Check out these Celiac Disease “Fun Facts,” from the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness

• Celiac disease is a genetically based autoimmune disease that is triggered by the ingestion of gluten – a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
• An estimated 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, yet 83% are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
• 6-10 years is the average time a person waits to be diagnosed.
• Celiac disease is a hereditary condition, meaning that it runs in families.
• 5-22% of people with celiac disease have an immediate family member who also has the autoimmune disease.
• When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, it sets off an immune reaction that damages the villi (fingerlike projections) in the intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients.
• There is no pharmaceutical cure for celiac disease. The only treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.

**Bonus**

• There is a topical form of Celiac Disease known as Dermatitis Herpetiformis DH, which can cause an itchy rash.

(Alternative Eating post coming soon with reviews of two lines of gluten-free personal care products!)

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Alternative Eating | Lo Martinez
exploring gluten-free, paleo & clean eating