What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an immune mediated response to gluten, significantly reducing the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Thirty percent of the United States population is genetically predisposed to carry celiac genetic markers1. Using this formula, it can be calculated that every minute approximately 2.5 children are born carrying this genetic predisposition.

Five out of six people with the disease have yet to be diagnosed by their physician, and are unnecessarily suffering uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing symptoms including bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, mouth ulcers, fatigue, or anemia. If undiagnosed, the disease can lead to more serious illnesses such as osteoporosis and intestinal cancer. Once diagnosed, a diet free of wheat, barley, rye and oats will alleviate the symptoms, usually within weeks, and will help prevent the onset of related illnesses.

Shannon Frink, Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian, says: “We are concerned that so many people in Grand Island could be undiagnosed, as celiac disease has a massive impact on daily life if you don’t know you have it. Our campaign’s aims are to get people talking about celiac disease, with the hope of getting people diagnosed more quickly than in the past as well as provide the support for those people following gluten-free living.”

People in Grand Island and surrounding areas interested in the Central Nebraska Celiac Support Group or learning more about Celiac Disease, are welcome to attend the next meeting on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hy-Vee Club Room.

A gluten-free meal is served for those wishing to eat ($5.00 fee), followed about a discussion about gluten-free living and camaraderie. This months meeting will have a special kid focus, just in time for Halloween. The participants will be preparing and sampling gluten-free snacks, so everyone is encouraged to bring a young friend.

Brochures on Celiac Awareness and the Central Nebraska Celiac Support Group are available at the Grand Island Hy-Vee.