Celiac Awareness Month
Friday October 15, 2004
Celiac disease is a permanent, lifelong intolerance to gluten. October has been proclaimed Celiac Awareness month in order to call attention to the problem.
"Celiac disease is the most common inherited autoimmune illness in America," says Dr. Cynthia Rudert, FACP. Dr. Rudert, who practices medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, is the Medical Advisor for both the Celiac Disease Foundation and the Gluten Intolerance Group of America.
She says as many as one in 133 Americans may have celiac disease. "The vast majority are unaware that they have the condition," Rudert says.
Rudert says a common symptom is abdominal discomfort. The condition can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and long-term effects can include thyroid problems, osteoporosis, infertility and disorders of the nervous system.
"The only treatment available is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet," says Rudert. "A gluten-free diet is a healthy diet, and with the many options available today, it is not difficult to follow."
For more information on the linkage between Celiac disease and thyroid problems, read: The Celiac/Autoimmune Thyroid Connection
"Celiac disease is the most common inherited autoimmune illness in America," says Dr. Cynthia Rudert, FACP. Dr. Rudert, who practices medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, is the Medical Advisor for both the Celiac Disease Foundation and the Gluten Intolerance Group of America.
She says as many as one in 133 Americans may have celiac disease. "The vast majority are unaware that they have the condition," Rudert says.
Rudert says a common symptom is abdominal discomfort. The condition can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and long-term effects can include thyroid problems, osteoporosis, infertility and disorders of the nervous system.
"The only treatment available is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet," says Rudert. "A gluten-free diet is a healthy diet, and with the many options available today, it is not difficult to follow."
For more information on the linkage between Celiac disease and thyroid problems, read: The Celiac/Autoimmune Thyroid Connection
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