May is Celiac Awareness Month
Celiac Disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder triggered by the digestion of gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye. It causes damage to the inner surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients. Ingesting gluten will make many individuals with celiac disease very sick.
According to
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, an estimated 1 in 141 Americans has celiac disease, yet 83% of those who have it are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
There isn't a cure for celiac disease, however by eliminating gluten, one can effectively manage the disease.
I was diagnosised with celiac disease almost two years ago. Eating a gluten-free diet can be very challenging at times. I think the hardest part is dealing with cross-contamination. Because of my high sensitivity to gluten, I do not allow any gluten in the house and rarely-if ever- eat out. But since I have gone gluten-free, I have felt a million times better. So it is worth it!
Through out the month of May, join me in raising awareness to celiac disease by
supporting gluten-free blogger, wearing green, sporting a gluten-free bracelet or t-shirt, supporting your local gluten-free restaurant, or even sharing a plate of gluten-free cookies.
Also- The A to Z challenge is over...and I survived.
I had so much fun this past month during the A to Z Challenge. And I must admit that I'm very sad that it's over. I really enjoyed everyone's theme and am grateful for everyone who commented and followed my blog. I thank you all!
I am also grateful to
Susan Oloier (and
Moxie Writers) for joining up with me. With the "Power of Three" we created a theme of teen tough issues and causes.
Again-thank you all for supporting us. I look forward to seeing you all in the blogosphere.
Sources:
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness,
Mayo Clinic,
