Newly Diagnosed with Celiac Disease? Start Here

Congratulations on taking the first step toward managing your celiac disease! Getting diagnosed can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate your gluten-free journey with confidence.

1. Understanding Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye - triggers your immune system to attack your small intestine. This can cause damage to the intestinal lining and prevent proper nutrient absorption.

The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. Even small amounts of gluten can cause symptoms and intestinal damage. The good news? With proper management, most people with celiac disease can live healthy, symptom-free lives.

2. What is Gluten, Exactly?

Gluten is a protein composite found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. It can also hide in processed foods through cross-contamination or as additives. That’s why careful label reading and our gluten scanner app are essential tools for celiac management.

For a comprehensive list of all ingredients that contain gluten, including hidden sources and less obvious names, check out our complete gluten blacklist. This searchable database includes everything from obvious sources like wheat and barley to hidden ingredients like malt extract, brewer's yeast etc.

3. Understanding Gluten-Free Exceptions

One of the most confusing aspects of reading labels is that some ingredients sound like they contain gluten, but are actually gluten-free. These are exceptions.

For example:

• "Flour" typically means wheat flour (contains gluten), but "buckwheat flour", "rice flour", and "corn flour" are all gluten-free exceptions
• "Ale" usually contains gluten (it's a type of beer), but "ginger ale" is a gluten-free exception
• "Malt" contains gluten, but "maltodextrin" (when derived from corn or rice) is typically gluten-free

Our gluten blacklist shows you all the gluten-containing ingredients along with their gluten-free exceptions, so you can confidently identify safe foods even when ingredient names seem suspicious.

4. Reading Food Labels Like a Pro

Food labels can be tricky, but here's what to look for:

Check the Ingredients List

Always scan the full ingredients list for hidden gluten. Use our gluten blacklist to verify any ingredients you're unsure about. Remember to check for exceptions - an ingredient might sound unsafe but could be a gluten-free variation.

Watch for Warning Statements

Be alert for these phrases that indicate gluten:

• "Contains wheat"
• "May contain wheat" (or barley, rye)
• "Processed in a facility that also processes wheat"

Trust But Verify Claims

"Gluten-free" claims are regulated, but they're not foolproof. Always check the ingredients list too. Our app can help verify that gluten-free claims match the actual ingredients, and our blacklist helps you understand which ingredients are safe even when they sound suspicious.

5. Foods You Can Eat

The good news? You can eat everything unless it contains something on our gluten blacklist. That's it!

There's no need to memorize long lists of "safe" foods. Instead, focus on checking ingredients. If a food doesn't contain any ingredients from the blacklist (or contains only gluten-free exceptions), it's safe to eat. This applies to everything - fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, dairy, processed foods, and more.

Remember to check our gluten blacklist for any ingredient you're unsure about, and don't forget to look for exceptions - some ingredients that sound unsafe are actually gluten-free variations.

6. Hidden Gluten Sources to Avoid

Gluten can hide where you least expect it:

• Beer and alcoholic beverages (unless gluten-free)
• Sauces and gravies thickened with certain flours
• Soups made with wheat-based thickeners
• Processed meats with fillers
• Medications and supplements (check with your pharmacist)
• Playdough and crafts (wheat-based)

7. Cross-Contamination: The Silent Threat

Even gluten-free foods can become contaminated if they're prepared with the same utensils, surfaces, or in the same fryer oil as gluten-containing foods.

At Home

• Use separate cutting boards for gluten-free foods
• Have a separate toaster and dedicated butter or margarine for the celiac(s) in the house
• Clean surfaces thoroughly before preparing gluten-free meals
• Use separate utensils and cookware when possible
• Store gluten-free foods separately to avoid crumbs

Dining Out

• Inform your server about your celiac diagnosis
• Ask questions about preparation methods
• Avoid buffet-style restaurants where cross-contamination is likely
• Consider bringing your own gluten-free items when traveling

8. Managing Symptoms and Getting Support

Recovery takes time. Many people experience "gluten withdrawal" symptoms initially as their body heals. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Digestive issues
• Mood changes

Getting Support

• Join celiac support groups online or in-person
• Connect with a registered dietitian specializing in celiac disease
• Consider joining organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation
• Talk to your doctor about follow-up testing and nutrient deficiencies

9. How Our App Can Help

Managing celiac disease is easier with technology. Our gluten-free scanner app helps you:

• Scan food labels instantly - No more squinting at tiny ingredient lists
• Check against our comprehensive gluten blacklist - We stay updated with the latest gluten-containing ingredients and their gluten-free exceptions
• Detect cross-contamination warnings - Spot "may contain" statements you might miss
• Verify gluten-free claims - Double-check that labels match their promises
• Learn as you go - Understand why certain ingredients are flagged

10. Your Next Steps

Starting your gluten-free journey? Here's what to do next:

1. Download our app - Get instant help scanning food labels
2. Clean out your kitchen - Remove gluten-containing foods
3. Stock up on gluten-free staples - Build your pantry with safe foods
4. Educate your support system - Tell family and friends about your needs
5. Schedule follow-up appointments - Monitor your health and nutrient levels
6. Join the community - Connect with others who understand

11. Remember: Progress Takes Time

Adjusting to a gluten-free lifestyle takes patience and practice. You might make mistakes along the way - that's normal! The important thing is that you're taking control of your health.

Every celiac journey is different. What works for others might not work for you, and that's okay. Listen to your body, work with healthcare professionals, and use tools like our gluten scanner app to make informed decisions.

You've got this. Welcome to the gluten-free community!