Dean McDermott Said WHAT ?

Yesterday morning I read the NFCA Celiac Central Newsletter for February 2012. Nothing unusual there. I love to keep up to date with the valuable information they provide. Then I scrolled down to the Q&A with Tori's Dean...

Where to begin?!  Surprised, frustrated, disappointed and alarmed should just about cover my feelings here.

Dean McDermott, husband of Tori Spelling, spoke about how he was diagnosed with Celiac Disease about a year and a half ago.

There are three very troubling parts of this interview for me: 

• He is in culinary school and regularly samples his non gluten free dishes.

Even the gluten in the air is affecting him and he has no clue to it. Although he may not feel the affects as boldly as some, he is still reacting the same internally. I would like to see him attend a 100% GF cooking class. Not only will this prevent him from having to sample gluten containing food, but it will educate him on how to create safe dishes for himself.

• Dean states that he is on the lower end of the spectrum of Celiac Disease therefore his physician is not terribly concerned if he consumes gluten here and there.

First of all, WHAT ?!?

Such a dangerous comment to make. Especially dangerous as it is coming from someone with a fan base. A fan base that will take what he says seriously.

This is why education is needed. As for his Doctor? Time for a new one Mr. McDermott! My goodness, the Hollywood is crazy stigma is alive and well.

I emailed the Canadian Celiac Association in regards to this article and below is a response from Jim McCarthy, Executive Director.

Hi Sandra,

The celebrity’s doctor is wrong – there is no ‘spectrum’.  No one, not even celebrities, who have been properly diagnosed can eat food containing gluten.

Jim McCarthy

Executive Director

Canadian Celiac Association

www.celiac.ca

Ph: 905-507-6208 x224

Toll-free: 1-800-363-7296

Fax: 905-507-4673

E: ed@celiac.ca

• He is planning on opening a Gluten Free  restaurant

Would YOU eat a a restaurant run by someone diagnosed with Celiac Disease that does not strictly adhere to a Gluten Free diet? I know I wouldn't!

At the end of the day people either have Celiac Disease or they don't. There is no in between and there is no wacky way to dodge the effects of gluten consumption. It's unfortunate that there are clearly many Doctor's who are not properly educated about Celiac Disease

I want to point out that the wonderful people at Allergic Living made a special note for readers, advising that they stick to a 100% Gluten Free Diet.