09/13/2026
131 years ago a doctor named Samuel Gee first linked gluten to celiac disease, and today, on his birthday, we celebrate National Celiac Awareness Day.๐๐
Celiac disease is one of the worldโs most prevalent genetic autoimmune diseases, affecting an estimated 3 million Americans, 70-80% of whom are undiagnosed. Causing the body to attack its own small intestine, it can lead to many other devastating health conditions, including cancer.
Celiac disease is legally recognized as a disability in the United States under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. There is no cure and no medication for this autoimmune disease. The only proven and approved way to manage celiac disease is strict, lifelong avoidance of gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye). The GF diet is not a fad, trend, or them being difficult. It is very serious for those living with this autoimmune disease every single day.
For people with celiac disease, even tiny amounts of glutenโas little as 20 parts per million (ppm)โcan trigger an immune response and damage the small intestine. So next time you think someone is being "difficult" or "overbearing" I hope this education comes to mind. This is a difficult autoimmune disease to navigate and help advocate for.
I encourage everyone who reads this post, to share and educate those around you. Just because someone may look fine on the outside doesn't mean they are on this inside. ๐
