National Celiac Awareness Day

National Celiac Awareness Day is an American day to support people suffering from celiac disease. This is a disease in which the body cannot process gluten. It is celebrated annually on September 13th.

History

Officially, Celiac Disease Day was approved by the US Senate so that more people were aware of this disease. The pathology was discovered in 1888. Pediatrician Samuel Gee tried to find the cause of symptoms in patients who complained of abdominal pain and gastrointestinal upset. As a result, the doctor came to the conclusion the clinical picture directly depends on the food taken. Later it was found the use of foods with gluten leads to these symptoms. These food items include pasta, wheat bread, beer, many cereals, meat products, carbonated drinks, and many more.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by gluten intolerance. As a result, the mucous membrane of the small intestine is disturbed, which leads to problems with the absorption of nutrients from the food consumed. The disease is inherited. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment. The only way to get rid of the disease is to eat only foods that do not contain gluten.

Interesting facts

• The birth date Samuel Gee, who discovered this disease, is taken as the date of National Celiac Awareness Day.
• According to statistics, 5% of the world’s population suffers from celiac disease.
• Celiac disease cannot be contracted as an adult. It is passed down exclusively by inheritance.

How to take part

Read more about this disease on the Internet. Create social media posts to get more people involved in this issue. If someone close to you suffers from gluten intolerance, you can learn how to prepare meals that are suitable.

When sharing lunches and dinners with people suffering from celiac disease, you can give up your usual food and eat gluten-free dishes to support them.

When is National Celiac Awareness Day celebrated in 2023?

National Celiac Awareness Day is observed on September 13 each year.

Observations