I know I've mentioned a few times before that I have Celiac Disease, but today, I was feeling inspired to write a post about it. While the number of gluten-free products on the market is on the rise, a lot of people still don't really know much about Celiac Disease.
Here are some facts:
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder that destroys the villi of the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food.
There are no known cures for Celiac Disease, but the only treatment is a completely gluten-free diet.
Approximately 1 in 133 people suffer from Celiac Disease.
Eating gluten-free means avoiding ALL wheat, rye, and barley, as well as any products of these grains, such as malt flavoring, modified food starch, or (for people who are more sensitive, like me) anything processed in a factory with wheat.
6-10 years is the average time a person waits to be correctly diagnosed with Celiac Disease.
Approximately 1 in 133 people suffer from Celiac Disease.
Eating gluten-free means avoiding ALL wheat, rye, and barley, as well as any products of these grains, such as malt flavoring, modified food starch, or (for people who are more sensitive, like me) anything processed in a factory with wheat.
6-10 years is the average time a person waits to be correctly diagnosed with Celiac Disease.
Gluten free foods are, on average, 242% more expensive then their non-GF counterparts.
***A positive attitude, 100% of the time, helps Celiacs create a gluten-free lifestyle for themselves and their affected family members.
I have been dealing with Celiac Disease and it's consequences for roughly two and a half years, and today marks my two year anniversary of going gluten-free. While I just have to trust that most of the figures above are true, I can absolutely vouch for the last one.
Celiac Disease isn't fun. I don't like getting sick. I don't like paying $10 for a bag of pretzels. I don't like asking for a gluten-free menu and explaining what's wrong with me to every single waitress, and every now and again getting a blank stare in return like they've never heard of it before.
A positive attitude makes it possible to keep trying.
Keep baking even if that last batch of muffins was a complete disaster (Thanks Mom for trying them anyway!). Keep going out to eat and ordering another burger without the bun (And eating the solitary patty on a plate with a fork and knife. Classy.). Keep learning, keep educating, and keep supporting other people with allergies and autoimmune diseases, because as my dear (diabetic) friend Melissa loves to quote, "The only thing strong enough to kick my ass is me."
xokaleigh
Celiac Disease isn't fun. I don't like getting sick. I don't like paying $10 for a bag of pretzels. I don't like asking for a gluten-free menu and explaining what's wrong with me to every single waitress, and every now and again getting a blank stare in return like they've never heard of it before.
A positive attitude makes it possible to keep trying.
Keep baking even if that last batch of muffins was a complete disaster (Thanks Mom for trying them anyway!). Keep going out to eat and ordering another burger without the bun (And eating the solitary patty on a plate with a fork and knife. Classy.). Keep learning, keep educating, and keep supporting other people with allergies and autoimmune diseases, because as my dear (diabetic) friend Melissa loves to quote, "The only thing strong enough to kick my ass is me."
xokaleigh
3 comments:
My eyes just teared a little. Keep going.
You should post recipes and talk about your favorites. I've had people ask me about GF and celiac because they know that I know you, I'd love to send them here to your blog!
*Hi five* from Dairy-Free me to Gluten Free you! Believe me, I've done the classy patty on a plate with a fork. And believe me, I don't enjoy paying 2.50 at the coffee shop for a decent cookie.
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