"Kissing is 'a sensual meditation,'" says Joy Davidson, PHD, psychologist and clinical sexologist. "It stops the buzz in your mind, it quells anxiety, and it heightens the experience of being present in the moment." I agree. I can't think of anything better than smooching and cuddling with the man I love. It is the thought of kissing that sometimes heightens my anxiety. I have celiac disease, and if I am not careful, kissing can make me sick.

Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder that affects 1 out of 133 Americans. This disease mostly affects people of European (especially Northern European) descent, but recent studies show that it affects Hispanic, African- American, and Asian populations, as well (celiac.com). People with celiac are unable to digest the gluten-storage-protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Exposure to even tiny amounts of gluten-containing substances causes an inflammatory reaction that damages villi (microscopic finger-like pieces of tissue that line the small intestine), whose function is the absorption of life-sustaining nutrients from food. Healthy villi can be compared to a shag carpet; they stand tall and greedy for nutrients. Damaged villi become flat, like a linoleum floor, and are unable to function efficiently, if at all.

A wide range of symptoms, including leg and foot pain, digestive disturbances, weight loss, chest pain, headaches, jaw pain, malnutrition, fuzzy thinking, and depression can occur as a result of damaged villi. If left untreated, this damage increases the chances of gastrointestinal cancer by factors of 40 to 100 times that of the normal population. Gastrointestinal carcinoma or lymphoma develops in up to fifteen percent of patients with untreated or refractory celiac disease (celiac.com). Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is the only known defense against this illness.

Adhering to a gluten-free diet is more complicated than it sounds. It rules out breads, pastas, and many convenience foods made from wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Gluten is "hidden" in many unsuspecting foods such as licorice, soy sauce, malt vinegar, some flavorings, most processed foods, self-basting turkeys, some cold cuts, and many prepared stocks and soups. Vinegars and alcohol may also contain gluten (glutenfree.com). Many non-food items, like cosmetics, toiletries, and household cleansers contain gluten (Celiac Sprue Association USA, Inc). Damage occurs when gluten from food or from other substances enters the body. This can happen through something as innocent as a kiss.

My husband can eat anything he wants to, but small or invisible particles of food around his mouth, moustache, and face have the potential of transferring to me during a caress. We follow a few simple strategies to minimize this risk:

· When he eats gluten-containing foods, we postpone kissing until he washes his face and brushes his teeth. Flossing is also recommended (there goes "present in the moment!").

· Most all meals at home are gluten-free for both of us.

· Many mouthwashes, toothpastes, lotions, and soaps contain gluten. We purchase only gluten-free products.

The affections of other family members are important, as well. I enjoy visits from our two granddaughters, who are one and two. They spontaneously offer me sweet kisses and pat me with sticky little fingers. I feed them gluten-free foods, so that I can pamper them as much as I want to without worry.

Many of my greatest pleasures have been relegated to fond memories: warm bread served at a restaurant, a piece of birthday cake at a party, a warm cinnamon roll with coffee. I can handle such losses. When it comes to kissing, I draw the line. I do what I can to minimize risk and then pucker up and take my chances. After all, what is life without a kiss?

http://www.celiac.com/index.html http://www.csaceliacs.org/celiactreatment.php http://www.glutenfree.com/Blogs/Blogroll.aspx?Section=72759524-dd90-416d-b185-59b5 http://www.strive4impact.com/messagefiles/Articles/kissing.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeliac_disease http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallintestine

Barbara L. Norris www.associatedcontent.com/user/60301/barbara_l_norris.html