Coming UnGlutened: A Memoir on Going Against the Grain, Living Gluten Free, & Regaining Good Health is the new book from my friend Delise Dickard that was just released. Coming UnGlutened is a personal story that you’ll want to read. It’s a story that will help many realize that they have gluten issues, whether those individuals have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Many of you know that I cherish such personal stories for that very reason. They allow readers to see themselves via the symptoms and experiences that they share with the authors of such stories. These personal stories give validation, which is a stark and welcome contrast to what many of us have experienced prior to diagnosis.
Too many of us have had our symptoms questioned and doubted for years by our healthcare professionals. When medical testing was actually performed, it was often not the right testing, was done incorrectly, and/or it yielded no answers—or the wrong answers—on the cause of our health problems.
Coming UnGlutened from Delise Dickard is a wonderful memoir that has pretty much everything that all of us with celiac or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) have in our own personal stories—pain, humor (it’s easier to laugh than cry most of the time!), frustration, “light bulb” moments, healing, and so much more that we can all relate to.
Delise is actually Dr. Delise Dickard. She is a psychotherapist, in private practice as the founder and director of Riverside Counseling and Wellness. In addition to her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology, she has earned a Master’s Degree from Harvard University in dramatic arts and is an award-winning playwright. She has also been a mental health columnist for our local newspaper.
Delise’s story is definitely worth a read and I’m happy to tell you that not only is it an informative read, it’s also a quick read. That’s because it’s beautifully written and so compelling. You really won’t want to put this book down.
Her story is 5 years in the writing, but most of her lifetime in the making. If you already live gluten free for health reasons or have struggled for years with health issues, you will most likely know what I mean by that.
In her personal journey, Delise was able to interview and meet with medical experts like Dr. Alessio Fasano to better understand celiac and NCGS and the information she shares from those meetings is a huge bonus to the reader as well.
Two more things that I really loved about Coming UnGlutened are the photos shared throughout and the short prefaces included before each chapter. They all allow the reader a better glimpse into Delise’s life and a more complete understanding of her journey. Going gluten free is about so much more than simply changing one’s diet and Delise captures that beautifully.
Even Delise’s Pup Can’t Put Coming UnGlutened Down!
By the way, you might think that because Delise is a therapist she didn’t go through any of the emotional changes that going gluten free can bring. Nope, she’s human and went through the emotional phases of going gluten free just like most of the rest of us do. Her blatant honesty about her feelings throughout her journey makes her story even more relatable, more compelling to the reader.
This book is a terrific addition to the resources available to those who are going gluten free or those wondering if gluten is actually an issue for them. As the majority of those with celiac disease and many with non-celiac gluten sensitivity still do not know that gluten is a health issue for them, personal stories like Delise’s are powerful tools in inspiring individuals to actually get a diagnosis, or at least get folks with similar symptoms and health issues on a path of gluten-free living when no diagnosis is forthcoming.
The title of Delise’s memoir also gives away its ending, so I probably don’t have to tell you that hers is a happy ending. This photo of her today drives home the point with its photos of Delise active and smiling and the caption: “Unglutened, healthy, and peace at last!”
One final note: In this first edition of Delise’s book, she talks about drinking “gluten-free” Daura (Estrella Damm Daura) beer. When Daura beer, which comes from Spain, first came out, many–even gluten-free experts and resource organizations–thought that it was safe for the gluten-free community. However, Daura is one of the many gluten-reduced (also erroneously referenced as “gluten-removed”) beers versus an actual gluten-free beer.
Daura is made using gluten-containing grains and the processing that is used to “reduce”/”remove” the gluten only makes the final product impossible to test accurately for gluten content because the gluten proteins are broken down into such small fragments. Current gluten testing cannot accurately determine the exact level of gluten if the protein has been hydrolyzed and fragmented. So if you are gluten free for medical reasons, please only consume truly gluten-free beer, which is beer made from only gluten-free grains.
FYI: A more well-known gluten-reduced/”removed” beer—also unsafe for anyone who lives gluten free out of medical necessity—is Omission and there are many more beers that fall into this category as well. Steer clear of them all.
Giveaway of Coming UnGlutened: A Memoir on Going Against the Grain, Living Gluten Free, & Regaining Good Health
UPDATE: This giveaway of Coming UnGlutened is now closed. You can still order Delise’s book on Amazon here.
Originally published May 10, 2016; updated January 22, 2022.
