Celiac Disease Books for Adults
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Previously I wrote a blog post about Children’s books about Celiac Disease. However, we need trustworthy books for us older people, too. This is especially true as our knowledge of this disease grows. You’ll find a great list of Celiac Disease Books for Adults in this post.
Where To Find Books About Celiac Disease
Before buying any of the the books I recommend, I highly checking with your local library first. The gluten free diet is so expensive, so save yourself some money by borrowing these Celiac Disease Books for Adults from your local library. Please. Support your local library.
If you decide you like it enough to buy it, I recommend Bookshop.org, as they give money to the local independent bookstore of your choosing. I’ve also included links for ordering from Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Please note I am an Amazon affiliate and earn a small commission on books you purchase through those links.
Who are Trustworthy Voices about Celiac Disease?
Gastroenterologists
- While Celiac Disease can impact any part of the body, gastroenterologists remain the experts on Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease that impacts the digestive tract, and gastroenterologists specialize in digestive diseases. These are the first people I would trust to write a Celiac Disease book for Adults.
- How does one become a gastroenterologist? They must complete a bachelor’s degree, take the MCAT’s, attend medical school, complete their medical residency, complete a gastroenterology fellowship program, and obtain a medical license. The whole process takes approximately 14 years to complete.
Registered Dietitians (RDs)
- Dietitians study how diet impacts our health, and help people manage chronic disease. For those with Celiac Disease, maintaining a strict gluten free diet is key to improving our health. I’ve included a few Celiac Disease Books for Adults written by dietitians who are not only aware of the disease, but live with it themselves.
- How does one become a registered dietitian? They complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition science, complete a supervised internship, pass the “Commission on Dietetic Registration, and obtain a state license. The whole process takes approximately 6 years
- A note about “nutritionists.” There can be a huge difference between an RD and a nutritionist. It’s quite possible that a nutritionist has NO medical training at all. Cleveland Clinic has an excellent article that explains the difference between the two.
Online Celiac Disease Advocates
- There are many people with Celiac Disease whom I would call advocates. These are people who not only share online content, but also go to conferences, and take steps to continually learn more about Celiac Disease. Make sure who you’re following is actually educated on this disease, and not just in it for the “clicks.”
Keep Publishing Dates in Mind
- I’ve listed these Celiac Disease Books for Adults from the most recently published to the oldest publication. (There are a few exceptions that I explain later.) Keep in mind that what we know about Celiac Disease is constantly evolving. Try to read research and information that is the most recent.
Celiac Disease Books by Gastroenterologists
Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic [Fourth Edition] ©2020
Dr. Peter Green M.D. and Rory Jones M.S. released the fourth edition of this book in 2020. Originally published in 2006, it contains a wealth of important information. Whether you are newly diagnosed or an “old pro,” this book shares insightful content about diseases associated with Celiac Disease, reading labels, and so much more.
This duo also wrote a similarly named book called “Gluten Exposure: The Science Behind the Hype and How to Navigate to a Healthy Symptom Free Life” in 2016. I have not read this book yet, but I feel that it likely covers some of the same material.
Order on Bookshop | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | 300+ pages
Mayo Clinic: Going Gluten Free ©2014
This Celiac Disease book is written by Dr. Joseph Murray, one of the head gastroenterologists from Mayo Clinic. I fully admit I am enamored by his love of bow ties and his Irish brogue. He is highly knowledgeable and published in many research journals.
This book explains what gluten is, how to get tested, managing your Celiac Disease, and so much more. It discusses other gluten related disease, such as Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Written in 2014, I feel it’s still a good book if you just need to know the basics.
Order on Bookshop | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | 270+ pages
Gluten Freedom © 2013
Dr Alessio Fasano truly brought Celiac Disease to the forefront in the United States. The statistic we often cite, that Celiac Disease impacts in 1 in 133 people, resulted from research he performed in 1996. While some of the language is technical, it’s still accessible. This book also includes a handful of recipes.
While this book is over a decade old, I believe it to still be worthwhile. In addition, I wrote a stand alone review of this book on my website. Dr Fasano recently wrote a new book called “Gut Feelings: The Microbiome and Our Health.” I have yet to read it.
Bookshop | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | 360+ pages
Gut: An Owner’s Guide © 2024 ?
While this book is NOT about Celiac Disease, it does better explain our digestive system. Written by gastroenterologist Austin Chiang, “This myth-busting book focuses on all aspects of gut health so you can steer clear of Dr Google and discover what will make your gut happier and healthier.”
This book is part of the “Body Literacy Library” series. Other topics in this series include Brain, Heart and Breasts. Each book is written by a medical professional in the related field.
