Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) Opens up the Floor for Questions on Living

Gluten-free at Virtual Education Event on February 28

Panel of Experts Offers Lively Exchange on all Things Gluten-free

AUBURN, WA (February 14, 2023)—The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), one of the largest nonprofit gluten-free advocacy organizations, invites consumers to take advantage of a free virtual education event featuring a team of experts in the gluten-free field. The event, “Insights & Information to Inspire Your Gluten-Free Life,” is being held February 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET and will include a Q&A session during which consumers can get answers to their most pressing questions on navigating a gluten-free lifestyle.

GIG has been empowering the gluten-free community for nearly five decades through consumer support, advocacy and education and its upcoming event is aimed at paving the way to greater health and happiness for people living a gluten-free lifestyle. According to Statista, interest in gluten-free living is on the rise: 10% of people in the U.S. follow a gluten-free diet and that number jumps to 13% among Generation Z and 14% among millennials.

Based on its advocacy work and research, GIG has identified three main aspects that matter most to consumers: Diet & Nutrition, Health & Medical and Lifestyle/Social. The discussion will cover these topics, delving into nutrition, dining out, social support, relationships, traveling, cross-contact and getting appropriate medical support.

Common medical questions may include: What kind of follow-up to have after diagnosis of a gluten-related disorder, or how to tell if you have a gluten intolerance. Other lifestyle questions may involve how to manage relationships as you’re adapting to new habits or how to enjoy dining out.

Event participants will have a chance to submit questions in advance, which will form the basis for the interactive panel discussion. GIG’s panelists, each of whom has deep expertise in their respective areas, include:

Ritu Verma, medical director of the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center – Dr. Verma currently serves as the section chief of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition and the medical director of the University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital Celiac Center. She’s passionate about helping her patients and their families manage their GI conditions and is committed to ensuring a seamless continuum of care throughout their journeys as they transition from pediatric to adult gastroenterology programs.

Erica Dermer, gluten-free lifestyle expert and advocate at Celiac and the Beast, and GIG Cares community relations manager – Dermer is a well-known digestive health expert, content creator and advocate at Celiac and the Beast. She’s known for her work covering the trade show floor searching for the best gluten-free products and celiac disease research at national events like Natural Products Expo and gluten-free expos across the country, as well as in her role as a patient advocate at digestive health conferences like Digestive Disease Week and more.

Jessica Lebovits, RD, CDN, expert in celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders – Lebovitz is dedicated to helping those with gastrointestinal disorders live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy food to the fullest. Based in New York, she’s an expert in celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. Lebovitz has celiac disease herself and is otherwise known as the @gfree_rd. Lebovitz is well-trained in guiding those with IBS, SIBO, GERD, gastroparesis, lactose/fructose intolerance, IBD, EoE, osteopenia/osteoporosis, diabetes, anemia and cardiovascular disease.

For more information or to register for the Virtual Education Event on February 28, click here.

Additional Resources on Gluten-free Living

In addition to its ongoing series of free virtual education events, GIG offers consumers an abundance of free resources, whether you’re just beginning your gluten-free lifestyle journey or searching for a local support group. Another great tool for anyone new to gluten-free living is GIG’s step-by-step guide to getting started on a gluten-free diet.

About the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)

The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association funded by private donations, sponsorship opportunities and food safety programs. It relies on tax-deductible contributions to support its many innovative industry, service, social and awareness programs. GIG has been a highly respected leader in the gluten-free community since it was founded in 1974. In addition to more than 80 local support groups across the United States, GIG has increased its presence internationally to 50 countries. GIG’s mission is to make life easier for everyone living gluten-free and it does this through consumer support, education and its food safety programs. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a program of GIG, is a leader in the verification of quality, integrity and purity of gluten-free products. The Gluten-Free Food Service (GFFS) program is a proven model of established best practices for foodservice facilities offering gluten-free options. GIG is committed to ongoing food safety research to assure customers and consumers the highest level of excellence in its gluten-free programs and services. For information, visit www.gluten.org.

Media Contact: Joe Garber, Sterling Kilgore, jgarber@sterlingkilgore.com, 847-630-5005

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