May is Celiac Awareness Month, our biggest month for educating the public about this serious genetic autoimmune disease. Celiac disease affects 1% of the population, meaning millions of Americans and people across the globe suffer with this disease that’s triggered by consuming a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, the protein causes the immune system to damage the villi of the small intestines. This makes it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, leading to malnourishment and a host of other problems including anemia, some cancers, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, infertility and the onset of other autoimmune diseases.
Those with celiac disease often fight to be taken seriously, despite the many serious adverse symptoms and effects of the disease. Our community plays a big role in supporting Celiac Awareness Month and spreading the word about the seriousness of this disease. This month we’re making it even easier for individuals with celiac disease to have a big impact by encouraging them to add their story to The Voices of Celiac Disease.
Throughout the month of May, Beyond Celiac will be sharing stories from The Voices of Celiac Disease on our social channels and emails to spread awareness about what it’s really like to have celiac disease. Each post will highlight unique stories of diagnosis and living with this serious autoimmune disorder. We found that the collective voice of celiac disease needs to be heard and we are ready to amplify that voice.
Sharing The Voices of Celiac Disease will increase awareness of the hardships and chameleon nature of celiac disease and improve diagnosis rates.
If you have celiac disease, we encourage you to add your voice here and use May as an opening to bring conversations about the reality of celiac disease into your daily life.
Beyond Celiac – The leading patient advocacy and research-driven celiac disease organization, Beyond Celiac works to drive diagnosis, advance research and accelerate the discovery of new treatments and a cure. Beyond Celiac envisions a world where those with celiac can eat without fear—a world Beyond Celiac.
Shine a Light on Celiac 