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Helpful Apps Discover apps dedicated to celiacs/coeliacs and people with gluten sensitivities from all over the world! ​ This list will continue to evolve as more resources are added. Feel free to suggest apps to be added to the list. Cooking blog HOME Recipes All About Gluten Autoimmune Disorders Restaurant Locator (USA) Dedicated Gluten Free Foodducate for Apple Meal Lime Meal Plans Healthy Food Recipes Find me Gluten Free App Spoonful Allergy Eats! Healthy Recipes & Caculator Food Intolerances for Apple The Gluten Free Scanner App ShopWell App iEatOut Cheesecakes About Joe Contact Joe Yummly Food Intolerance for Android

Support Groups Discover organizations, social groups, resources, magazines, websites, and links dedicated to celiacs/coeliacs and people with gluten sensitivities from all over the world! ​ This list will continue to evolve as more resources are added. HOME Recipes All About Gluten International Organizations Magazines & Publications Social Groups Businesses & Products Helpful Apps Cooking blog Autoimmune Disorders Cheesecakes About Joe Members

The information contained in this section has been procured from the Celiac Disease Foundation and Mayo Clinic. It is all for educational purposes and not intended to be taken as medical advice . What is Celiac Disease? Cooking Blog Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Two and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications. ​ When people with celiac disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley), their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. These attacks lead to damage on the villi, small fingerlike projections that line the small intestine, that promote nutrient absorption. When the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot be absorbed properly into the body. Cooking Blog Cooking blog Celiac disease is hereditary, meaning that it runs in families. People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a 1 in 10 risk of developing celiac disease. ​ Celiac disease can develop at any age after people start eating foods or medicines that contain gluten. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional serious health problems. ​ Source: Celiac Disease Foundation ​ Celiac disease, sometimes called celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. ​ If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages your small intestine's lining and prevents it from absorbing some nutrients (malabsorption). The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating and anemia, and can lead to serious complications. ​ In children, malabsorption can affect growth and development, besides causing the symptoms seen in adults. ​ There's no cure for celiac disease — but for most people, following a strict gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing. ​ Source: Mayo Clinic HOME Recipes All About Gluten Autoimmune Disorders Support Groups Cheesecakes About Joe Contact Joe Photo Source: Mayo Clinic What Causes Celiac Disease?

The information contained in this and subsequent sections has been procured from multiple accredited sources . It is all for educational purposes and not intended to be taken as medical advice . All About Gluten What is Gluten? ​ Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat (wheatberries, durum, emmer, semolina, spelt, farina, farro, graham, KAMUT® khorasan wheat and einkorn), rye, barley and triticale – a cross between wheat and rye. Gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a glue that holds food together. Gluten can be found in many types of foods, even ones that would not be expected. How can Gluten negatively affect people? Gluten doesn’t get along with every digestive system . Some people just have wheat intolerance syndrome. That’s one of three conditions that gluten can trigger: ​ ​ Celiac Disease. A disorder in which gluten causes your immune system to attack your small intestine; over time, the attacks can damage the lining of your intestine. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Also called gluten intolerance , the condition causes celiac symptoms -- like stomach pain , bloating , and diarrhea -- but doesn’t damage your small intestine. Wheat allergy. Your immune system fights gluten like a virus or bacteria; if you eat it, you may have trouble breathing , a skin reaction, or problems digesting. Going gluten-free is also a trend among people who don’t have medical reasons to avoid the stuff. Some people say they lost weight and gained energy when they cut gluten. But, there’s not much scientific evidence to prove that a gluten-free diet offers health benefits to people who can tolerate the ingredient. ​ Sources: Celiac Disease Foundation ​ ​ Cooking blog What is Celiac Disease? What Causes Celiac Disease? Other Types of Celiac Disease Symptoms Adults/Children Long Term Effects Testing Diagnosis Treatment What to Expect when Going Gluten Free Where Gluten is Found Hidden Gluten Is it Gluten Free or Not? Distilled Beverages & Vinegars Cosmetics, Medications & Toys Cross-Contact & Cross-Contamination What to do when "Glutened" HOME Recipes Autoimmune Disorders Support Groups Cheesecakes About Joe Subscribe Support Groups

