May is “Celiac Awareness Month”!

In the United States, 1 in 100 people are diagnosed with celiac disease, but approximately 83% of Americans remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

This month is all about raising awareness, recognizing the symptoms, and understanding just how important safe, gluten-free food is for those who need it. By spreading the word and talking about it, we help more people get properly diagnosed and remind them they’re not alone on this journey.

Whether you’re living gluten-free yourself or know someone who is, your voice matters more than you know. Sharing or listening to someone’s story can make a real difference.

What it feels like to live with celiac (beyond gut issues)

When most people hear “celiac disease,” they think stomach problems—and sure, that’s a big part of it. But for so many living with celiac, the real struggle goes way beyond the gut.

Brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, joint pain, and skin rashes are just some of the lesser-known symptoms that people don’t always connect to gluten.  Celiac disease isn’t “all in your head,” and it’s not all about food.

During Celiac Awareness Month, we want to help you, and others see the full picture. Understanding what living with celiac really feels like leads to better support, quicker diagnoses, and a whole lot more compassion.

(Read More) Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Testing, Treatment & Research

The Path to Diagnosis:

For most people with celiac disease, getting diagnosed isn’t always simple—or fast. A lot of people find that it’s a long, frustrating journey filled with symptoms that don’t make sense and doctor visits that leave you with more questions than answers.

Here’s the deal: two blood tests can point your doctor in the right direction. However, it’s vitally important that you have these blood tests before starting a gluten-free diet. If those tests show signs of celiac disease, more testing will follow to confirm the diagnosis.

For help with what the process looks like, this is a great place to start:  3 Steps to a Celiac Disease Diagnosis – GIG® Gluten Intolerance Group®