The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is committed to educating and empowering the public with an understanding of celiac disease. Each year in May we celebrate Celiac Awareness Month with the help of the Foundation and other public and private participants. Here at Picazzo’s we have made it our mission, throughout the month of May, to educate those in our community about the condition and raise awareness for those maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle.
About Celiac Disease
Celiac is an autoimmune disease that is caused by the malabsorption of the protein gliadin found in gluten. Any presence of gluten causes the body to attack the small intestine, which manifests a range of symptoms that depend on the severity of the patient’s disorder. Celiac is highly adaptable at any given age. Clinical manifestations can range from a multitude of symptoms. Two of the most common are associated with gastrointestinal and hematologic complications. Gastrointestinal includes bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain, anorexia, and failure to grow. Hematologic manifestations are also prevalent and present a number of anemic complications. These complications include malabsorption of micronutrients such as iron or vitamin B12. Patients who are diagnosed must follow a complete gluten-free diet, excluding any items with wheat, barley, rye, and other wheat-based grains.
Active researchers continue to contribute and accelerate innovative ways to cure the disease. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is dedicated to support and bring those struggling with celiac closer to a solution.
In honor or Celiac Awareness Month, we would like to share a few facts with you:
• Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disease that damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.
• An estimated 1 in 133 Americans, or about 1% of the population, has celiac disease.
• Celiac disease can affect men and women across all ages and races.
• It is estimated that 83% of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions.
• 6-10 years is the average time a person waits to be correctly diagnosed. (Source: Daniel Leffler, MD, MS, The Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center)
• 5-22% of celiac patients have an immediate family member (1st degree relative) who also has celiac.
• Celiac disease can lead to a number of other disorders including infertility, reduced bone density, neurological disorders, some cancers, and other autoimmune diseases.
• Over a four-year period, people with undiagnosed celiac disease cost an average of $3,964 more than healthy individuals. (Source: Long et al, 2010)
• There are NO pharmaceutical cures for celiac disease.
• A 100% gluten-free diet is the only existing treatment for celiac today.
• A positive attitude, 100% of the time, helps celiacs create a gluten-free lifestyle for themselves and their affected family members.
Here at Picazzo’s we are proud to offer one of the most robust gluten free menus in Arizona. Those will celiac or a gluten intolerance can rest assured that we maintain a gluten free kitchen. It is our goal to cater to the unique dietary needs of these individuals, all while delivering an exceptional dining experience. Did we mention that we also focus on delivering a delicious flavor profile?
Have questions about celiac disease? We encourage you to pose them here! Better yet, visit any one of our 5 locations. Pick up free literature on celiac disease and explore our gluten free menu. With 87 gluten free menu offerings, we assure you that you won’t be disappointed!
Would you like to learn more about celiac disease? Follow our blog! Here we will be sharing news and information that impacts those with the disease. While you’re here, be sure and check out these recent popular posts:
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