Unfortunately, gluten intolerance, including celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and non-celiac gluten intolerance is very under-recognized and under-diagnosed. Often, physicians and nurses are not aware of the many elusive symptoms associated with a gluten intolerance so it is not on their radar when they are assessing patients. As a result, many (over 90%) remain undiagnosed and are still suffering.

To help address this public health issue, I am increasing awareness about gluten intolerance on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, my blog, and with my new book, “Gluten Toxicity”. “Gluten Toxicity” provides a comprehensive checklist of symptoms, in depth analysis of the diagnostic tests, an outline of the gluten-free diet, tips to help with a new lifestyle adjustment, and recommendations to consider when complications arise. Helpful checklists will assist the reader to keep track of blood test results, and tasks to help with healing. This book empowers patients with the information they need to co-actively create a plan for diagnosis and a treatment plan with their physician.

Currently, my book is available as an e-book from my blog. This is an environmentally friendly option and the e-book has been a great vehicle to help promote gluten intolerance awareness globally since it is easily accessible to everyone worldwide. So far, people from Canada, the United states, Europe and South America have been downloading it with no problems. A paperback version will be available soon at Amazon (an online book store) and at two local health food stores, Country Sun Foods (152nd St., White Rock) and Lifetime Organics (102-2099 152nd St., South Surrey. Phone: 604-541-0933). I am currently conversing with other book stores as well and will keep everyone updated by posting updates on this blog.

Thank you for visiting my blog here at “Celiac Nurse”. I look forward to discussing gluten intolerance with you on this interactive blog and hope that the information provided helps to increase awareness. I suffered unnecessarily for years. With the information on my blog and in my book, I am hoping that others will not have to suffer with an undiagnosed gluten intolerance. For those affected, the gluten-free diet can offer a great solution and increase an individual’s quality of life.

My blog has other posts that offer more information about my book, my story, my thoughts about gluten intolerance, and there is an excerpt with the introduction from my book as well.

Best Regards,
Shelly Stuart, R.N., B.Sc.N.
Celiac Nurse And Gluten Intolerance Consultant
Stuart Healthcare Solutions
South Surrey, BC, Canada
1-604-961-3663
E-Book: http://celiacnurse.com/products-page/
Blog: www.celiacnurse.com
Blog: www.paleolithicrn.blogspot.com
Facebook: "Celiac Nurse" and author page, "Gluten Toxicity"
Twitter: "CeliacNurse1", "PaleolithicRN", "GlutenToxicity"
Myspace: Shelly Stuart, Celiac Nurse

May 2009, I started to write a 12 part series about celiac disease and gluten intolerance. The series  discusses how gluten can affect each physiological system in the body and the last post includes a symptom checklist (see below). My hope is that this series will empower individuals with the knowledge, information, and references they need to have a meaningful discussion with their doctor. My blog also includes a podcast about diagnosis and all of the ways false negatives can occur. For me, blogging has proven to be a very instrumental way to increase awareness globally. I have found my posts translated into Dutch, Polish, Cantonese, German, and Spanish which is encouraging since undiagnosed CD and gluten intolerance is a global public health problem. As well, I am actively trying to increase awareness through my business (I’m a Celiac Nurse And Gluten Intolerance Consultant), Twitter, Facebook, and Medpedia.

This month, there are many ways that everyone affected by gluten intolerance can increase awareness. Ideas include blogging, using social media, writing in to your local newspaper, sharing information with friends, and participating in the activities or events your local support group has organized. So far, my extra activities this month include volunteering for a local event and sharing a gluten-free recipe (my favorite lemon meringue pie) along with information about CD and gluten intolerance with a BC newspaper. There are so many ways to help. Please share your ideas for increasing awareness below. Perhaps there is another way I can help:)

12 Part Series About Celiac Disease And Gluten Intolerance

1. Part 1 of 12 Part Series: Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Undiagnosed Celiac Disease (includes non-celiac gluten intolerance information at the bottom)

2. Part 2 Of 12 Part Series: Fatigue, Anemia, and Abnormal Bleeding Or Bruising In Undiagnosed Celiac Disease (includes non-celiac gluten intolerance information at the bottom)

3. Part 3 Of 12 Part Series: Sensory Symptoms (Vision, Hearing, Taste, Smell, and Touch)  In Undiagnosed Celiac Disease.

4. Part 4 Of 12 Part Series: Skin Rashes, Hair, And Nail Symptoms In Undiagnosed Celiac Disease (includes non-celiac gluten intolerance)

5. Part 5 Of 12 Part Series: Musculoskeletal (Rickets, Osteomalacia, Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, And Myopathies) Symptoms In Undiagnosed Celiac Disease (includes non-celiac gluten intolerance and allergies)

6. Part 6 Of 12 Part Series: Reproductive (Delayed Puberty, Amenorrhea, Infertility, Impotence, Chronic Pelvic Pain, Fetal Complications, Premature Birth, Miscarriages, And Early Menopause) Symptoms In Undiagnosed Celiac Disease (includes non-celiac gluten intolerance)

7. Part 7 Of 12 Part Series: Urological Symptoms  Associated With Undiagnosed Celiac Disease, A Gluten Sensitivity, Or A Food Allergy/Sensitivity

8. Part 8 Of 12 Part Series: Neurological Symptoms (Ataxia, Neuropathies, Seizures, Migraines, Myopathies, Dementia) With Undiagnosed Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance or Sensitivities

9. Part 9 Of 12 Part Series: Psychological And Cognitive Symptoms With Undiagnosed Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance or Sensitivities

10. Part 10 Of 12 Part Series: Heart and Lung Symptoms In Undiagnosed Celiac Disease

11. Part 11 of 12 Part Series: List of Diseases/Syndromes Associated With Celiac Disease

12. Part 12 Of 12 Part Series: Celiac Disease And Gluten Intolerance Symptom Checklist 

Many are suffering and quite likely many are dying globally due to undiagnosed celiac disease and gluten intolerance. This breaks my heart when I think of grandparents being lost, couples dealing with infertility or pregnancy issues (potentially leading to loss of a baby), mothers struggling with illness, children with cognitive disabilities that may affect their ability to achieve their potential in life, and many others who are suffering with a variety of misdiagnosis. All of this unnecessary suffering could be prevented with early recognition, diagnosis, and the maintenance of a gluten-free diet. Increasing awareness through a variety of activities can help increase public awareness and help doctors and nurses to include CD and gluten intolerance on their radar while assessing patients. Together, we can all help in our own way to get the 97% that are undiagnosed down to 0.