In 2010, the FDA issued rules for labeling gluten-free food items. This sparked what was known as the "gluten free boom." Health nuts everywhere began to follow what soon was called a gluten free diet. They believed that following this diet would reduce fatigue, bloating and depression. Ultimately, this only lasted about a few years, with some stragglers left behind to this day. Why? Well, many found out that being gluten free is really difficult. But what many didn't know was that some of us weren't fortunate enough to have the choice to drop the diet.
What is Celiac Disease?
According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, "celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disease, which means that you cannot “grow out” of it." Specifically, it is autoimmune disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. Currently, there is no cure for celiac. The only known treatment that has any effect is to follow what is known as a "gluten free diet."
Gluten Free Diet - Why It's a Struggle
Following a gluten free diet is a challenge for a few reasons, but adding celiac to the mix elevates the struggle. To follow a gluten free diet means you must avoid the following foods and by-products:
- Barley
- Wheat
- Rye
The largest and most difficult to avoid in this list is wheat, as it is a a worldwide staple food.
The graphic shown above indicates places in which gluten can be found. Notice how a few of the items depicted are utilized in our day-to-day lives, such as chapstick and certain coffees and teas.
"Getting Glutened"
 |
| Common Celiac Symptoms |
Feeling "glutened" refers to when a celiac gets sick after being exposed to gluten. So what happens when exposed? Celiacs are allowed to consume no more than 10–50 mg per day, which is about 2 teaspoons. But even with this small amount, when a diseased individual intakes gluten, they will experience some of the following:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
If left untreated and undiagnosed, celiac can cause more severe symptoms such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, infertility and miscarriage, epilepsy, migraines, heart disease, and intestinal cancers.
How to Get Diagnosed
Statistics from the Gluten Free Foundation show that celiac is "estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide, but only about 30% are properly diagnosed." Typically, the first step to diagnosis is the Tissue Transglutaminase IgA antibody (tTG-IgA) test. About 93% of patients with celiac disease who are on a gluten-containing diet will test positive. "Positive" refers to the test’s sensitivity, which measures how correctly it identifies those with the disease.
The next step is a biopsy of the small intestine, which is the only way to diagnose celiac disease without the risk of a false negative or positive.
Celiac is genetic, so gene testing is also a possibility. Physicians can order genetic testing which can be done by blood test, saliva test, or cheek swab.
More Celiac Information and Resources
How Do You Eat?
For those who are celiac curious, how do you eat? Do you find that you think twice about what you eat? Do you think you take for granted your ease of access to dining?
For those who have celiac or any other food allergens, do you find yourself struggling to eat? If so, how do you think your community can help you get the access to the food you need?
Hi Cami! This was incredibly informative and interesting to read. I have heard of the gluten free diet but was not aware of the origins until now. I also had heard of celiac disease before but was not aware of all of symptoms, just that going gluten free mitigated symptoms. I really appreciated the links provided so that we could expand our knowledge on this disease. This has given me a new perspective on the gluten-free diet. To answer your questions, I often do not think twice about what is in the foods I consume and have taken my dining options for granted. While I do not struggle with allergies or other food sensitivities, my younger sister does, so I am used to being vigilant with my investigations of her food.
ReplyDeleteHi Lindsey, thank you for your comment! I am glad you found what I have written and provided both helpful and insightful. My main goal for publishing was to generate a better distinction between what celiac and a gluten free diet are. So I'm glad that you were able to expand your current knowledge.
DeleteMany dietary needs have not been as fortunate to generate the uproar that celiac has. So, I hope your sister, in due time, has an easier experience with her needs, as its certainly not easy!
Hello! I enjoyed reading your post and found it very informative. I must add that I did chuckle at a few of your statements because I know someone who acts as if they have a gluten allergy when in reality use being gluten-free as a diet. It frustrates me to a point because the person acts as though gluten is this horrible thing that makes you gain weight when in reality it is something our bodies need rather than a fad diet. My friend and I have tried to explain that cutting gluten out when you do not have a sensitivity to it is not something that will benefit you, but she does not listen. Thank you for your informational post. I will have to share this to possibly help her understand the actual reason for gluten free foods.
ReplyDeleteHi Alayna! Although it ties into what I am fighting against, I am glad you could connect what you read here to a specific individual in your personal life! I am also am glad to see that you are on my side and see that in reality, willingly choosing to be gluten free is just an inconvenience, both to yourself and those who actually need to be. To me, as a celiac, I find it crazy that someone who can willingly eat "normal and affordable" donuts and pizza would give such a thing up.
DeleteHello Cami! I found your blog interesting because I have a similar experience with food limitations. Though I do not follow a gluten-free diet, I do not eat pork for religious reasons. Like you, I sometimes get frustrated by the lack of access to foods that I can eat. For example, just the other day, I was at a program that only had pepperoni pizza. We should talk about food limitations and accessibility more often. I like that this blog is both informative and a form of advocacy for those who need gluten-free diets.
ReplyDeleteHi Zahra! I feel for you, as it is indeed, not an easy life when it comes to food limitations. Hopefully with the ability to raise one's voice through social media and like I have here with blogging, things will get a bit easier as days go by.
DeleteI'm glad you think what I have provided is informative and helpful! I want nothing more than to help and to educate those, especially individuals in college, who may be struggling.
Hello Cami, I found your post to be informative and interesting! I was unaware of what celiac disease was, and was shocked to read the severity of the symptoms. I'm also surprised that only 30% of people with celiac are properly diagnosed. I do know a few people who are gluten free, so I understand how challenging it can be to eat. It makes me realize that I take the freedom to eat whatever I want for granted. What are some ways to accommodate for people with allergies or other food restrictions?
ReplyDeleteHi Jonah! I am glad you were able to learn what celiac disease was. It makes me happy knowing my central message was properly passed along.
DeleteTo answer your question, an example of a way to accommodate those with food allergies and restrictions is that if you are hosting an event or brining food to someplace where you know an allergic individual is to be attending, try to include them! There have been many a times where I had to sit dejected at events because all of the food was either gluten containing or not all together safe. Essentially, inclusion is a big part of accommodation.
Hey Cami, I thoroughly enjoyed your post! I've heard of Celiac's before, but I didn't know much about it. I was especially surprised to find out that Celiac's can cause further health issues and how many people it can actually affect. I never thought about how strict the restrictions would be and are for those who live with this illness. Your post was eye-opening and I definitely will be more conscious for those who have dietary restrictions.
ReplyDelete