it or not, the diet for a celiac is not boring, and indeed can be extremely tasty and healthy.

Dave Watson, MD
First published in The Inside Tract® Newsletter Issue 129 January/February 2002
Dr. Watson is a member of this society and of the Canadian Celiac Association.