May is National Celiac Disease Awareness Month and according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, "Celiac disease affects 3 million Americans, yet 95% of sufferers don't know they have it." Researchers estimate that ever 1 in 133 people have Celiac Disease - with some estimates as high as 1 in 100 - but only a small percentage are correctly diagnosed each year. What will you do to raise awareness?
What is Celiac Disease? Also known as Celiac Sprue, is "an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. What does this mean? Essentially the body is attacking itself every time a person with celiac consumes gluten," according to the NFCA, "Celiac disease is triggered by consumption of the protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the finger-like villi of the small intestine. When the villi become damaged, the body is unable to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, which can lead to malnourishment. Left untreated, people with celiac disease can develop further complications such as other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, and cancer."
Glutenfreeda Foods, Inc. kicks off the month by donating $30,000 of gluten free food to food banks in the Greater Omaha region. "We have this delicious food and wanted to do something to make a difference," said CEO Yvonne Gifford, "We're just delighted that we could donate it now - to garner attention for hunger here at home, and celiac disease everywhere."
Looking for ways to raise awareness? The Celiac Sprue Association has some fantastic ideas just waiting for a test-drive!
Other resources include the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) and the Celiac Disease Foundation.