The information contained in this section has been procured from the Mayo Clinic. It is all for educational purposes and not intended to be taken as medical advice . Symptoms in Adults ​ The signs and symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly and differ in children and adults. Digestive signs and symptoms for adults include: ​ Diarrhea cooking blog Fatigue Weight loss Bloating and gas Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Constipation ​ However, more than half the adults with celiac disease have signs and symptoms unrelated to the digestive system, including: ​ Anemia, usually from iron deficiency Loss of bone density (osteoporosis) or softening of bone (osteomalacia) Itchy, blistery skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis) Mouth ulcers Headaches and fatigue Nervous system injury, including numbness and tingling in the feet and hands, possible problems with balance, and cognitive impairment Joint pain Reduced functioning of the spleen (hyposplenism) ​ Source: Mayo Clinic ​ ​ Symptoms in Children ​ Children with celiac disease are more likely than adults to have digestive problems, including: ​ Nausea and vomiting Chronic diarrhea Swollen belly Constipation Gas Pale, foul-smelling stools ​ The inability to absorb nutrients might result in: ​ Failure to thrive for infants Damage to tooth enamel Weight loss Anemia Irritability Short stature Delayed puberty Neurological symptoms, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, headaches, lack of muscle coordination and seizures ​ Source: Mayo Clinic HOME Recipes All About Gluten Autoimmune Disorders Support Groups Cheesecakes About Joe Contact Joe Long Term Effects

The information contained in this section has been procured from the Celiac Disease Foundation. It is all for educational purposes and not intended to be taken as medical advice . Diagnosis The only way to confirm a celiac disease diagnosis is to have an intestinal biopsy. A pathologist will assign a Modified Marsh Type to the biopsy findings. A Type of 3 indicates symptomatic celiac disease. However, Types 1 and 2 may also indicate celiac disease. ​ Source: Celiac Disease Foundation Cooking blog Why an Intestinal Biopsy? ​ An intestinal (duodenal) biopsy is considered the “gold standard” for diagnosis because it will tell you (1) if you have celiac disease, (2) if your symptoms improve on a gluten-free diet due to a placebo effect (you feel better because you think you should) or (3) if you have a different gastrointestinal disorder or sensitivity which responds to change in your diet. ​ If the results of the antibody or genetic screening tests are positive, your doctor may suggest an endoscopic biopsy of your small intestine. An endoscopy is a procedure that allows your physician to see what is going on inside your GI tract. A scope is inserted through the mouth and down the esophagus, stomach and small intestine, giving the physician a clear view and the option of taking a sample of the tissue. ​ This is usually an outpatient procedure. Samples of the lining of the small intestine will be studied under a microscope to look for damage and inflammation due to celiac disease. It is recommended that the doctor take at least 4-6 duodenal samples from the second part of duodenum and the duodenal bulb, in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. ​ Source: Celiac Disease Foundation HOME Recipes All About Gluten Autoimmune Disorders Support Groups Cheesecakes About Joe Contact Joe Treatment

