May is Celiac Awareness Month. Since some folks don’t quite understand this illness, I’d like to share my own info. Celiac disease is serious, it affects about 1% of the worldwide population with many people still undiagnosed. As one who lives with this each day, I’d like to add my thoughts so understanding can become more prevalent. This illness is more complicated that some think. It is not a fad diet or a weight loss plan. This is medically a problem for many people. Foods and products must be gluten free to prevent reactions. Even a small amount in lipstick, or even crumbs on your SO’s cheek that you kiss can cause reactions. Products such as make-up, shampoo, and soap in addition to foods, can contain sources of gluten. If you’re living with this disease, you know as well that everything must be checked before use. And eating out can be sometimes difficult, especially if the restaurant has no understanding of how to prepare foods free of gluten and gluten contamination.
Thankfully, I have a great support system of family and friends who understand my need for gluten free. But with so many people not understanding or even knowing what it means to have to follow a gluten free life, we hope that this month will be a helpful source of information. To learn more see Celiac Disease Foundation‘s website, which contains tons of helpful information.
During the month of May, LPB will be donating 10% of all sales to CDF to support researchers to diagnose, treat and hopefully one day cure, celiac disease.
And if you have questions for me, please feel free to ask. I’ll be happy to help.
