Celiac Disease: A Trend or a Disorder?

Brown rice with red quinoa

“Gluten-free” foods may just seem like a whole new fad and the coolest new food trend to follow, but for some people gluten-free is a non-negotiable lifestyle.

This month we celebrate Celiac Awareness Month. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. The damage done to the small intestines does not allow nutrients to be absorbed into the body properly; if the disease goes untreated it can cause other autoimmune disorders like type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, anemia, osteoporosis, infertility and miscarriage, neurological conditions like epilepsy and migraines, short stature, and intestinal cancer.

Unfortunately for those with the disease, the only treatment is maintaining a gluten-free diet. Gluten is a protein composite found in wheat and related grains, including barley and rye, and sometimes oats. Maintaining a gluten-free diet has become an easier task due to the limitless “gluten-free” options now available at many local food stores but that does not mean it is simple in any way. Those living with the disease have to keep a strict diet in order to avoid consequences.

Imagine eating just a crumb of bread and experiencing bloating, diarrhea, pain and vomiting, or even worse having to deny the 3AM pizza delivery craving so you won’t feel sick. It is easy to understand that regular wheat bread or pizza dough has gluten in it. However, it is less easy to realize that wheat flour is often used in many processed foods and in recipes for many foods that are prepared in a restaurant.

Education on making the switch to gluten-free is vital. Dissecting labels is key to avoiding gluten. Diets aren’t easy, but having no choice then to follow one is harder than it may seem. So this month is dedicated to those living with the disease, and for others to become more knowledgeable and supportive.

Your turn to take action: Expand your horizons. Buy a “gluten-free” product this week and see if you can taste a difference! Let me know below.