Bookshop | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | 208 pages
Celiac Disease Books for Adults by Dietitians
Gluten Free: The Definitive Resource Guide [Updated Edition] ©2023
This is one of the best books about Celiac Disease that I’ve read in a long time. Shelley Case, a registered dietitian in Canada, wrote this book. It thoroughly explains Celiac Disease, what you can and can’t eat, and offers recipes as well. She doesn’t just write about Celiac Disease, she also lives with Celiac Disease.
I wrote a separate review about her book on my website a few years ago. If you order or check out this book, please make sure you are reading the most up to date version, published in 2023.
Bookshop | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | 270 pages
Real Life With Celiac Disease: Troubleshooting and Thriving Gluten Free © 2010
Written by Melinda Dennis RD, this book goes over the basics about Celiac Disease and the gluten free diet. Like us, Melinda also lives with Celiac Disease. Melinda is an Executive Committee Member of the Celiac Research Program at Harvard Medical School. and as Senior Nutritionist Consultant to the National Celiac Association.
The publisher no longer prints new copies, so all books must be ordered second hand. Check your local library to see if it is available on their shelves. The Michigan Electronic Library shows it available at 8 libraries in Michigan.
Bookshop | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | 369 pages
Mind Your Gut: The Science-based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS ©2024
While this book is not specifically about Celiac Disease, I still found it to be a fascinating read. Written by Kate Scarlata RD and Dr. Megan Riehl, gastropsychologist at the University of Michigan, it shares insightful information on how our digestive system responds to stress.
It includes many “myth busting” highlights, and frequently mentions the importance of Celiac Disease before diagnosing oneself with IBS. It’s also important to remember that one can have Celiac Disease AND IBS.
Bookshop | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | 384 pages
Finding a Local Dietitian Who Understands Celiac Disease
If you’re looking for a local registered dietitian to consult with, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers a searchable database. Once you put in your zip code, you can select the “Gluten Intolerance-Digestive Health-GI disorders” specialty.
When seeking out a dietitian, ask if they have taken the Celiac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders Certificate of Training thru the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Soon, there will be a separate certification for registered dietitians who treat GI disorders.
Celiac Books for Adults by Advocates/ Lay People
The Complete Guide to Living Well Gluten Free © 2014
I love this book written by Beth Hillson. After her son received a Celiac Disease diagnosis, she learned how to cook and bake all over again. In fact at one point, she created mixes for Glutino.
She covers all sorts of topics, even kissing when someone has eaten gluten. The book includes many recipes. I wrote a detailed book review on my site a few years ago. Beth also wrote a cookbook called Gluten Free Makeovers in 2011.
Bookshop | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | 368 pages
Celiac and the Beast © 2013
Erica Dermer is one of the OG Celiac Disease advocates. Her prior roles include gluten free magazine editor, author, blogger, social media manager for a gluten free non-profit, and the list goes on. She attends Digestive Diseases Week, and voraciously learns about new Celiac Disease information as much as she can. She also hosts a gluten free podcast.
This is not your typical “educational” book. This is a sassy book that will inform you and also make you chuckle. I vividly remember LITERALLY laughing out loud while reading it on my flight home from Denver. At 188 pages, it’s a quick and cathartic read.
Bookshop | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | 188 pages
The First Year: Celiac Disease and Living Gluten-Free © 2008
Like Erica, Jules Shepard, author of this book, has been a central figure in the Celiac Disease and gluten free community. She is the owner of GF Jules flour blends, writer of the accompanying website, and long time advocate. She even once built a 11 ft tall cake to urge Congress to pass the Gluten Free Labeling Law, which finally became law in 2014.
I admit I have not yet read this book. However, I do know Jules very well, and I know she would not give you bad information. Fun fact – before being a gluten free baking guru, Jules spent her days as a “prosecuting attorney and focused exclusively on domestic violence cases.” She joins Erica Dermer on their You Had Me At Eat Podcast.
Bookshop | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | 304 pages
Fictional Celiac Disease Books for Adults
I will 100% confess I have not yet read any of these books. However, we often talk about the importance of “representation.” I believe that includes people with Celiac Disease. So often people make fun of our diagnosis. Maybe if they were included in every day literature, we wouldn’t seem like such outcasts. Let me know if you’ve read any!
- Baker’s Treat Mysteries by Nancy Parra
- Against the Grain by Melanie Harding-Shaw
- Sonoma Rose by Jennifer Chiaverini (kids have mysterious “wasting disease”)
- Gluten Free Murder by PD Workman
Gluten Free Cookbooks
I wrote a completely separate blog post, full of gluten free cookbook recommendations. I’ve broken it down into separate categories, such as baking, entrees, paleo, top 8 allergen free, and even cookbooks focused on helping children cook gluten free. I hope you’ll find some great suggestions that will make living with Celiac Disease easier.