MAY IS CELIAC DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH!!!!
Today marks the beginning of Celiac Disease Awareness Month. And though I do my best to advocate for Celiac and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity all year long, this month posts will have a special emphasis on spreading awareness about these commonly misunderstood conditions. I have several posts planned for spreading gluten free knowledge and lots of gfree love with y’all (:
If you suspect you or a family member has Celiac Disease or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, please get tested prior to beginning a gluten free diet. Not only is diagnosis difficult after beginning a gluten free diet, but being gluten free without a medical need may not be the most healthful option available to you. (I absolutely cannot emphasis this enough!!)
Some FACTS about Celiac Disease:
- Celiac Disease is a genetic disease, meaning that it is hereditary. In fact, between 5 and 22% of those with Celiac disease have an immediate family member with Celiac.
- It is estimated that 1 in 141 Americans have Celiac Disease, with 81% of them being undiagnosed!
- Celiac is an autoimmune disease that is triggered by the ingestion of gluten. Ingestion of gluten damages the villi in the digestive system.
- Though the experience of Celiac Disease is different for each person, symptoms include: diarrhea or constipation, anemia, abdominal pain and bloating, smelly stool and gas and headaches.
- There is no cure for Celiac Disease. The only treatment is living a gluten free lifestyle.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (gluten intolerance) FACTS:
- NCGS is a condition that causes symptoms similar to those of Celiac without an autoimmune response.
- The exact cause is unknown and there is no test to diagnosis it.
- It is estimated that approximately 6% of the US population has NCGS.
Interested in learning more about Celiac disease or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity? Head over to Celiac Central for more info.
And as always, stay tuned to FD for more posts about Celiac Disease and living a gluten free life!
Live Fabulous.
