Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Only about 30% are properly diagnosed. Attacks are triggered by ingestion of gluten, even if incidental and no larger than a crumb. Symptoms are no joke and can include not only various digestive ills, but, joint pain, anxiety and depression, rash or mouth sores and nerve damage. Celiac disease can develop at any age after people start consuming gluten. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional serious health problems.
Nor do you need to have Celiac disease to suffer ill effects from consuming gluten. An estimated 18 million Americans are gluten intolerant. Symptoms can be the same although the probability of long term damage is less likely. Gluten intolerant or gluten sensitive individuals can also benefit by adopting a gluten-free diet.
An initial conversation about Celiac Disease/Gluten Intolerance is scheduled for the Forest Lodge Library at 5:00 p.m. on April 6th. Presenter Kathy Sill, who has Celiac Disease and has been cooking gluten free for twelve years will talk about her own journey, field your questions and is interested in learning how we might all work together to develop a support community for those with Celiac/Gluten Intolerance. Other Celiac vets will be on hand and gluten-free snacks will be served.
When: Thursday, April 6th at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Your Forest Lodge Library
