Gluten Toxicity: The Mysterious Symptoms of Celiac Disease, Dermatitis Herpetiformis, And Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance [Anglais] [Broché]

After reading this new book by celiac nurse specialist Shelly Stuart, RN, what shines through above all is her true understanding of the complex nature of gluten-related illnesses, and her heartfelt compassion for patients who suffer from them. Her book is extremely well researched and documented, and as a registered nurse and celiac, Ms. Stuart is able to use her strong patient teaching experience to clearly educate the reader about even very complicated health issues. She provides excellent explanations of leaky gut and the pathophysiology of celiac disease, and she is one of the first clinicians to write in-depth about non-celiac gluten intolerance. Always citing clinical evidence, she makes the important point that immune-mediated reactions can and do occur in non-celiac gluten intolerance, too. She accurately describes pancreatic insufficiency, which can accompany celiac disease, and makes the important point that this condition can persist even after diagnosis and transition to a gluten-free diet. Her discussion of the many, varied health disorders associated with celiac disease is very comprehensive. But one of the most compelling aspects to "Gluten Toxicity" is the many important questions asked regarding the future of clinical research. Ms. Stuart makes it crystal clear that we need to know much more about the physical and mental health manifestations of gluten-related illness. This can only come about by increasing awareness both within the medical and research communities, and throughout each of our own families. We must all become advocates for greater testing and more accurate diagnosis.

Shelly's personal story, woven throughout the book, adds interest and a personal appeal, but never attempts to substitute anecdote for the hard science she relies on. In fact, at first glance, the book seemed rather technical to me, and I thought it would be best-suited for clinicians. But after reading through to the end, I was impressed enough to change my mind. This is an excellent resource, offering really insightful and accurate explanations for anyone suffering from, or attempting to, treat gluten-related illness. Some of you may be familiar with Cleo Libonati, RN, and the book "Recognizing Celiac Disease", which was one of the first books to comprehensively make connections between a vast array of medical conditions and celiac disease, and to back them up with clinical research citations. Shelly Stuart's book goes quite a bit farther, to discuss the pathophysiology, symptoms, and diagnosis of a huge number of health conditions associated with celiac disease and also non-celiac gluten intolerance. Thank you, Shelly Stuart, for this much-needed, terrific, new resource for the gluten-free world.

Wendy Cohan, RN, Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance Educator
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Gluten Toxicity by Shelly Stuart is an incredible resource that I hope makes its way into a lot of hands, including a lot of doctors' hands.

I have been doing research on Gluten Intolerance for a long time, and I've run into a lot of references that keep me wondering and searching for more answers. Which is natural since the disease is just starting to be understood, but many of the books I've read are vague and don't inspire confidence.

Shelly doesn't have all the answers either, but she is very forthright about it. She not only covers the vast amount of information that is available, but points out where research is lacking, and demonstrates why a lot of the information you hear about gluten intolerance is incomplete. And she includes stress as a trigger, a factor that can't be overlooked when explaining why people without symptoms still need to be concerned, and why symptoms sometimes don't appear until later in life.

The research is well documented in an extensive bibliography, which assures me that I'm not just getting opinions. Shelly does present her opinions, too. But since she is in the medical field-a registered nurse for 21 years including 5 years in gastroenterology-and she has lived successfully for 6 years with Celiac Disease herself, I feel her opinions are well-informed and worth listening to.

The book has extensive chapters that cover in detail the many aspects of gluten intolerance. In addition to general information, sections include:

1) Medical explanations of what Celiac Disease is, current theories about non-Celiac gluten intolerance, and a call for more research.

2) Possible symptoms and indicators of gluten intolerance, diseases that have been shown to be related to it, and information on allergies.

3) The types of tests that may be used for diagnosis, along with the head's up that doctors have different approaches. If you want specific tests done, you may be able to request them.

4) Shelly also covers the basics of what foods can and can't be eaten, her own Celiac story, and tips for eating gluten free. She discusses various gluten free diets, and how recommendations vary from doctor to doctor, and from country to country.

5) The book concludes with an extensive list of resources, online and offline.

If you want a more thorough understanding of gluten intolerance, you won't be disappointed if you buy this book. I highly recommend it!

Gluten Toxicity is a terrific resource! Shelly has managed to very accurately address all of the current issues and misconceptions regarding celiac disease and gluten intolerance with well researched information. Shelly has much sought information on the paleolithic diet and why this should be considered. I look forward to referencing Gluten Toxicity with clients and offering Shelly's new book an excellent first resource.