Friday, April 27, 2012

Help from the Celiac Center at Columbia University


(Photo source:  amazon.com)

Dr. Peter H.R. Green has written this informative book.  He has been doing a great work at the Celiac Center at Columbia University.  Don't worry...I don't get paid anything to encourage others to read his book.  :)   It is simply a great book.  I appreciate the way he weaves medical information into the book without making it overbearing or difficult to understand. Here is a link to the Celiac Center at Columbia University website:

http://www.celiacdiseasecenter.org/CF-HOME.htm

Dr. Green kindly wrote the foreword for my cookbook.  Here it is:


 "People with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity need to own a copy of Susan’s book. It is a great resource presented in a beautiful way. The recipes add diversity and nutrition to a diet that frequently lacks these important components.

"Celiac disease is common, occurring in about 1% of the population worldwide. It is unfortunate that the majority of those who have the disease are yet to be diagnosed. There is a lack of physician awareness about the disease, its frequency, its great variety of manifestations, and its ease of diagnosis. As a result the majority of those with the disease are unaware of how their life could be altered for the better by adopting a gluten-free lifestyle.

"Because of underdiagnosis, those with the disease lack adequate support systems. There is insufficient food labeling, lack of awareness in the food industry, inadequate knowledge among chefs, and a generally inadequate availability of gluten-free products. When products are available they are usually more expensive than gluten-containing products. School, college, and eating out of the home are a minefield. Susan’s book helps fill the void. It is readily readable, and the food tastes great!

"People with gluten sensitivity experience symptoms that are relieved by avoiding gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, and barley. These people are often self-diagnosed. Diagnosing celiac disease typically requires a small-intestinal biopsy and documented improvement, both clinical and pathological. Blood tests often suggest the diagnosis; a small-intestinal biopsy confirms it. We encourage a biopsy because one needs to be certain of the diagnosis prior to making a lifelong commitment to a gluten-free diet. This especially applies to children.

"We at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University are attempting to fill the medical void by increasing the quality of the patient care of those with celiac disease, educating health-care professionals, and facilitating a great variety of research projects. It is through dietician, nutritionist, and physician education that more will be diagnosed with celiac disease and their care will improve. Until the number of people diagnosed with celiac disease increases, the difficulties will continue. However, wonderful cookbooks like this one can lessen the burden of the disease."

Peter HR Green, M.D.
Author of Celiac Disease:  A Hidden Epidemic
Professor of Clinical Medicine
The Celiac Disease Center
Columbia University, New York

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