In this audio interview the president and founder of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), Alice Bast, helps listeners understand the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. She also describes how common these issues are, what some of the symptoms are and how her organization can help people.

Alice Bast founded the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) in 2003. Her personal experience with celiac ignited her passion to help the estimated three million Americans suffering from the disease receive a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Bast is widely regarded as a celiac expert and has been a keynote speaker at major medical and food industry events nationally and internationally. She also chaired a panel presentation at the 14th International Coeliac Disease Symposium held in Oslo, Norway. Bast's story has been featured in Good Housekeeping Magazine, Newsweek, and USA Today and on nationally televised programs such as ABC's The View. Bast coauthored a paper featured in the Journal of Practical Gastroenterology and was the principlal investigator on an NIH-funded grant titled "Novel Educational Aids For Celiac Disease." Her organization is a leading resource for celiac information and offers free information and support materials for celiac patients and their families. The organization is also a leading resource in accredited training for healthcare providers and food industry professionals. For more information, visit www.CeliacCentral.org.