Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue, is a hereditary, autoimmune disease that causes a sensitivity to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. The key symptoms of celiac disease are diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, backaches, stomachaches, nausea, anemia, fatigue, osteoporosis, stunted growth in children, and weight loss. Often celiac disease is misdiagnosed as some other intestinal problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), spastic colon, colitis, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, or one of many others conditions. Celiac disease can occur at any age. Because it is genetic, a person carries the genes for this disease from birth. It is not caused by a single gene but is multi-genetic, which means several different types of genes play a role in developing celiac disease. Celiac disease cannot be cured, but eating a gluten-free diet can make the symptoms go away and stop the damage occurring in the small intestine. If the affected person stays on a gluten-free diet, healing begins as soon as the diet begins. The small intestine will repair itself but takes several months to two or three years to heal completely. People with celiac disease must adhere to a gluten-free diet and never intentionally eat foods with gluten. Organizations, resources, magazines, newsletters, and associations for celiac disease and gluten-free living are listed. A recipe for gluten-free peanut butter cookies is also included.