Celiac Disease (CD) is one of the most common and under–diagnosed, hereditary autoimmune condition in the U.S. today. Recent studies reveal that 1 in every 100 people suffer from CD. And 97% of them are undiagnosed. The average time to diagnosis is currently 9 years. In the case of CD (also known as gluten intolerance), the body damages or destroys the very mechanism that enables us to digest food. The primary target of injury is the small intestine. Triggered by gluten, the main protein found in wheat, rye and barley, the disease damages the small intestine so that it is unable to properaly absorb nutrients.This is the first authoritative guide to CD co–authored by an internationally renowned specialist on the disease. Dr. Peter Green and writer Rory Jones help readers to identify the symptoms, understand their diagnosis and cope with the challenges of living with CD. Incredibly comprehensive, yet accessible and user friendly, this book covers the disease from a medical, dietary and psychological standpoint. It explores all aspects of CD from the often "silent" symptoms and proper diagnostic procedures to the many related conditions and specific diet. The book also includes appendices on related articles and books of interest, medical contact information and a list national CD support groups.