Did you know that September 13th was Celiac Awareness Day? Neither did I,so I missed my opportunity to help spread the word about this condition that affects 3 million Americans on that day, so I am taking time today to make up for that.
While I have never been tested for Celiac, there are several members of my immediate and extended family who have tested postive for it. And because I had the same symptoms as they did before I started eating gluten free, I am fairly certain I have it too.
One thing to remember is that Celiac Disease can affect different people in different ways, so it is sometimes difficult to diagnose. So, If you have any of the major symptoms you should consider either being tested or doing a trial gluten free diet.This symptom list comes from Celiac Disease Foundation’s website:
CLASSIC SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE
- Abdominal cramping, intestinal gas
- Distention and bloating of the stomach
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both)
- Steatorrhea – fatty stools
- Anemia – unexplained, due to folic acid, B12 or iron deficiency (or all)
- Unexplained weight loss with large appetite or weight gain
OTHER SYMPTOMS
- Dental enamel defects
- Osteopenia, osteoporosis
- Bone or joint pain
- Fatigue, weakness and lack of energy
- Infertility – male/female
- Depression
- Mouth ulcers
- Delayed puberty
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Migraine headaches
SOME LONG-TERM CONDITIONS THAT CAN RESULT FROM UNTREATED CD
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Early onset osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Vitamin K deficiency associated with risk for hemorrhaging
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Central and peripheral nervous system disorders – usually due to unsuspected nutrient deficiencies
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Intestinal lymphomas and other GI cancers (malignancies)
- Gall bladder malfunction
- Neurological manifestations
When I started eating gluten free, it was my intention to do so for 2 weeks to see if I felt better. I felt so much better that I never went back to eating gluten. I have tried many gluten free snacks over the years, and to be honest, not all of them are that good. But, the new Clif’s Kit Bars are delicious. Even my non-gluten free husband likes them.
To help spread the word about Celiac Disease, Clif is sponsoring a giveaway of Clif’s Kit Bars and Clif’s Luna Bars:
CLIF Kit’s Organic is a new, simply delicious fruit and nut bar made with a handful of ingredients. Available in four great-tasting flavors (Berry Almond, Cashew, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Almond Coconut) Kit’s Organic is certified gluten-free, soy-free and dairy-free. Plus, each is 200 calories or less.
Another great gluten-free treat from CLIF Bar is LUNA Protein. Under 200 calories, LUNA Protein bars are certified gluten free, have 12 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and the CORE 4™ nutrients women need most: calcium, iron, vitamin D and folate.
Five lucky readers of Fabgrandma will each win an assortment of Kit’s Organic and LUNA Protein bars. Just enter using the Rafflecopter form below:
This giveaway ends on October 9, 2012 at 12:01 a.m. The prize is an assortment of Kit’s Organic and LUNA Protein bars to each of (5) five winners. Giveaway is open to residents of the United States only. Winners will be notified by email, so be sure to use a valid email address when entering. Winners will have 48 hours after being notified of winning to respond with their shipping address, or another winner will be chosen. Prizes are the responsibility of and will be shipped by the sponsor.
About Karen
I think the cashew sounds good to me, because I love cashews.
Chocolate chip crunch!
The peanut butter one! Peanut butter makes everything better
Oatmeal raisin walnut sounds awesome.
the chocolate almond coconut Kit’s Organic bar
Black Cherry Almond
They all sound delicious! I think the Chocolate Almond Coconut would be my favorite.
The chocolate brownie!
i want to try the white chocolate macadamia
Cookies and Creme
Chocolate Almond Coconut!
berry almond
Chocolate Brownie would be my choice!
I would love to try the cashew.
Choc almond coconut
chocolate almond coconut
Peanut Butter
chocolate almond coconut
I would love to try the Peanut Butter.
Thanks for the contest!
I think I would like Cool Mint Chocolate.
The berry almond sounds good. Thanks!!
Chocolate peanut butter.
cashew
I would love to try the peanut butter.
Peanut Butter
I would love the berry almond.
iced gingerbread sounds divine.
I’d like the Chocolate Chip Crunch Bar!
I think I would like the Berry Almond.
The cookie dough sounds great! :O)
Peanut butter!
i like the chocolare brownie
Black Cherry Almond
I would like to try iced gingerbread.
The Berry Almond looks so good!
lauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com