Sandi says
My daughter and I both have celiac and she’s had a rough journey since her diagnosis a year ago. I’d love to be able to share this book with her.
Delise Dickard says
One of my daughter’s needs to be gluten free and I write a little about her journey too. It was difficult at first — especially at college (3 years ago) — back then the baker got to know her and used to bake special cookies for her but by now, I think they have things labeled and a special section. She seems to manage it fine after she got over the first couple of years.
Faith Epp says
This would be great to read. I like reading about other people and their gluten free journey – there’s always new things to learn from others.
Cindy says
I would love to read this. Looking for more answers.
Lynda Irby says
My granddaughter Shelbi, 25, has a gluten problem, and I really need to share this information with her.
Julia says
I was recently diagnosed with Hashimotos and my ND said I should be gf. At the same time, my MIL was diagnosed with Celiac’s. It’s nice to go through what we call the “mourning process” together, but we’re still learning! It’s more difficult when our spouses are not gf. I’d love to read a personal story to relate.
Delise Dickard says
Right Julia, I have more than one chapter of mourning but the chapter related to my husband, “I love you more than a crab cake” is about problems I had with my spouse who is not gluten free. I tell the truth about the fights, the crying and loneliness. But we finally worked it out and now — five years gluten free — I’m fine watching him eat anything as long as I have something too. He learned to be sensitive, in part, because I really had to require it. People don’t get how hard it can be to be really hungry and excluded from all the food — like at a pot luck.
Ina Gawne says
Shirley I love your posts. They are so informative, but even more importantly, you so so speak from the heart! The emotional side of first going gluten free can be a killer, and I have read previous posts where you mention this very thing. Often times this gets over looked especially by the medical profession. Thanks for sharing another wonderful post….it sounds like a great book! 🙂
Barbara Briody says
I didn’t figure out that gluten was responsible for my life-long digestive problems until I was past 60! Now 75, and healthier than I was for SO many years! I’m a problem-solver by nature, and willing to share what I’ve found; would love to read this book and share it with others, perhaps through donation to the library, if their budget won’t cover purchase of a copy.
Delise Dickard says
Great idea Barbara. I hope to help people who are sick and just don’t know how much it is impacting their lives. I thought I had IBS for 25 years. Then when I told my gastro-interologist that I was actually gluten intolerant and did not have IBS — he mocked me! But I felt better at 50 than I did at 30. That astonishing change made me start writing this book.
Kelly Payton says
What a awesome contest! I was born with a gluten problem. My mom had me tested when I was 9 or 10 back in the sixties.
Sharon Cunningham says
This book sounds as though it was written by a person with a sense of humour and we need all the humour in our lives that we can get. Having Celiac disease is a difficult journey to diagnosis and even going forward.
I’m always interested in how other people dealt with their miseries prior to diagnosis and their acceptance of the disease.
I would really like to have this book for my very own.
Delise Dickard says
Sharon, I hope if you read it that it does make you laugh. I’ve done other forms of writing but this is my first book and just after publishing it I kept asking myself: “Why on earth did I chose a topic where I would need to make diarrhea funny?” What a challenge! But I think there is a Parisian bathroom scene that should at least solicit a little giggle. But I do tell the truth because it would be unfair to clean things up too much. I chose the topic because I feel it is so very important and misunderstood.
Judy Robertson says
Hello , and here is my story, at age 62 I started needing the bathroom, after I ate…work full time and on my
way to work I had to stop at place to use the bathroom…get to work had to run to the bathroom, again…This
went on for 10 yrs….went to a Dr..he asked me what I eating, I said salads, eat much of everything…He told me to
stop eating saladss ??? Never went back to him…so I contnue with this running to bathrooms where ever I go.
Had a colonoscopy done, told him I still have problems going to the bathroom….He did a blood test and said I had
Caliac, and told me to go on the internet to real up on it…So as of 3 yrs ago I gave up wheat, rye and barley..
I am much better now…at my age this was very hard to give up foods I love….I did lose a lot of weight…wish I know what really cause this to me at my late age, some family members just don’t get it 🙁
Malinda Byerly says
Thank you so much for the Chance to win a copy of this great book! I have just started on my GF journey. I went to the doctor back in January and had lots of blood work done, and it came back that I am intolerant to a whole lot of things especially gluten. I am really trying to learn and understand as much as possible to better myself health wise not just for me but also for my family. I have learned this far that this is a huge change and you have to be very leery of lots of things out there too!
