Celiac Disease Awareness Month
Hi there, Christina here. I can’t believe we’re already halfway through May. As we settle into spring, I want to take a moment to highlight something incredibly important…Celiac Disease Awareness Month.
Each May, we take time to raise awareness about Celiac Disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. This month is about educating ourselves and others about what it really means to live with celiac disease, and how we can better support those navigating it.
To help bring this topic closer to home, I’d like to begin with a personal story that has made this subject especially meaningful to me and my family.
👉 Watch Christina’s personal story here.
Gluten Sensitivity vs. Celiac Disease: What’s the Difference?
While both gluten sensitivity and Celiac Disease involve unpleasant symptoms after consuming gluten, they are very different conditions.
- Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder. When someone with celiac eats gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye), their immune system attacks the small intestine. This can lead to long-term damage and serious health issues like nutrient malabsorption, anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, and more.
- Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity does not involve the immune system in the same way. People may experience symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, brain fog, or fatigue, but there is no intestinal damage or autoimmune response. While the symptoms can be uncomfortable and disruptive, they are not causing long-term harm to the body.
It’s important to note: Celiac Disease requires a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet. Even small traces of gluten can trigger damage. Gluten sensitivity, on the other hand, may be managed differently depending on individual tolerance.
3 Signs You Might Have Celiac Disease
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it might be time to talk to your doctor as well as a registered dietitian:
1️⃣ Chronic Digestive Issues – Ongoing bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain after eating gluten.
2️⃣ Unexplained Fatigue or Brain Fog – Feeling tired all the time or having trouble concentrating may be linked to nutrient deficiencies caused by intestinal damage.
3️⃣ Weight Loss – Unintentional weight loss can be a significant sign of celiac disease due to malabsorption of nutrients from the small intestine.
4️⃣ Anxiety & Depression – Alongside gastrointestinal issues individuals may suffer from unexplained anxiety and depression or behavioural issues, due to malabsorption of nutrients.
Celiac disease can also present in less obvious ways, including joint pain, delayed growth in children, rashes and reproductive challenges.
How a Registered Dietitian Can Help
If you suspect you have Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity, after diagnosis from a physician, a Registered Dietitian can be a vital part of your care team. Here’s how they can help:
Guide the Diagnosis Process – A dietitian can help identify if your symptoms may be diet-related and ensure you receive proper testing before cutting out gluten, which is essential for accurate results.
Create a Personalized Gluten-Free Plan – Navigating a gluten-free diet can be overwhelming. A dietitian can help you build a balanced, nourishing plan and suggest products that fit your lifestyle.
Support Label Reading and Meal Planning – Learn how to spot hidden sources of gluten, plan safe meals, and maintain proper nutrition even with restrictions.
Connect you with Evidence Based Resources – due to the level of misinformation in this field, registered dietitians are here to help.At HEC, our dietitians are here to walk alongside you with compassion, expertise, and practical guidance.
Chat with a Registered Dietitian today!
Moving Forward with Confidence
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, suspect you have a gluten intolerance, or simply want to better understand your body – you’re not alone. Reach out, get curious, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.💚
For more resources and support, visit the Canadian Celiac Association or reach out to our team at HEC to learn how we can support you on your wellness journey.