Help Raise Celiac Disease Awareness
If you think you don’t know anyone with Celiac Disease, think again. There are over 3 million people in the United States with Celiac Disease (that's more people than live in 20 states, including Arkansas, Kansas, and Rhode Island).
Celiac Disease can present a variety of symptoms (over 300 have been observed), but generally inhibits the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream, which can lead to malnourishment. Left untreated, Celiac Disease can cause further complications such as other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, and cancer.
People with Celiac Disease can live a normal, healthy life simply by following a gluten-free diet. But less than 200,000 are properly diagnosed and following a gluten-free diet is not always simple. That’s why Triumph Dining has teamed up with the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness to drive diagnosis and improve the quality of life for those adhering to a gluten-free diet.
About Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.
Celiac disease is triggered by consumption of the protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the finger-like villi of the small intestine. When the villi become damaged, the body is unable to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, which can lead to malnourishment. Left untreated, people with celiac disease can develop further complications such as other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, and cancer.
Celiac disease can be difficult to diagnose because it can present in a variety of different ways. The disease can be diagnosed using a blood test and confirmation biopsy. The only treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet.
Symptoms of celiac disease can include abdominal bloating and pain, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, irritability, depression, mouth sores, late puberty, and skin rashes. However, many celiacs show no symptoms.
Facts and Figures
- One in 133 Americans have celiac disease.
- Three million Americans across all races, ages and genders suffer from celiac.
- 95% of celiacs are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions.
- 10 years is the average time a person waits to be correctly diagnosed.
- There are NO pharmaceutical cures for celiac disease.
- A 100% gluten-free diet is the only existing treatment for celiac today.
About Triumph Dining
Triumph Dining is the largest gluten-free publisher in the United States. Triumph Dining publishes annual guides that take the hassle out of gluten free grocery shopping and gluten free restaurant dining for people who have Celiac Disease. Triumph Dining also publishes a popular
About the NFCA
The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of Celiac Disease in order to gain a prompt and accurate diagnosis for those suffering, support the health and wellbeing of children and families with Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance and advance research by collaborating with thought leaders in the healthcare field. Visit www.CeliacCentral.org to learn more.