These studies have led Dr. Alessio Fasano, the internationally recognized medical director of the Center for Celiac Research, to dub the disease “one of the most frequent genetically-based diseases of humankind”.

Despite its apparent prevalence, celiac disease remains shockingly under-diagnosed. In 2003, researchers projected that there were 2,115,954 Americans with celiac disease, yet there were only 40,000 diagnosed cases. Thus, for each known celiac in the United States, there were 53 undiagnosed cases! It is now estimated that celiac disease is present in as many as one out of every 22 people who has first-degree relatives with the disorder, whether they manifest overt symptoms or not.

Researchers believe so many cases remain undiagnosed because celiac disease often presents itself in an atypical or even silent manner. Celiac symptoms fall into an unusually broad range of categories, including: gastrointestinal complaints such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, and ulcerative colitis; dermatological complaints like eczema, hives, and acne; arthritic complaints including rheumatoid arthritis and possibly even fibromialgia; vitamin deficiencies; headaches and migraines; chronic fatigue; asthma, rhinitis or sinusitis; severe pre-menstrual syndrome; hypoglycemia; depression; and sleeping disorders. Somewhat surprisingly, an even larger proportion of those with celiac disease may manifest no overt symptoms, though they face the same potential health consequences of the disease.

Thus, it is essential that diagnosis of gluten intolerance and avoidance of gluten by those with the disease be achieved at the earliest possible juncture. Research has shown that as little as 1/8 of a teaspoon of gluten (approximately 1/1,000 of a slice of bread) has a negative impact on the intestinal villi of a celiac patient.

However, most physicians agree that with the proper diet, those suffering from celiac disease can enjoy a normal life expectancy and reduce or eliminate many varied physical complaints. With that incentive in mind, this cookbook sets out to make gluten-free cooking and eating as enjoyable as possible by making gluten-free cooking "nearly normal cooking"!

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To find further information and support for living with celiac disease, find a local support group. For a comprehensive listing of contacts, click here.