May is Celiac Awareness Month! Each May, we combine our efforts with those of Canadian Celiac Association chapters coast to coast, as well as the national office, to educate Canadians about celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and the gluten free diet.
The diagnosis rate for celiac disease is increasing every year. In the most recent study, celiac disease was found to affect 1 in 100 people.
Celiac disease is a lifelong condition. Although it is possible for celiacs who are in remission after dietary treatment to take gluten without immediate obvious harm, we know that intestinal mucosal damage recurs and, with time, severe clinical symptoms can develop.
Effective treatment of celiac disease requires strict exclusion of gluten from the diet for life. Many foods unexpectedly contain gluten, and it’s not just in wheat but in rye, barley, oats, and triticale, and any parts thereof. Expert dietary instruction is essential so that you can avoid all sources of gluten and yet maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.