Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic

by Peter H.R. Green, Rory Jones

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects nearly one in every hundred people. Unfortunately, 97 percent remain undiagnosed and untreated. They continue to suffer from gastrointestinal complaints, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, anemia, and itchy skin conditions -- to name just a few of the symptoms. These people consult numerous doctors, who prescribe drugs and diets that may alleviate some symptoms, but rarely work for long.

If you are one of these people, the real answer to your medical problems may lie in this book.

Celiac disease is a hereditary condition that damages the lining of the small intestine so that it cannot properly absorb the food that you eat. Without essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrition, the entire body begins to suffer. Because of its autoimmune nature it also sets off reactions that reverberate throughout all the organs of the body. This is a disease that you do not outgrow -- it often returns years later with more significant symptoms.

The true medical impact of celiac disease is just beginning to emerge. This is the first authoritative guide on how the condition is properly diagnosed, treated, and managed. It examines the latest research into its many manifestations, with chapters devoted to each complication and to related diseases. These include infertility, other autoimmune conditions (for example, type 1 diabetes and thyroid disease), peripheral neuropathy, liver disease, and even cancer. It also devotes an entire section to coping with the psychological aspects of a chronic illness and the gluten-free diet.

This "inside-out" examination and explanation of the disease is a must-read for both patients and the medical community.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Science, Nutrition, Reference, Self Help, Medicine

352 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2006

Reviews

[AnnaMay · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have Celiac Disease, this is a great book. If you're wanting to learn about it, this is a great book...easy to navigate (so you don't have to read the whole thing.) I was glad to know of the additional symptoms and sicknesses/diseases I need to watch out for. I liked how the information was credible and loved the quotes from patients. I felt very validated and could relate to much that was said.

[Trent Thompson]

The plot twist in this book was crazy. And the conclusion was explosive. Kidding. This book isn’t narrative, but it was informative and very readable. Finding out I have celiac has been almost entirely good news; it’s provided much relief and minimal trouble.

[Kristin Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was diagnosed with celiac disease almost 9 years ago and haven't done a lot of research since I was first diagnosed. This was a very informative and comprehensive book with current information on celiac disease written by the Director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. It was interesting to read an overview of the digestive system and the medical aspects of what happens in detail when gluten enters the body. I learned about many complications and other autoimmune disorders associated with celiac disease. I took many notes while reading and definitely think this book is a great resource for anyone with celiac disease or anyone wanting to learn more about this genetic autoimmune disease.

[erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

difficult to digest (ha)

[Auggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is for the "revised and updated" edition, updated in 2010.

I was just diagnosed with celiac and my mom (who also has celiac) said this was a bit like the celiac bible. So I got it and read it. It has lots of good information though I do wish it would be updated - there have been a lot of advances in the past four years and I'd like to read more about those - but the basics of the disease have not changed so this isn't that dated on most accounts. I could do without the large blocks of celiac-adjacent-autoimmune disease information but I imagine it would be good for others as my experience with celiac is outside of the norm.

[Jonathon Solt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came following my diagnoses of Hashimotos and a coworkers recommendation to get tested for Celiacs as well. Upon being Diagnosed with Celiacs as well, it truly was a time that I felt like I had little control or direction for my health and found it difficult to convey what it meant for me to others. This book does a great job at giving a voice to some common misunderstandings and mindsets around this autoimmune disease.

[Donna D]

This book was a great source for my multi-genre research project. Not only did it help me with my project but it helped me learn so much about the disease I have. I don't feel as in the dark now as I did before about what my disease is and why I have it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Celiac Disease.

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read on Celiacs so far. Written by the head of Columbia University's Celiac Center. Explains some of the myth behind the disease and science's current understanding of the truth behind a lot of myths.

[Skye512 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an outstanding read. Albeit, a little tough to digest because of all of the medical jargon, but it was SUCH an important read for me as someone that has been diagnosed with celiac disease for a little over 6 months. I highly recommend this to every person diagnosed with celiac or family of a person with celiac seeking to understand the severity of the disease. I made several notes in my copy in regards to things that need to get checked on and things I need to stay on top of. I really enjoyed the combination of the testimonials against the information being presented as it not only made the information a little easier to digest by giving it a real life connection, it makes it read as relatable to others that are suffering from celiac disease. There's comfort in knowing you aren't alone in your symptoms.

[Stephanie Lema · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this to learn about my 2025 diagnosis and I’m glad that I did. I could see myself referring back to different sections of this book in the future if need be but it lost some stars because at times it was a little cheesy and at other times overwhelming with the deep dive into the 80000 related conditions and complications. Good to keep in the back of my mind but without anxiously expecting my future to be laden with disease upon disease. My favourite part was the exploration of the digestive system - I wish this guy wrote my nursing textbooks! All in all, learned a lot and would recommend to anyone who constantly feels unwell to get a celiac blood test :)

[Ina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book arrived a little late and by the time I got it, I was already well informed on most if not all of the information in it. I'd say that if you are fairly knowledgeable about celiac and have been dealing with the disease for some time, then you won't get much from this book. The information however is reliable and the book deals with a broad array of topics around life with the disease, so it could serve as a good reference guide for the household.

