What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease 1, 2, 3
Celiac disease is an autoimmune/inflammatory condition of the small intestine. The condition is induced by ingestion of gluten, a particle found in certain grains, including wheat, barley and rye. Individuals suffering from celiac disease exhibit a variety of symptoms affecting multiple body systems.
1
in every 133 people in the US has celiac disease, a condition purely controlled by a change in diet.
The varied and individual symptoms of celiac disease are managed with complete avoidance of gluten, the protein found in wheat, oats, rye, and barley. Celiac disease is twice as common as Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis and cystic fibrosis combined. Only 3% of those with celiac disease are currently diagnosed.
2
things are needed, the gene and gluten in the diet.
There are other health problems that have been associated with gluten in the diet. However, the most severe of these conditions is celiac disease, which is genetic. However, one can restore health and reclaim their life through a 100% gluten-free diet. While there is no cure, there is a successful treatment.
3
million Americans are suffering from Celiac Disease and do not know it.
The medley of symptoms is often misdiagnosed or discounted as a mystery disease. Lack of diagnosis takes a physical and emotional toll on the individual, but it also affects the larger community. Poor detection rates contribute to rising healthcare costs, especially as undiagnosed celiacs go years without answers.
Educational programming of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is bringing together individuals, institutions an businesses in order to diagnose celiac disease and deliver safe and tasty gluten-free goods and services to the diagnosed.
The more who are aware, the more who will be tested. The more who are tested and lead the gluten free life, the larger the activist body will become. It is only through awareness and activism that necessary funds will be made available for research and, possibly, a cure.
