Celiac Facts - Celiac Disease Awareness

CELIAC FACTS What is Celiac Disease? Celiac disease is an immune reaction to gluten; a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. CHALLENGE: Many physicians consider celiac disease exceedingly rare because they say they have never seen someone present with it. because of varied symptoms, celiac disease is being missed or misdiagnosed. GLUTEN MONSTER! Who Does it Effect? 1 in 100 people. celiac disease is a hereditary auto-immune disease: those with relatives have a greater likelihood of developing it. CHALLENGE: The Celiac Iceberg: 95% of those affected are undiagnosed. How Does Gluten Effect Celiacs? When a person ingests gluten a monster takes up residence in their stomach for 12-36 hours. (ok, not exactly...) In actuality, symptoms manifest in many different ways. Most common symptoms include: abdominal cramping, bloating of the stomach, gas, anemia. chronic diarrhea or constipation. 95% of people affected by Celiac Disease Celiac disease can lead to a number of other disorders including infertility, reduced bone density, neurological disorders, some cancers, and other autoimmune diseases, including diabeties. are undiagnosed What Makes Them Sick? People with celiac disease suffer from an auto-immune response caused by the presence of gluten. What is the Treatment? The only sure way to keep from getting sick is to follow a strict gluten Free diet. Good information, a solid support system, and a positive attitude also help tremendouslyl CRUMBS, YİKES! What are the Pitfalls? Gluten is in everythingl (ok, not everything), but it is found in a surprising amount of foods, and is difficult to avoid. CHALLENGE: Cross-contamination as little as a small crumb of gluten can trigger an auto-immunne reaction that damages the small intestine and often causes internal bleeding. CELIAC DISEASE AWARENESS Sources: celiac.nih.gov celiaccentral.org celiac.org brought to you by Gluten FFEinr GlutenFreeinNC.com infographic by Magnetic-ldeas.com | 2013