[Kate Pittman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best book I've read on the subject to date. I pre-ordered the revised version several months ago and read it right away.
I especially appreciated the explanation of the mechanism of celiac disease, going into detail about how the immunological response works. This is somewhat difficult for me to understand without a background in the subject, but it gave me a good base for what I need to explore to really comprehend it.
It was also good to read that many of my own symptoms were not unusual, but typical (especially peripheral neuropathy and depression.) Clearly doctors need to update their understanding of this disease for better diagnosis.
Some parts of it are a bit overwhelming, like reading about all of the associated risks for other diseases. But one needs to step back and recognize that even elevated risks are still relatively low. It's good to know what to keep an eye out for, health wise.
Dietary advice regarding gluten free eating was balanced and mostly useful.
My main dislike was a few of the quotes and inserted commentary. I'm not totally on board with some of the diet recommendations that go beyond the GF diet, but appreciate the point that a GF diet isn't necessarily healthy and that for optimal health, we need to focus on eating a HEALTHY GF diet.
I would recommend this book to people who are confused about what to believe from what they've read online and people new to celiac disease. It's a concise overview of most of what you need to know.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband was recently diagnosed with Celiac, so I picked this book up to learn more about it, and I am so happy I did! First and foremost, it was thoroughly researched and written by the Director of the Celiac Center at Columbia University. I would highly recommend anyone who has Celiac or who has a family member with it to read this and use it as a sort of encyclopedia to navigate your way after diagnosis. It is written so that anybody can understand it, too. Something I thought was extremely interesting about Celiac is that millions of people have it, but most don't even know it; it is silent. Love that Dr. Green keeps up with revising/updating this book, too.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a friend after my son's diagnosis with celiac disease. It was very informative both about the biology of the disease, risks and how to cope and live your life while navigating the waters of a chronic disease. It talks about not just the medical aspects but also the social and psychological issues that arise from following such a restrictive diet while emphasizing in no uncertain terms the importance of maintaining a gluten-free life. I would highly recommend this book for any newly diagnosed person with celiac.

[Holly Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who has Celiac, this is a really good book talking about just how Celiac is misdiagnosed and how far reaching it is. It causes Fibro, infertility etc.

Gives ideas on what to eat and how to start on a road to being gluten free. It's a great book. Gives one hope.

[Kris Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The alarmist cover gave me a chuckle, but really this book is written quite level. No, celiac disease isn't the solitary explanation for a roll call of autoimmune disorders. It's something people often have in conjunction with autoimmune disorders. There is a big difference.

[Rachel Archelaus · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's probably information that new Celiacs want and need, but I was looking for more advice about lifetime maintenance and troubleshooting when going gluten free isn't enough.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was written in 2006 so was quite outdated, especially when talking about food labeling. Still, not a lot of books have been written about celiac disease so it was informative on many levels, especially because in that regard—not much has changed. I look forward to the scientific advances that may come over the next few decades as we begin to understand more about our bodies and gluten and how they interact with each other.

[Sarah Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a nurse, and parent of two children who recently had positive bloodwork for celiac disease, I appreciated the information in this book and feel more prepared for the appointments and reasoning behind the lifestyle changes we will have to make. I would recommend this book to anyone with a new diagnosis.

If you have had celiac disease for awhile, this book probably contains a lot of information you may already know.

[pattie ladd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Celiac sufferer needs this book in their library

Very informative and educational about any and all things Celiac. I highly recommend this for educating yourself, whether you or any one in your family/friends are suffering from this disease.

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been recently diagnosed with celiac disease, I was looking for a solid and comprehensive resource on this disease. This book is amazing as it provides very good scientific information but also covers the social and psychological impacts. I highly recommend it.

[Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!!!!!!! I got it from the library and now I want to buy it!!!!! And buy a copy for all my friends and family so they can better understand this disease!!! It made me feel informed and empowered.

[Aubrey Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease, this book is a great resource. It gets a little technical but does a great job at explaining the pathology! I will be referencing this book continually as I go through this new experience with my son.

[Diana Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read to date regarding celiac disease.

[Cathlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Educational and scary! If you want to learn about Celiac this is a great book.

[Teresa Dunivent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book if you were just diagnosed. I learned a few things, but I was diagnosed about 8 years ago. I had spent years researching before I bought this book.

[Kate Passingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, wish I would’ve read it when I was first diagnosed

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive. Wish I had known about and picked this up when I was first diagnosed.

[Sophiebearsmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of the disease and how to spot gluten in food ingredients

[Phoebe Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read for a beginner Celiac!