May is Celiac Disease Awareness month and our Certified Registered Dietitians are here to provide some clarity about gluten and how it affects people with Celiac disease.
Celiac disease can develop at any age and if left untreated, can pose complications such as anemia, infertility issues, failure to thrive, vitamin deficiencies, and osteoporosis.
For many people, gluten can be eaten without issues, but for some people this is not the case. Gluten cannot be fully broken down before it enters the small intestine. In people with sensitive gut linings, gluten can cause increased permeability of the intestinal wall, leading to leaky gut syndrome.
Need more information on what foods include gluten? Check out the below:
A great way to honor this awareness month is to consult your doctor if you think you could have Celiac disease. A simple blood test is available. Here is a Symptom Assessment Tool to use as a pre-screen.