The information contained in this section has been procured from John Hopkins Medicine and MedicalNewsToday. It is all for educational purposes and not intended to be taken as medical advice . What is Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? ​ Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term (chronic) disease that causes inflammation of the joints. The inflammation can be so severe that it affects how the joints and other parts of the body look and function. In the hand, RA may cause deformities in the joints of the fingers. This makes moving your hands difficult. Lumps, known as rheumatoid nodules, may form anywhere in the body. ​ Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a form of arthritis in children ages 16 or younger. It causes inflammation and joint stiffness that last for more than 6 weeks. Unlike adult RA, which lasts a lifetime, children often outgrow JRA. But the disease can affect bone development in a growing child. Cooking Blog Source: John Hopkins Medicine ​ What causes Rheumatoid Arthritis? ​ The exact cause of RA is not known. RA is an autoimmune disorder. This means the body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. This causes inflammation in and around the joints. This may damage the skeletal system. RA can also damage other organs, such as the heart and lungs. Researchers think certain factors, including heredity, may be a factor. ​ RA most often occurs in people from ages 30 to 50, but it can occur at any age. It happens more in women than in men. ​ Source: John Hopkins Medicine ​ ​ What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis? ​ The joints most often affected by RA are in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, and elbows. The disease often causes inflammation in the same areas on both sides of the body. Symptoms may begin suddenly or slowly over time. Each person’s symptoms may vary, and may include: ​ Pain Stiffness, especially in the morning Swelling over the joints Decreased movement Pain that is worse with joint movement Bumps over the small joints Trouble doing activities of daily living (ADLs), such as tying shoes, opening jars, or buttoning shirts Trouble grasping or pinching things Tiredness and lack of energy (fatigue) Occasional fever ​ These symptoms can seem like other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. ​ Source: John Hopkins Medicine ​ ​ How is Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed? ​ Diagnosing RA may be difficult in the early stages. This is because symptoms may be very mild, and signs of the disease may not be seen on X-rays or in blood tests. Your healthcare provider will take your medical history and give you a physical exam. Tests may also be done, such as: ​ X-ray. This test uses a small amount of radiation to create images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. Joint aspiration. For this test, a small fluid sample is taken from a swollen joint. It is done to look for signs of infection or gout. Nodule biopsy. Tiny tissue samples are taken to look at under a microscope. This helps to check for cancer or other abnormal cells. Blood tests. These tests are done to find certain antibodies, called rheumatoid factor, cyclic citrullinated antibody, and other signs of RA. Ultrasound or MRI . These imaging tests can look for bone damage and inflammation. ​ Source: John Hopkins Medicine ​ How is Rheumatoid Arthritis treated? ​ Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment for you based on: ​ How old you are Your overall health and medical history How sick you are How well you handle certain medicines, treatments, or therapies If your condition is expected to get worse Your opinion or preference ​ There is no cure for RA. The goal of treatment is often to limit pain and inflammation, and help ensure function. You may have 1 or more types of treatments. Treatment may include: ​ Medicines. Some medicines may be used for pain relief. Some are used to treat inflammation. Others can help to slow the disease from getting worse. Medicines should be managed by a rheumatologist. This is a doctor who specializes in arthritis and rheumatic diseases. You may need regular blood tests to check how the medicines affect your blood cells, liver, and kidneys. Splints. Splints may be used to help protect the joints and strengthen weak joints. Physical therapy. Physical therapy may be used to help increase the strength and movement of the affected areas. ​ In some cases, surgery may be an option if other treatments don’t work. Surgery does not cure RA. It helps correct the deformities caused by the disease. After surgery, RA can still cause problems. You may even need more surgery. Joint repair or reconstruction can be done in many ways, including: ​ Surgical cleaning. This surgery removes inflamed and diseased tissues in the hands to help increase function. Joint replacement (arthroplasty). This type of surgery may be used in cases of severe arthritis of the hand. It may be done on older adults who are not so active. Joint replacement may reduce pain and help increase joint function. During the surgery, a joint that has been destroyed by the disease is replaced with an artificial joint. The new joint may be made out of metal, plastic, or silicone rubber. Or it may be made from your own tissue, such as a tendon from another part of your body. Joint fusion. For this surgery, a joint is removed, and the two ends of bones are fused together. This makes one large bone without a joint. This is usually done on patients with advanced RA. After the bone fusion, the fused joint can’t move. ​ Source: John Hopkins Medicine ​ ​ Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis ​ Because RA damages joints over time, it causes some disability. It can cause pain and movement problems. You may be less able to do your normal daily activities and tasks. This can also lead to problems such as depression and anxiety. ​ RA can also affect many non-joint parts of the body, such as the lungs, heart, skin, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and kidneys. These complications can lead to severe illness and even death. ​ Source: John Hopkins Medicine ​ ​ Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis ​ There is no cure for RA. But it is important to help keep your joints working well by reducing pain and inflammation. Work on a treatment plan with your healthcare provider that includes medicine and physical therapy. Work on lifestyle changes that can improve your quality of life. Lifestyle changes include: ​ Activity and rest. To reduce stress on your joints, switch between activity and rest. This can help protect your joints and lessen your symptoms. Using assistive devices . Canes, crutches, and walkers can help to keep stress off certain joints and to improve balance. Using adaptive equipment. Reachers and grabbers let you extend your reach and reduce straining. Dressing aids help you get dressed more easily. Managing the use of medicines. Medicines for this condition have some risks. Work with your healthcare provider to create a plan to reduce this risk. Seeking support. Find a support group that can help you deal with the effects of RA. ​ Source: John Hopkins Medicine Cooking Blog ​ Key Points about Rheumatoid Arthritis ​ RA is a long-term (chronic disease) that causes joint inflammation. RA can also affect many nonjoint areas such as the lungs, heart, skin, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and kidneys. RA may cause deformities in the joints of the finger, making movement difficult. The joints most often affected by RA are in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, and elbows. Symptoms may include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling; decreased and painful movement; bumps over small joints; and fatigue or fever. ​ Source: John Hopkins Medicine ​ Can Gluten Make RA symptoms worse? ​ RA is a chronic condition in which the immune system wrongly attacks tissues and synovial fluid in the joints. This causes pain and inflammation in the joints, which can lead to damage and deformity over time. ​ The link between diet and RA is not completely clear. Removing certain foods from the diet can help some people manage their RA symptoms. ​ However, scientists need to conduct more formal, high-quality research before healthcare professionals can definitively link any specific foods with RA symptoms. Also, different foods affect people in different ways. ​ Some people find that eating gluten makes their RA symptoms flare up, and that eliminating gluten from the diet helps relieve their symptoms. These people may have an intolerance to gluten. ​ Celiac disease refers to a severe intolerance to gluten. It is an autoimmune condition that affects around 1 in 100 people around the world, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. ​ Celiac disease and RA are both autoimmune conditions that can cause inflammation in the body. ​ In people with celiac disease, eating foods that contain gluten can cause sluggishness, bloating, and digestive problems. It can also cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in many areas of the body, including the joints. ​ This occurs because the immune system treats gluten as a foreign invader, so it mistakenly attacks the tissue in the intestine. Some of the inflammatory proteins related to this process can enter the bloodstream and cause joint changes that may feel similar to the symptoms of arthritis . ​ In general, diet tips for people with RA include eating a wide variety of healthful whole foods and cutting out those that could cause inflammation, such as processed and sugary foods. ​ Source: MedicalNewsToday ​ HOME Recipes All About Gluten Autoimmune Disorders Support Groups Cheesecakes About Joe Contact Joe Fibromyalgia

