Over the past decade, we’ve seen a major increase in the number of people not only diagnosed with celiac disease but also with the percentage of individuals who can confidently say that know what it is. If you’re still unfamiliar with celiac disease, it’s defined as an autoimmune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.”
This is a very baseline definition, however, and there is actually a lot more to know about this incurable digestive condition. When a person with celiac disease ingests gluten, the body responds by attacking itself and damaging the lining of the small intestine. This leads to malnutrition because the bloodstream is unable to absorb nutrients.
The celiac disease comes with a wide array of symptoms, some of them completely undetectable, which is why the celiac disease can be dangerous if left unmanaged. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness reports there are over 300 symptoms of celiac disease. These include:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Itching Skin/Rashes
- Depression
- Irritability
- Infertility
- Thin Bones
- Constipation
- Fatigue
The list goes on and it’s important to note that frequent ingestion of gluten for those with celiac disease can lead to additional autoimmune diseases, bone deterioration and osteoporosis, thyroid conditions and even cancer.
While some people are born with the condition, it’s also something that can be developed over time. Celiac disease is often passed down genetically, which is why genetic testing has the ability to determine if you are at risk for developing the disease. It’s probably worth it, too, considering the NFCA has determined that 1 in every 133 Americans has the disorder.
With the growing number of American diagnosed with celiac disease expected to reach 50-60% of the United States population by the year 2019, Cottage Inn is determined to spread awareness and provide options for people living the gluten-free lifestyle. With our assortment of gluten-free options ranging from pizza to subs to cheese bread, we believe we’re doing just that.
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