Free Giveaway of Dr. Alessio Fasano's new book, Gluten Freedom

Dr. Alessio Fasano, arguably the world's leading researcher and expert on Celiac Disease, has written a new book, and I was sent an "advance" copy. It's called Gluten Freedom, and I haven't been able to put it down. Although I'm not finished with it yet, I wanted to tell you about it right away -- and give you a chance to win it for yourself in our special giveaway. 

Just about anyone who is affected by Celiac Disease knows the name Alessio Fasano. Our family was among the fortunate ones to know him, not as a researcher, but as a pediatric gastroenterologist. You see, our son was among his patients at the Center for Celiac Research in Baltimore, Maryland -- before the Center moved to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. We saw him every 18 months or so, so that our son could have labwork done and make sure no gluten was sneaking into his diet. Dr. Fasano and his staff were always so positive, and I'll never forget his comment on our very first visit to his office, shortly after our son was diagnosed 9 years ago. He said, "At some point in the not-too-distant future, Ryan will be able to eat anything he wants." 

Little did we realize that Dr. Fasano would be at the forefront of research to do just that...to find a treatment or cure for Celiac, all while documenting major research breakthroughs into Celiac and gluten sensitivity along the way. 

His new book covers the latest research (there's quite a bit of good news on that front...), diagnostic procedures, and treatment/diet recommendations, including Dr. Fasano's own recipes for a gluten free Italian meal. Dr. Fasano also covers how behavior-related diagnoses such as autism, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and even "foggy mind" are impacted by diet. There's even a discussion about groundbreaking research regarding prevention. You'll also find practical information on setting up a gluten free kitchen, the "Fasano Diet," reading labels, and the best resources available.

Pregnant? Parent of a Celiac child? Concerned about what will happen when your Celiac teen goes off to college? Have an elderly relative recently diagnosed? Advice on all these topics is covered in Gluten Freedom. And if gluten sensitivity is your concern, not Celiac per se, there's new research on diagnostic tools for gluten sensitivity. 

So whether you or a family member is new to requiring a gluten free diet -- or have been following one for decades -- there's groundbreaking information in this book that can help you and your family. I have found the stories about the first recorded case of Celiac , how the disease was overlooked, and awareness campaigns and higher diagnosis rates in other countries to be particularly fascinating. Best of all, all proceeds from sales of the book will go to the Center for Celiac Research to further their critical research. 

To be entered to win your advance copy of Gluten Freedom, simply submit a quick gluten free dining or travel review to our website, GlutenFreeTravelSite, by April 30, 2014 at 11:59 pm Eastern time. Each review submission received between now and April 30 will count as one entry into the random drawing to win the book. So if you submit 3 reviews, for example, you'll be entered three times. (We accept reviews of restaurants, hotels, resorts, cruises, bakeries, markets, and even colleges!)

We'll announce the winner on May 1, 2014, to kick off Celiac Awareness Month. (If you haven't already, be sure to enter your email address in the box at the top of the right-hand column of this blog so you get our other Blog posts sent to you via email. We'll be announcing other giveaways, including gift cards to gluten-free freindly restaurants, during the month of May.)

If you'd like to get your hands on a copy of Gluten Freedom immediately -- or if you want to order multiple copies for family or friends affected by Celiac or gluten sensitivity -- it's also now available on Amazon.com for a discount off the cover price. 

We'd love to hear what YOU think of the book!