Donna wilson says
I’m having a lot of stomach issues ,please help.
connie maglinger says
Would love to receive a copy of this book. We used to have a group that met monthly regarding gluten free eating/issues, etc. The group no longer exists. Have been gluten free for almost 2 years and am still learning the ropes, sometimes the hard way.
cheryl says
Shirley–
Love the review and it looks like a great read! my bookshelf floweth over so please don’t enter me–I’ll get it on kindle.
Melanie says
My mom and I were diagnosed with celiac in 2012. I’ve been fascinated by the research and creative energy I’ve had to use in the kitchen. However, my mom has had a difficult time becoming gluten free and deals with cross contamination frequently. I’d love to share this book with her and give her some hope!
Vicky says
It sounds like a lovely story with a happy ending, it would be so interesting to see how she has managed to see her journey through successfully. I think personal success stories are sometimes so much more enjoyable to read than fiction. I’ve never been tested but I can remember having stomach aches when I ate whole grain cereals which is probably why I didn’t eat much bread either growing up. Thank you for the opportunity to win and if it’s not a world wide competition, I’ll certainly add it to my Amazon wish list (it’s available here, I’ve checked).
Shirley Braden says
Vicky–The giveaway is open to all as my giveaways always are. 🙂 I’ll update the post to reflect that. Thanks so much for commenting, entering, and sharing your personal story. The personal stories shared are always so compelling to me and they always have a common thread. Plus, as you say, they’re far better than fiction. I guess that’s because we all have a “vested interest” in these stories and can relate to them in ways we can’t with fiction.
Shirley
Amanda C says
I was diagnosed with celiac disease two and half years ago. I’d like a copy of this book so I can learn more on how to live a happy gluten free life. I’m still struggling with feeling symptoms even though I follow a strict gluten free diet. Hearing from others who have made it “there” inspires me.
Shannon McKenty says
It sounds like this would be a great read! Thanks for the in-depth review. I’ve been gf for many years, but the clinical depression hasn’t improved much, and this book seems like it might help with those issues.
Judy W. says
I’d be interested to read this story and see how it compares with my family’s journey.
Pamela Benn says
I would love to have a look at this, I have become gluten sensitive through various problems & am keen to see how other people cope with it as some days it drives me mad when I have no reason to feel ill. Climbing the walls some days.
Vikki says
I removed gluten from my diet as my thyroid medication was not enough to improve my Graves’ disease.
I attempted to reintroduce it several years later as my thyroid condition had improved but my breastfed daughter reacted really badly to the reintroduction. I’ll be getting her tested before weaning and if she too cannot handle gluten, this would be a great book to share with her as she grows up.
Cara Stone says
I’m just over 5 years in on my Celiac journey (well, at least my conscious Celiac journey… My diagnosis came after a lot of symptoms and struggle and unknown). Something that wasn’t intended to stick with me, but has, was said to me yesterday and I just can’t shake it. My new physician has been remarkable and “gets” Celiac and what it can do to my body, but I was called yesterday by a local blood bank saying there’s a shortage of my blood type and would I donate. I said absolutely I would try, even though my iron has been low lately. So, I went in and they tested me (on both hands, just to see if I could squeak by), but I was still too low. Even though I had explained that I have Celiac and have problems absorbing nutrients properly (though I am strict about my diet), the person trying to prep me for giving blood said “It’s okay to say no to donating; just be sure the next time you come in that you’re really aware of what you’re eating or what you’ve eaten.” I walked out of there thinking “I’m *always* aware of what I’m eating, more so than anyone else I know (other than my type 1 diabetic friend); I’m constantly diligent about what goes in my body, what it may have touched, how it could have been cross-contaminated, and what I might need to do if it has been cross-contaminated.” I’d be interested to learn more about how others are dealing with that mental fatigue of having to always be “on” in order to stay safe and healthy.
Jennifer says
Thank you for sharing this book! I was diagnosed in 2013 with Celiac and suffer from anxiety and peripheral neuropathy, the damage done may never fully recover I am told. It has been a long journey for me and my family. I would love to read this book because I am always looking for ways to help my world be a little brighter. Thank you all for spreading awareness and sharing all of the information that helps all of us to fight for a better day, every day.
Debbie says
Denise’s book sounds like it would be a helpful guide, with my own journey of going gluten-free. I am new to eating gluten-free and reading how someone else avoided or overcame the challenges I may face, in choosing foods, that have gluten in it and what to replace gluten products with. I like pictures so it will be a fun read.
