The only way to treat celiac disease is to avoid consuming gluten. This is no easy task, as a lot of foods contain it. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye and some types of oats. It can also be found in some everyday products such medicines, vitamins, and the adhesive used on stamps and envelopes. Additionally, some foods that are not supposed to contain gluten such as corn and rice products may actually contain small amounts because they are processed by the same machinery as gluten-containing foods.

Foods to be avoided include most grains, pasta, cereals, and processed foods. Some substitutes you can include in a gluten-free diet include potatoes, rice, soy, amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, corn, flax, and bean flour.

Being diagnosed with celiac disease does not mean that you can no longer eat foods like cookies, breakfast cereal, pizza, and pasta. Instead, you can find ways to make these foods using substitute ingredients that do not contain gluten. Most foods have a gluten-free equivalent. The Internet has many excellent resources with recipes for how to make gluten-free versions of several foods and websites like those of the Celiac Foundation and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness also have tips for avoiding gluten when dining out.

Caution: the Internet is rife with inaccurate information about celiac disease and its treatment. Make sure any information you get about the disease and ways to manage it comes from trusted sources, or better yet, from your doctor or dietitian.