Coeliac disease (pronounced see-liac) is a long-term autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks your own tissues when you consume gluten. It primarily affects the small intestine and damages the lining of the gut which means the body will not be able to absorb nutrients from foods.
It is a common misconception that coeliac disease is an allergy or food intolerance. It affects 1 in a 100 people but only 30% of people who have the condition have been diagnosed. Symptoms of coeliac disease include: diarrhoea, bloating, vomiting, stomach aches, indigestion and constipation.
This year coeliac awareness week is running from 10-16 May and is focusing on creating new opportunities for earlier diagnosis of the disease in children. There are half a million-people undiagnosed with coeliac disease in the UK alone and this week aims to empower parents to take the right steps in recognising the symptoms of coeliac disease so more children can be diagnosed and allow them to lead a happy and healthy life!
#ShineALightOnCoeliac
Take part in coeliac awareness week this year and get out there this May and June to raise funds for Coeliac UK. The registration fee to participate is £10 and get creative with how you choose to participate. Coeliac UK are encouraging you to incorporate the number 50 into whatever you do! So, if you want to raise money through baking gluten-free cupcakes, bake 50. Or, if you choose to run, run for 50 minutes! Whatever you choose to do, shine as brightly as you can! For more information on how to participate, click here.
Here are some ideas:
- Get baking – whatever your favourite sweet treat is, turn it gluten-free and bake 50 of them.
- Go on a 50km run or walk
- Auction – the easiest way to let go of your keep sakes might be to raise money for a worthy cause, so take this opportunity.
- Matched Giving – don’t be shy to ask your employer if they can match the amount that you raise.
At Love Yourself, we try to accommodate to everyone’s dietary needs and we are proud to have a gluten-free diet as part of our range. In support of coeliac awareness week, why not go gluten-free for one week. There are many benefits of going gluten-free such as increased energy levels, reduced bloating and can aid your weight loss journey. Check out our innovative dishes that are freshly prepared and delivered straight to your door here.
If you are on social media, search the hashtag #ShineALightOnCoeliac to see how others are participating in coeliac awareness week! If you are a celiac, check out our article on the benefits of eating a gluten-free diet here. Share how you participated in coeliac awareness with us over on Instagram (@loveyourselfhq)
By Pooja Depala