Lisa says
I’m newly diagnosed celiac and have no idea what I’m doing–I could really use this book!
Carl says
Just been confirmed ceiliac and still waiting to see dietitian need all the help I can get to come to terms with this
dee says
…starting to be…
…gluten free…
sue says
Struggling to find a new way forward for better health and this book might provide some answers.
Jeannette Richards says
Can’t wait to read what this amazing young woman has written and experienced. I have known her most of her life and nothing she does surprises me! She rocks!
Carolyn Kropp says
Oh I hope to win. I’m in dire need of support…..it’s a difficult transition going gluten free. I can cheat becuase I don’t have immediate symptoms which makes it harder to be clean. Thank you fo the chance to win.
Nancy says
I am just beginning to research gluten issues and suspect I am senitive to it. Perhaps the book would help me figure it out.
Janis says
This sounds like a good read. I am not gluten free but one of my doctors suggested it to see if it would help my inner ear problem. I try to eat less gluten but probably should do better.
Katy says
My two girls have Celiac and our family of 5 has been struggling with the diagnosis and the diet. We’d love to be considered for this book!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
Love this! Sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for sharing this with us at Savoring Saturdays linky party!
Shirley Braden says
Thanks, Emily! I really hope that folks will seek this book out because I think it’s a terrific read. I always enjoy linking up to Savoring Saturdays. Thanks for hosting!
Shirley
Barbara Briody says
I’m honored to be a winner; will dive right into the book as soon as it arrives, and then share with my son and daughter-in-law [also gluten-intolerant / celiac]. There’s a lot of information now available to help folks needing to live gluten-free; I joined the Gluten-Intolerance Group [GIG] after finding their fine web-site [gluten.net], and attended a Gluten-Free / Allergy-Free Expo in Dallas where I had more samples of pizza than I’d eaten in the previous year or more. Last year I hit the G-F A-F Fest in Austin, and returned again this year. [Both cities allow me family lodging with sons, saving hotel costs.]
I keep checking used-book stores for cookbooks, and don’t overlook ones that could be useful but not specifically G-F [i.e., “Still Living Low-Carb” or perhaps Paleo diet books]. Self-education is the key to managing this issue, and label reading cannot be avoided. Communication with wait-staff and restaurant managers can help ensure safe dining out, but at least now our “problem” is in the public consciousness.
Shirley Braden says
Hi Barbara–Congrats again! I love that you will be sharing this book with your son and DIL. 🙂 You’ve definitely reinforced many valid points on gluten-free living.
Enjoy!
Shirley
Lynda Irby says
I’m so excited that I was selected to receive a copy of Delise’s book. I’m going to share it with my granddaughter who does have a gluten issue. Thank you!
Shirley Braden says
Hi Lynda–You’re welcome! I’m so happy that you won this book and will be sharing it with your gluten-free granddaughter!
Shirley
Shannon McKenty says
Yay, I won!! Thank you, Shirley! I’m so looking forward to reading it.
Shirley Braden says
Hi Shannon–You’re welcome, of course! I think you’ll enjoy it. 🙂
Shirley
Jeannette Richards says
Can’t wait to get the copy that I won! I am so excited to get to read this book and look forward to some good, healthy recipes! Jeannette Richards
Shirley Braden says
Congrats again, Jeannette! I hope you’ll really enjoy Delise’s book. As I shared in my email, there are no recipes in her book, but you can find
many recipes
here on gfe. 🙂
Shirley
April J Harris says
I can only imagine the frustration of struggling for an accurate diagnosis like that, Shirley, it must be so difficult! I love personal stories too – they really do help, especially if you suffer from the same condition. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful book with us at the Hearth and Soul Hop.
Shirley Braden says
Hi April–Thank you. I do long for the day when the struggle for a diagnosis goes away. I’m glad you feel the same way about personal stories. Illnesses aside, I guess that’s why autobiographies (and biographies) can be so popular. There’s always some common ground between us and the subjects of such stories.
Shirley
Judee@gluten freeA-Z Blog says
Her story is so typical of many people’s stories. It’s so important in helping others recognize that they be experiencing symptoms of Celiac when they have been undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. Thank you for sharing this important work.!
Shirley Braden says
That’s so very true, Judee. So many stories, so many commonalities. I will keep sharing such personal stories, of course, so I’m glad you and others see the importance. I appreciate your feedback!
Shirley