National Celiac Disease Awareness Month
National Celiac Disease is highly promoted in the month of May. The Celiac Foundation along with people who may have been diagnosed or have found ways to manage the disease partner together to educate people throughout the country on the importance of getting checked and understanding the symptoms of the disease so that they can be aware of their options when it comes to combatting the disease. Prevention and knowing where one stands is beneficial in recognizing the next steps one can take to survive and live an ordinary life.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease that exacerbates the small intestines after ingesting gluten. Gluten is a protein that is found in grains such as barley, rye, and wheat. Gluten acts as a glue that holds food together, helping them maintain their shapes like in breads or pastas. Gluten is aggravating to those who are gluten intolerant or gluten sensitive as well. Celiac disease tends to run in families, so if your parents or sibling have it, there is a 1 in 10 chance you can get it too. According to the Celiac Foundation, “People with celiac disease has a 2x greater chance of developing coronary artery disease and a 4x greater chance of developing small bowel cancer. Untreated celiac disease can lead to the development of other autoimmune disorder like Type I diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS), and many other conditions, including dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy skin rash), anemia, osteoporosis, infertility and miscarriage, neurological conditions like epilepsy and migraines, short stature, heart disease and intestinal cancers.” Celiac disease can occur at any age even though it is known to be hereditary so be on the look out for symptoms.
What are Symptoms of Celiac Disease?
Abdominal pain
Anemia
Bloating & Gas
Brain Fog
Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea
Fatigue
Feeling Nauseous
Infertility
Osteoporosis
Vomiting
Foods Containing Gluten
The list of foods that may be gluten are endless therefore, it is imperative to learn how to read labels to ensure you are not intaking such foods that can wreak havoc on your intestines.
Baked goods (cakes, pies, pastries)
Cereals
Pastas
Most meat substitutes
Brewer’s Yeast
Beer
Malts
French Fries
Chips
Celiac Disease Treatment
Following a strict gluten-free diet is the only known option to manage celiac disease at this moment.
Gluten Free Food Options
Gluten free foods are better options for the body if one suffers from Celiac symptoms or the disease. Most foods that have gluten in them, often have gluten free alternatives that you can readily be found with a simple online search. They foods and alternatives fall under the following categories.
Legumes
Fruits
Greens/Veggies
Eggs
Lean Meats
Fish
Poultry
Glute Free Fast Food, Fast Casual or Chain Dining Restaurant Ideas
Chipotle
Chick-Fil-A
Five Guys
Bone Fish Grill
Out Back Steak House
In-N-Out Burger
Conclusion:
There are a varieties of gluten free options available if you find that you have celiac disease or are experiencing any symptoms. Yes, it may cost a little bit more, but isn’t it important to invest in your health so that you can live a long and productive life vs. not? Take the time to listen to your body so that you will know when something is off. Celiac can be managed it is not the end of the world.
Visit the Earthy Naturals contact us page to set up a :15-minute health and wellness clarity call to discuss further. We will post a 7-Day Gluten Free E-Book inclusive of a shopping list and nutrition values in the download area next month.
Reference:
Understanding Celiac
National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disease: Definition & Facts for Celiac Disease
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/definition-facts