Gluten Freedom-A Review & Giveaway

In the 7 years I’ve begluten freedomen writing monthly gluten-free newsletters, I’ve never dedicated a whole newsletter to a review. This is the exception, of course, because I am absolutely delighted to have a chance to review AND do a giveaway of Gluten Freedom, Dr. Fasano’s new book, which will be released on May 1st, 2014. As I’m sure most of you know, Dr. Fasano is one of the leading experts in Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity worldwide, and most people consider him THE leading expert. I have utmost respect for Dr. Fasano and the Center for Celiac Research and the amazing work they’ve done over the years. I’ve also had the pleasure to meet Dr. Fasano, and I’m amazed that he’s such a down-to-earth, funny guy. He’s got that rare blend of brilliance with the ability to connect with people on a human level.

So yes, I’m definitely a fan.

Turner Publishing was kind enough to provide me a review copy, which I’ve read cover to cover. This is a must-read for any with Celiac and/or gluten sensitivity, and anyone who  if fascinated by these conditions.

The first several chapters lay out the history of Celiac research in the U.S. and gluten sensitivity. He then dives into hot topics, like autoimmunity and leaky gut, the gluten-brain connection, Celiac pregnancy, g-free in college, gluten-free as we age, and much, much more. He touches on key questions, like autism and schizophrenia. He even covers new therapies and treatments coming down the pike, apps, resources and more. Should everyone be gluten-free? Do you need to avoid all products containing “made in a factory that processes wheat?” Dr. Fasano answers those directly, too.

My favorite parts?

  • There are lots of great case studies. Dr. Fasano tells a story of a patient who has Hashimoto’s, and she was quite underweight. Her thyroid antibody numbers were elevated, and her docs said nothing could be done and medication was inevitable. Since the girl didn’t have Celiac, the docs dismissed any possible gluten-thyroid link, but her father was intent on giving it a go regardless. And, as you might guess, the girl had a profound response to a gluten-free diet, and improved appetite and growth, and her antibodies dropped, too. (Of course, this isn’t presented as a guarantee, but since it does happen for some, I’m really glad to see stories like these highlighted.)
  • There’s a great story of a boy who presented with symptoms like autism. He actually had Celiac disease, and his symptoms resolved on the gluten-free diet.
  • There’s also a fascinating discussion on the possible role of tTG 6 in the gluten/ schizophrenia link in neuro inflammation
  • According to new data, ~10-20% of people with Celiac will have negative blood test results. That’s a higher number than I’ve seen in the past.
  • The latest and greatest future treatments and prevention of Celiac
  • …and much more.

I think anyone with Celiac or NCGS will love this book, and health care professionals, too. It does touch on gluten-free basics, label reading and there’s even a chapter on setting up a gluten-free kitchen with Jules Sheperd, but it’s probably not the best fit for someone just diagnosed 5 minutes ago mainly looking for coping strategies and baking tips.

Oh, and the best part? 100% of the proceeds from the sale of Gluten Freedom go to the Center for Celiac Research. It’s on sale through Amazon now, and will be released at the end of April.

And so…you know you need this book. I asked Turner Publishing if I could do a giveaway, and they agreed. Here’s what you need to do to enter:

  1. Why are you most excited about this book? Leave me a comment below
  2. Follow Center for Celiac Research on Twitter, and leave me a comment below to let me know you did.
  3. “Like” Center for Celiac Research on Facebook and leave me a comment below to let me know you did.
  4. Follow me on Twitter, @CherylHarrisRD and leave me a comment below to let me know you did.
  5. Follow Turner Publishing on Twitter and leave me a comment below to let me know you did.
  6. Post about this giveaway on Facebook and leave me a comment below to let me know you did.
  7. Post about this giveaway on Twitter and leave me a comment below to let me know you did.

That’s a total of 7 separate possible entries. Please leave a separate comment for each entry so that I can easily keep track!

This giveaway will be open until Saturday, April 19th 9pm EST, 2014.

UPDATE: the interview is closed, and Alyssa won “Gluten Freedom”. Congrats!

Many thanks to Turner Publishing for allowing me to do this giveaway, and providing me an advanced copy of Gluten Freedom.

Disclaimer: I did receive a free copy of this book, and that did not influence my views in this review. I was not compensated for this review.

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