Does anyone know a good dietician in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area? I'm reading some medical journals on celiac disease and they all seem to say that we should be meeting with a dietician annually. I asked my doctor and they said they didn't know of anyone to refer me to.

The nutritionist that works with Dr. Alessio Fasano, who is a leading Celiac expert at the University of Maryland-Baltimore's Celiac Center.

www.celiaccenter.org for info on scheduling an app't.

(My mom heard her speak at a GIG meeting and she was apparently great)

Just out of curiosity - why do they recommend seeing a dietitian every year? (And I am assuming they mean a celiac-knowledgeable dietitian which can be hard to find!) It seems to me that if you continue reading food labels and calling companies, a dietitian wouldn't have any additional information for you. They may be able to help make sure you're getting proper amounts of nutrients, but that's really something everyone should be doing, not just celiacs.

I know what you mean. So far, I think I know more already then the doctors about what I can and can't have! I think it's because the dietician can test for vitamin deficiencies and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. From what I'm reading a lot of celiacs have problems with obesity, iron, calcium, zinc, fiber intake (more I can't think of) because of the lack of enriched gluten free foods.

Anyway, I'm not sure it's absolutely necessary, but I would like to give it a try. It would be nice to meet with someone and make sure I am eating enough nutrients (and my body is accepting them) and maybe even find out the latest medical news on celiac (of course if I find someone very knowledgeable!).

Wonderful!!! Thank you so much! I'm going to call today!

Pam Cureton is the nutritionist who works with Dr. Fasano in Baltimore. She is FANTASTIC!

- Lauren

I agree. I was fortunate enough to get a good RD my first week on the diet. The thing she did that was so important in my case was to spend the hour drafting up a sample diet on a piece of paper. The reason this helped me so much was I was still in "shock" from the diagnosis and really wasn't thinking that clearly. I followed it in the beginning and it included the foods necessary for proper nutrition. Since then it is just a case of reading labels when necessary and mainly getting as many vitamins through the diet as possible. I think vitamin supplements are fine if you can't get all you need with the food you eat. People should adjust their diet as necessary and only they really know what works best for them. Before the internet I think more information was available through a professional in this area. If you can get a good RD then I think it is worth the cost. I don't see the need for annual visits unless there is another problem.

Tom

Thanks so much! I'm really excited to hopefully meet with her.

Curious, what does she do to help? Any secrets?