Huntsville Observes National Celiac Disease Awareness Day with Calls for Greater Understanding and Support

Huntsville Highlights National Celiac Disease Awareness Day

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – September 13 is a day filled with important discussions as we recognize Celiac Disease Awareness Day. This autoimmune condition affects about 1 in 100 individuals, yet it often remains misunderstood. Family Nurse Practitioner Dr. Efrat LaMandre urges everyone to pay more attention to celiac disease, as it can lead to serious health issues for those affected.

Understanding Celiac Disease

Unlike gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences, celiac disease is a serious condition that requires a strict gluten-free lifestyle. As Dr. LaMandre explains, “The general public has lumped together people who truly have celiac and people that have sensitivity, and while both populations are suffering, people with celiac, it’s non-negotiable and they can become deathly ill.” It’s crucial to differentiate between actual celiac disease and simply choosing to avoid gluten for other reasons.

For those with celiac, even the smallest trace of gluten can lead to significant health consequences—this includes not only what you eat but also what you come into contact with. Gluten can sneak its way into various products you might not expect, such as certain makeup, spices, and even natural flavorings. This makes it incredibly challenging for individuals to manage their daily lives, whether they’re grocery shopping or dining out.

Anecdotes from the Community

Makinna Sartin, a local resident living with celiac disease, shares her experience. “I avoid eating out because people don’t really understand how severe my reaction to gluten is,” she states. She emphasizes that even a small amount of gluten, like that found in a cross-contaminated fryer, can lead to painful consequences. “It’s really difficult to try to explain this, especially to service workers.”

Dr. LaMandre advises anyone showing symptoms of celiac disease—such as joint pain, stomach upsets, and headaches—to seek testing. Symptoms can vary widely, making it even more essential for individuals to gain clarity around their health issues.

A Positive Perspective on a Life-Changing Diagnosis

For Sartin, the diagnosis was a huge turning point. “I lived probably eight years with significant symptoms ingesting something that was ultimately harming me,” she recalls. “Even though it can be really scary to change your lifestyle after a celiac diagnosis, I think that’s something that’s worth it, because my quality of life is so much better now.”

Building a supportive network is key for Makinna. “I’ve had to be very diligent about checking ingredient lists and educating people about my lifestyle changes.” She emphasizes that if more people learned about celiac disease, it would lead to a safer environment for all those affected. “I think that by spreading awareness of what it is maybe we can break down some of the stigma of ‘we’re not going to take this seriously. It’s not about being difficult for us; it’s about continuing to live and be healthy.”

Community Support

It’s heartening to see a shift in understanding around celiac disease. Sartin mentions that her family has become proactive in understanding her dietary restrictions. “Before holiday meals, they often run their ingredients by me before preparing a dish,” she shares proudly.

This growing awareness is an essential part of moving forward, not just for those with celiac disease, but for anyone who has dietary restrictions or health issues that require careful attention to food choices.

As we observe National Celiac Disease Awareness Day, it’s a great opportunity to educate ourselves and those around us. With a little compassion and understanding, we can help make a world that’s safer and more inclusive for everyone, especially those with celiac disease.