Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. It is triggered by consumption of the protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. Left untreated, people with celiac disease can develop further complications such as other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, and cancer. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) was formed as a national 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization to raise awareness of celiac disease Awareness brings treatment that, in turn, brings improvement of the quality of life for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Our goal is to reduce the time to diagnosis and, in the process, reduce the devastating impact of undiagnosed celiac disease, including the contraction of others diseases such as cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and an “autoimmune cascade." Celiaccentral.org is the NFCA’s official webpage. Here you will find further information on Celiac Disease, tips on managing this disease through a gluten-free diet, food manufactures, retailers, and restaurant that provide gluten free products, gf recipes, links to other celiac communities and blogs, a monthly newsletter, and many more resources that can assist from diagnosis to daily life with this disease.View Thread