Based on the amount of gluten in typical US diet, our bodies have a really high tolerance for gluten. While it  makes us sick, from inflammation, poor digestion/limited absorption of basic nutrients, & specific vitamin  & mineral deficiencies, it doesn’t kill quickly.  By this time celiac is dx-ed, our immune system are usually over worked & under fed.    Once dx -ed & on GFD, gut starts to heal & immune system function improves both in its ability to find gluten & to response to it. Basically, immune system is on high alert & fully armed so traces of gluten  can set off reactions that are as bad or worse than  those pre-dx.       You’ve reached that point so it’s time to go through products you’re...

Finding a doctor who truly understands celiac disease can be challenging—many still rely on outdated info or dismiss lingering symptoms. Here's what's worked for me and others in the celiac community: 1. Start with a Gastroenterologist (GI) Specializing in Celiac Look for GIs affiliated with celiac research centers (e.g., Columbia University, Mayo Clinic, University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center). Ask if they follow updated guidelines (e.g., repeat endoscopy/biopsy when needed, monitor for refractory celiac, nutrient deficiencies). 2. Leverage Celiac Organizations Celiac Disease Foundation Beyond Celiac Coeliac UK (UK): Healthcare Professional Network 3. Ask...

A year later, I can say (1) I've sailed around in the BVIs now twice since my original posting on this subject and found several restaurants that were safe for me.  I was happy to see most of the larger restaurants had at least someone who could answer questions if no mention was made in the menus.  And (2) I was sad to see that none of the bars or restaurants in Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, were safe for folks with celiac disease, especially since I used to live there quite a while back but had not yet been diagnosed. For the record, Road Town in Tortola had two places I could eat relatively safely in public: The Village Inn Marina restaurant, because the kitchen is outside and I could speak...