Cosmetics, Medications & Toys ​ Believe or not, gluten can be found in and assortment of common products we use, ingest and come in contact with every day: from cosmetics to medications to children's toys. Here are a few things that contain gluten and it is important to be aware of: ​ Lipstick, lipgloss, lip balm, or other cosmetic used near the mouth because they may be unintentionally ingested Oral care and dental products (Learn about Oral Health ) Communion wafers Herbal or nutritional supplements Drugs and over-the-counter medications (Learn about Gluten in Medication ) Vitamins and supplements (Learn about Vitamins and Supplements ) Play-dough: children may touch their mouths or eat after handling wheat-based play-dough. For a safer alternative, make homemade play-dough with gluten-free flour. ​ Sources: Celiac Disease Foundation Cooking blog HOME Recipes All About Gluten Autoimmune Disorders Support Groups Cheesecakes About Joe Contact Joe Cross-Contact/Cross-Contamination

The information contained in this section has been procured from the Celiac Disease Foundation. It is all for educational purposes and not intended to be taken as medical advice . Treatment ​ Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. People living gluten-free must avoid foods with wheat, rye and barley, such as bread and beer. ​ Ingesting small amounts of gluten, like crumbs from a cutting board or toaster, can trigger small intestine damage. Read about the Gluten-Free Diet. ​ Celiac disease is also known as coeliac disease, celiac sprue, non-tropical sprue, and gluten sensitive enteropathy. ​ Sources: Celiac Disease Foundation Cooking blog HOME Recipes All About Gluten Autoimmune Disorders What to Expect when Going Gluten Free Support Groups Cheesecakes About Joe Contact Joe

Social Groups ​ Social Media is a great place to find groups where others with Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance interact, exchange ideas, advice, recipes, and offer moral and emotional support! ​ I have listed those groups I am part of. If you would like to add a group you are part of or are and administrator for a group dedicated to the cause, and wish to add the group to the list, just drop me a line with the information and I'll be more than happy to add it to the list. ​ Joe S. Cooking blog HOME Recipes All About Gluten Autoimmune Disorders Cheesecakes Gluten Free Recipes USA NWA Gluten Free Gluten Free Recipes & Support Gluten Free Arkansas Gluten Free Community Group Gluten & Dairy Free Lifestyle Gluten Free Texarkana Gluten Free Cooking About Joe Contact Joe Only Gluten Free Recipes