National Celiac Awareness Day

September 13 is National Celiac Awareness Day. 

Celiac disease, an ailment that was once little-known and misunderstood, is now one of the most commonly talked-about diseases in existence today.  In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 133 Americans have celiac disease and an estimated 2 million people remain unaware that they are affected by it.  However, many people still do not understand the illness fully this can make life very difficult for those who have it.  

Celiac disease relates to gluten, a protein compound found in most grains, breads, and cereals. Contrary to popular belief, celiac disease is not an allergy to wheat but a genetic autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack itself when gluten is ingested.  Chicago Healers Practitioner Dr. Ian Wahl, DAc, LAc, says celiac disease is difficult to diagnose without an accurate blood test and many people are misdiagnosed because it presents as such a wide range of seemingly common symptoms, which include:

Short term:

·         Nausea
·         Vomiting
·         Bloating after gluten ingestion
·         Diarrhea
·         Constipation

Long term:

·         Chronic fatigue
·         Anemia
·         Osteoporosis
·         Chronic weight loss

Although there is no cure for celiac disease, sticking to a gluten-free diet will make life much better for those diagnosed.  Most supermarkets carry gluten-free products as do specialty stores, online stores and most restaurants.  It may seem like a difficult life change because many foodstuffs contain gluten, but once one discovers which foods contain gluten and how to cook gluten-free, their mind (and stomach!) will be at ease.  

Although the internet is filled with misinformation, the following websites are accurate and provide a tremendous amount of information on how to live a gluten free life:
www.GlutenFree.com
www.GlutenFreeMall.com
www.CeliacDisease.net
www.CsaCeliacs.org

About ChicagoHealers.com 
Chicago Healers (www.ChicagoHealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy.  Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website.  With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications.  For more information, visitwww.ChicagoHealers.com.



Thanks to Paramount PR for this Guest Post!