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.
