Newly Diagnosed
Newly Diagnosed with Celiac Disease
There’s no doubt that a celiac disease diagnosis changes your life. Adjusting to the gluten-free diet can be overwhelming at times, but Beyond Celiac is here to help you every step of the way.
This hub is designed to help you easily access the resources that will help you learn about celiac disease and the gluten-free lifestyle that follows a diagnosis.
Understanding Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by consuming a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the small intestine. Damage to the small intestine makes it hard for the body to absorb nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from food. Celiac disease is a lifelong condition, and there are no drugs or treatments aside from being on a strict, gluten-free diet.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is the medical term for a condition with similar symptoms, but none of the intestinal damage or immune markers that appear in those with celiac disease. These individuals often feel better on a gluten-free diet.
Starting the Gluten-Free Diet
A gluten-free diet excludes anything made with wheat, barley or rye. Luckily, most foods are naturally gluten-free, including fruits, vegetables, beans, meats, dairy, and plenty of other grains, like rice, sorghum, corn, and potatoes.
Although it’s simple on the surface, it can quickly become confusing when you’re reading food labels in the grocery store aisles, cross-checking with the manufacturer’s website, and trying to remember what your doctor said. If you’re struggling, we’ve got you! We promise it will get easier. To help out, check out the following resources:
- Overview of the gluten-free diet
- Getting Started: A Guide to Celiac Disease & the Gluten-Free Diet. A comprehensive manual essential for those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or anyone else on a gluten-free diet
- Celiac disease quick start guide
- Is it gluten-free?
- Understanding cross-contact
- Reading food labels
- Shared kitchen safety guide
- Gluten-free recipes
Getting Family Members Tested
Most people with celiac disease have the HLA-DQ2 and/or the HLA-DQ8 genes. Because there is a genetic aspect of this condition, celiac disease can run in families. If you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, your biological relatives are more likely to have celiac disease than others.
Beyond Celiac has developed a research-tested way to talk to relatives about getting tested for celiac disease. Learn how to help your relatives understand celiac disease and their risk through our Seriously, Celiac Disease resources.
Staying Updated: Resources, Activities, and Events
The world of celiac disease is evolving rapidly. Stay up-to-date on the latest in research, celiac disease news, gluten-free diet tips and more through these free resources:
- Beyond Celiac Monthly Newsletter: On the first Thursday of the month, we send you the latest in gluten-free recipes, news, events, and more.
- Town Halls: Every other month, we interview leading researchers, doctors, or community members. Stop in to hear the conversation or watch recordings of older events.
- Research News: Our Research Newsfeed keeps you updated on the latest in celiac disease science and medical news—did you know multiple companies are investigating drugs to treat celiac disease?
- Events: Check out upcoming in-person and virtual events.
- Resource Library: Access free resources, including PDFs, podcasts, videos, and infographics, about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet.
