I will often talk about celiac disease, but anyone struggling with gluten is welcome. Celiac Town recognizes the seriousness of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) and other gluten intolerances.
Who is The Town
The town is made up of anyone and anything that’s part of your network of support. Some members of my town are my family, friends, loved ones, doctors, online websites, online celiacs, and even the online sites I use to check whether my foods are safe to eat.
I have also set up a series of different stores that I consider part of my network. It has taken a long time to learn where specific products are stocked so I may need to go to multiple stores depending on what product I’m looking for.
Another important part of my town are online retailers because many gluten free brands come and go from stores. Sometimes I’m just not in the mood to figure out which store is stocking my product this month and I’d rather have it delivered to my doorstep.
Many of my acquaintances are members of my town. I see them occasionally at holiday parties, pot lucks, etc. and they know about my celiac disease. I don’t bring it up in conversation, but people notice that I don’t eat at events like I used to. I consider them members of my town because they have always been supportive and kind.
They show an interest in my health and we catch up each time I see them. They are supportive and I try to teach them about celiac disease, gluten and anything else they ask me about.
Celiac Town
Members of my town are constantly contributing to this site. They are helping with ideas, posts, information, and opinions. We decided on the name Celiac Town together and they are contributing opinions on the recommended foods because they have been eating a lot of the gluten free foods.
→ My hope is that Celiac Town can become part of your town. Use it for support and as a resource.
At the moment Celiac Town is still being created and new pages are going up as often as we can put them together.
Your Town
Your town might include different people than mine. You might have nannies, school nurses, teachers, or a dietician. The important thing is that you fill your town with people who are supportive in some way. You want a group of loved ones that will help you find your place living a gluten free life.
Maybe you have a friend that doesn’t care to learn about your gluten issues, but is spontaneous and willing to travel to gluten free expos with you. That’s a great addition to your town. Not everybody needs to be a celiac expert. Sometime you just need a friend to gripe at, even if it’s an online friend.
Why Do You Need A Town
Celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities are disorders that come with social limitations. These can leave you feeling isolated, alone and lonely. Celiac patients have reported a decrease in their quality of life because the restricted diet limits social interactions.
Celiac disease places the burden of treatment on the patient, which directly and indirectly affects their family and loved ones.
The good news is that having adequate support can increase your likelihood of success with the gluten free diet. This is extremely important since it’s the only treatment currently available for celiac disease. Community support and participating in a celiac disease support group are linked to higher dietary adherence and an increased overall quality of life.
Having a good support system, which you can build yourself, can have a positive effect on the management of gluten related disorders.
Build your town and fill it with people!