Even those trying to follow a gluten-free diet have a hard time complying, Shelley said. Grocery shopping takes three hours instead of where it used to take one, since checking labels to ensure that a product contains no gluten is time-consuming. Many restaraunts aren't gluten-free-friendly, either, she said.

The Gluten Intolerance Group is trying to change that. The group has been instrumental in getting legislation passed requiring that the eight most common food allergies, including wheat, be listed on nutrition labels.

It's a step in the right direction, Shelley said.

In addition to lobbying for improved regulation of gluten-free products, the group provides support and a place to turn for help for those recently diagnosed with the disease, Kupper said.

"One goal we have is to make it positive," she said. "You can live with this disease, and you don't have to take a pill!"

But with improving options, including the popular gluten-free chicken nuggets and even gluten-free microwave dinners, keeping a cheerful outlook is becoming easier all the time.

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E-mail: dmaxfield@desnews.com