Celiac
Disease

Welcome, Celiacs! We know the challenges you face every day, the constant vigilance, the risks of cross-contamination, and the struggle to find safe options in a world that doesn’t always understand your needs.

You can read all about Sunni’s diagnosis back in 1999 and the ruined anniversary trip here. Sunni’s Story

At The Free, we’re here to help. From sharing safe recipes, providing dining tips, and offering resources to navigate life with Celiac Disease, we’ve got your back. You’re not alone in this journey, and together, we can make living “free” a little easier.

For Those Hoping to Learn About Celiac Disease

A big welcome to you! If you’re here to learn about Celiac Disease, we’re so glad you’re taking the time to educate yourself. Let’s start with the basics: Celiac Disease isn’t a diet, a choice, or a fad. It’s a serious autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—causes the body to attack itself.

For people with Celiac Disease, gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, specifically the villi, which are tiny, finger-like projections that absorb nutrients. Over time, this damage prevents the body from getting the nutrients it needs to function properly.

Celiac isn’t something you can “outgrow” or “cheat” on.

It’s a lifelong condition that requires strict adherence to a gluten-free lifestyle.

Gluten Free Icon for the free with various GF grains.

Why It’s So Serious

Celiac Disease is much more than stomachaches or feeling unwell after eating gluten. It’s much more serious than that. Left untreated or unmanaged, gluten exposure can lead to severe and long-lasting health problems, including:

  • Malnutrition: Since the small intestine is unable to absorb nutrients properly, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals (like iron, calcium, and vitamin D) are common. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and developmental issues in children.
  • Bone Health Issues: Untreated Celiac Disease can result in osteoporosis or osteopenia due to poor calcium absorption.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Gluten exposure can cause brain fog, migraines, and even neuropathy (tingling and numbness in the hands and feet).
  • Infertility and Miscarriage: Reproductive issues are a lesser-known but very real complication of untreated Celiac Disease.
  • Other Autoimmune Disorders: People with Celiac Disease are at higher risk for developing other autoimmune conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes, thyroid disorders, and lupus.
  • Cancer Risk: Worst-case scenario, untreated Celiac Disease significantly increases the risk of certain cancers, such as intestinal lymphoma and small bowel cancer.

Celiac Disease is Not a Choice

Let’s be clear—Celiac Disease isn’t a preference, and it’s not something that can be ignored. Even a tiny crumb of gluten can cause serious harm to someone with Celiac. That’s why awareness, education, and support are so important .

Here at The Free, we’re committed to being your trusted guide, whether you’re living with Celiac Disease or learning how to support someone who is. Explore our resources to learn more, and let us know how we can help you or your loved ones live a safe and vibrant “free” life.

For those looking to adopt a gluten-free lifestyle for less serious reasons, never fear, we have resources for you as well.

Click on the categories below to access the resources specifically tailored for Celiacs and Gluten-free living. 

 

Articles

As a mom and daughter-in-law team, we’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of living with Celiac disease and dairy allergies—from navigating restaurant menus to trying to find safe, family-friendly products on grocery shelves. Out of those experiences came our passion to educate, connect, and empower others who live the same reality every day.

If you’re reading this, I’m so happy you are here. I’m Hannah, Sunni’s daughter (in law). Back in 2013, I was diagnosed with Celiac disease. Let me give you a little backstory on how this came about. For as long as I can remember, my stomach has always hurt. It didn’t matter what I ate, […]

9 Red Flags When Dining Out for Safe Gluten-Free Dining It was corn, in taco salad. That’s what made it dangerous. We were at a family gathering, plates full, everyone catching up between bites. The fresh taco salad that usually sat on that table was one of my safe foods (plain, familiar, something I never […]

Guides

Navigate your gluten-free and allergy-friendly journey with confidence through our easy-to-follow Guides! Whether you’re learning how to read food labels, dining out safely, or setting up an allergy-conscious kitchen, our step-by-step resources are here to help. Packed with expert advice, checklists, and practical tips, these guides make managing food sensitivities simple and stress-free. Click the image to explore and take the next step toward living your healthiest, happiest “free” life!

The Gluten-Free Label Check printable guide from The Free, shown as a stacked multi-page resource with a pantry background, gluten-free food package, magnifying glass, and phone-friendly shopping checklist.

The Gluten-Free Label Check

Cover image of the Be Free Guide for the Restaurant Checker.

Welcome to Your Be Free Restaurant Checklist

Featured image for the Menu Starter Be Free Guide.

Gluten-Free Dairy Free Menu Starter

Recommendations

As a mom navigating both gluten-free and dairy-free living, I know firsthand how tricky it can be to pack a school lunch your kids will actually eat. Some mornings feel like a game of “what won’t upset their tummy today?” — but it doesn’t have to be that way! With a little prep, smart swaps, and some creativity, healthy gluten-free and dairy-free lunches can be quick, tasty, and totally school-approved.
If you’re anything like us, you love a good night out — the kind where you don’t have to do the dishes and can just relax with great food and even better company. But when you live with Celiac Disease, gluten intolerance, or a dairy allergy, eating out can be downright anxiety-producing. We’ve been there (more times than we can count), and that’s exactly why this section of The Free exists.

Recipes

These rich, fudgy cookies come with a story straight from The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. During an anniversary getaway, I was greeted with a plate of these decadent chocolate cookies — crisp on the edges, soft inside, and perfectly sweet. I loved them so much that I asked for the recipe, and the kind staff happily shared it. Now, I’m passing it along to you!
Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, these Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Amaretti Cookies are everything you want in a classic almond cookie — light, chewy, and filled with that irresistible almond flavor.

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Your Be Free Guide Awaits

Your Free Guide to Living Gluten-Free with Confidence

Enter your  email to download your free guide and take your first confident step toward a gluten-free life.

Your Be Free Guide Awaits

Your Free Guide to Living "Free" with Confidence

Enter your  email to download your free guide and take your first confident step toward a gluten-free life.