Gluten is a protein found in some grains and can cause serious problems for people with Celiac Disease or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. It can also pose a problem for people with Gluten Ataxia or wheat allergies. That’s why some people have to go on a Gluten-Free Diet.

This eating plan excludes all foods that contain gluten. Since gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale, these grains are left out of the diet plan. Of course, gluten can also be found in other processed foods, so people sensitive to gluten must carefully read packages to ensure the product is gluten-free.

Since November is Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month, it’s important for everyone to consider the needs of people on gluten-free diets and help spread the word about gluten-free diets.

The History of Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month

Although we’re unsure of exactly when Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month was created, we do know that it was established by The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. They created this month to raise awareness about gluten intolerance and to increase the support provided to people suffering from Celiac Disease or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity.

Important Facts About Gluten & Celiac Disease

Anyone familiar with the work we do here probably knows that we’re not going to miss an opportunity to delve into the subject of holiday observance. Since Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month is concerned with gluten, we thought we’d take a few moments to list some of the facts we’ve learned about gluten below.

• Not everyone with gluten sensitivity will develop Celiac Disease.
• Celiac Disease is diagnosed through bowel and blood tests.
• There is no reliable test currently to determine whether an individual has Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity.
• Approximately 5-6% of the American population has some degree of gluten sensitivity.
• Symptoms of Celiac Disease include diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, bloating, vomiting, anemia, mouth ulcers, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, and constipation.
• Symptoms of gluten sensitivity include headaches, numbness in limbs, joint pain, and brain fog.
• Wheat allergy symptoms include trouble breathing, congestion, itching, swelling around the throat or mouth, and skin rashes.

Observing Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month

During this month, people are encouraged to spread the news about this observance. This can easily be done by hosting gluten-free events or by using the hashtag #GlutenFreeDietAwarenessMonth.

People can also share their gluten-free recipes using that hashtag. Other things that people can do include supporting friends or family members who have Celiac Disease and donating to organizations that support those with this disease.