Celiac Awareness Month: a guide to spread awareness, not gluten!
Every year, Celiac Awareness Month serves as a crucial period dedicated to increasing public knowledge and enhancing understanding of celiac disease. Recognized globally by all the main organizations dedicated to celiac disease, this event plays a big role in educating people on the realities of living with this medical condition and promoting initiatives that support the health and well-being of affected individuals. As a 100% gluten free facility, we as Rhodes Gluten Free couldn’t help but dedicate an article to the topic, delving into the origins of Celiac Disease Awareness Day and Month, its significance and key facts surrounding celiac disease awareness. Basically, all you need to know about it!
What is Celiac Awareness Month?
Celiac Awareness Month, or Celiac Disease Awareness Month, is an annual event observed in May in several European countries and the United States. The whole month is dedicated to raising awareness about celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder characterized by damage in the small intestine caused by the ingestion of gluten. This event is crucial for promoting knowledge about the disease’s symptoms, risks, treatments and overall quality of life of those affected.
When is Celiac Awareness Month celebrated in Europe?
As we said, in Europe Celiac Awareness Month is typically observed in May, aligning with the United States and other countries to create a unified global effort in educating and raising awareness about this condition. The peak of the month is May 16th, Celiac Disease Awareness Day, where most events and initiatives take place.
The origins of Celiac Awareness Month
Celiac Awareness Month was initiated by various celiac disease organizations around the world. One prominent promoter in the United States is the National Celiac Association, which has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives and campaigns to highlight the needs and challenges faced by those with the condition. In Europe, the main interlocutor is AOECS, the Association of European Celiac Societies. The choice of May for this observance helps to synchronize educational and fundraising efforts across countries.
Objectives of Celiac Awareness Month
The primary goal of Celiac Awareness Month, as the name itself states, is to educate the public about celiac disease and support those affected by it. Key objectives include:
- increasing diagnosis rates: to the day, many individuals with celiac disease remain undiagnosed. Raising awareness can encourage people to seek medical advice for their symptoms.
- promoting gluten-free solutions: highlighting the importance of gluten-free diets for managing celiac disease and improving the availability of gluten-free products.
- supporting research and development: encouraging funding and research into celiac disease to improve diagnostic tools and treatment options.
From our side, we as Rhodes Gluten Free wrote this guide to spread awareness and… well, we exist! We chose to be a 100% gluten free facility because we know the struggles (and wishes!) of celiac people, and we want to improve the life quality of both visitors of Rhodes and locals alike.
Essential FAQs about Celiac Disease and awareness month
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where the ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye) triggers a response by the immune system that attacks and damages the small intestine. This damage impedes the absorption of essential nutrients from food.
Symptoms can vary significantly but commonly include gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain. Other symptoms might include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, headache and so on. Children may experience growth problems and weight loss. In some cases, though, people with celiac disease don’t show any symptom.
Diagnosis typically involves several steps, including serological tests to look for elevated levels of certain antibodies, followed by an endoscopic biopsy of the small intestine to look for damage to the villi (the small fingerlike projections that promote nutrient absorption). The latter is usually not requested for small children, since the exam is not very pleasant.
Currently, there is no cure for celiac disease. The only effective treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten free diet, which helps manage symptoms and promotes intestinal healing. If you are celiac, it is important that you avoid even the smallest cross-contamination from gluten.
No, celiac disease cannot be prevented. This is why early diagnosis and a strict gluten free diet are crucial in managing the disease and preventing long-term health issues.
If not properly managed, celiac disease can lead to several complications such as malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, neurological diseases and, in rare cases, intestinal cancer.
The ribbon used to promote the Celiac Disease Awareness Day and Month is green. Just like the one you see here:
Some takeaways before you go
Celiac Awareness Month plays a pivotal role in shedding light on celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood by many. Through education, advocacy and community support, this observance aims to improve the lives of those affected by celiac disease by fostering a greater understanding of the condition and promoting a supportive environment for those who must navigate its challenges. As awareness grows, the hope is that more individuals – adults and children – will get the timely diagnosis and the support they need, leading to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life for people with celiac disease.
With this article, we hope we’ve helped spread awareness – and if you want to help us too, share it on your social media or send it directly to your friends. And don’t forget to visit Rhodes Gluten Free when in Rhodes, of course!