TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about an autoimmune disorder that affects how millions of people eat, travel, and live.
Celiac disease impacts about three million people in the U.S. and more than 78 million worldwide. With at least 250 possible symptoms, it can be difficult to recognize and diagnose.
If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to serious health complications, including malnutrition and other autoimmune conditions.
Gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — is common in everyday foods and baked goods. For someone with celiac disease, eating gluten can trigger an immune response that damages the small intestine, including the villi that help the body absorb nutrients.
Over time, that damage can prevent proper nutrition.
Symptoms can vary widely and may include abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, constipation, and even depression or anxiety. Celiac can develop at any age and often runs in families.
Beyond the medical risks, many people say the strict gluten-free diet can feel isolated — especially in restaurants or at large gatherings.
“You do feel left out when they don’t make any provisions for your gluten free diet,” said Virginia Morgan, a facilitator with the Gluten Intolerance Group of Southern Arizona. “But at the same time, when they do make provisions, you feel so welcomed.”
Local support is available through groups like the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) of Southern Arizona, which hosts lunches and round tables to share updated information and connect the community. There are also online support groups for families, kids, and individuals across the country.
For those navigating meals out, several apps and tools can help identify safer options and avoid cross-contact, including Find Me GF, Gluten Dude, and The Gluten Free Scanner. Some tools can also help test foods for gluten or possible cross contamination.
And while gluten-free choices used to be limited, more mainstream brands and chains now offer gluten-free options — making safe eating more accessible than it was even a few years ago.
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