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  • Jefferson Adams
    Jefferson Adams

    Nearly One-in-Three Americans Think People on a Gluten-Free Diet Just Want Attention

    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

    Meanwhile, a gluten-free diet remains the only treatment for more than 3 million Americans with celiac disease.

    Nearly One-in-Three Americans Think People on a Gluten-Free Diet Just Want Attention - Image: CC BY-SA 2.0--Thomas Berg
    Caption: Image: CC BY-SA 2.0--Thomas Berg

    Celiac.com 08/08/2023 - If you have celiac disease, you've likely encountered various attitudes from people as you try to navigate the world of gluten-free eating and dining. A nationwide survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Beyond Celiac help to put some detail into the attitudes Americans have toward gluten-free dieters.

    Those Who eat Gluten-Free are Seeking Attention

    The poll results indicates that Americans lack understanding and hold misconceptions about celiac disease. The survey, conducted among 2,081 U.S. adults in April 2023, found that 28% of Americans believe that those who eat gluten-free are merely seeking attention. 

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    However, for the 3.2 million Americans living with celiac disease, adhering to a strict gluten-free diet is vital to manage this serious autoimmune condition.

    The survey also highlighted other key misunderstandings about the disease. Only 27% of respondents realized that getting diagnosed with celiac disease is challenging, because many individuals without typical stomach or digestion-related symptoms do not get tested, and are misdiagnosed with other conditions. 

    Only 40% of Americans Aware that Untreated Celiac Disease can Lead Cancer

    Moreover, only 40% of Americans were aware that if left undiagnosed or untreated, celiac disease can lead to lymphoma, other cancers, additional autoimmune problems, and various life-threatening medical conditions.

    Another misconception found in the survey was that 43% of Americans thought that attending social events and parties would be difficult for individuals limited to gluten-free food.

    Beyond Celiac CEO Alice Bast emphasized the importance of increasing awareness about celiac disease. She stated that while celiac disease awareness has improved over the years, there is still work to be done to create a world where people with celiac disease can lead healthy lives without fear of social stigma or gluten exposure.

    Celiac disease causes damage to the small intestine and results in debilitating symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to severe long-term health issues such as infertility and certain types of cancer. While research into possible treatments continues, there are currently no medications or cure for celiac disease. 

    Following a strict gluten-free diet that excludes wheat, barley, and rye is the only way for those with celiac disease to manage their condition and live a healthy life. However, it's important to note that even with a gluten-free diet, there may still be health risks associated with the disease.

    Clearly, more work needs to be done on educating both the celiac patients, and the general public about the facts and risks of living with celiac disease.

    Read the full report on the survey, including methodology information, at beyondceliac.org
     


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    Auldtwa

    How many times have I stood in line at the supermarket and had the people in back of me make snide comments about "expensive fads" as I load my gluten-free stuff onto the belt.  I roll my eyes.  But how many times have I wanted to say "hand me that roll in YOUR cart and I'll projectile vomit all over you.

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    icarumba

    That's for sure. In fact, most people don't even know what celiac disease is. When I get offered something to eat, and I say that I can't eat that because I have celiac disease, they usually say, "What's that?"

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    Guest Sarah

    I had a relative tell me "You are faking it" when I was concerned about the careless reputation of a certain restaurant (I had gotten sick there before). I was over-ruled and ended up being sick that very night. I will never go to that restaurant again. 

    My gluten problems started way before the fad, and I have mixed feelings about the gluten free diet becoming a fad. I appreciate the wider variety of gluten free options, but I found that some "gluten-free" options still make me sick (most likely due to cross contamination). The restaurants that ask me if it is "preference or allergy" are the ones that are typically more careful, but I mostly make my own meals to decrease my chances of getting sick. 

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    Jim Chris

    During a visit from our son & wife, his wife told my wife to use a cooking ingredient with gluten saying "oh he won't notice". It is an attitude I've encountered before. 

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    Barbara McMaken

    What vitamins do I absolutely need to be taking with Celiac disease? I have so much itching.

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    trents
    2 hours ago, Barbara McMaken said:

    What vitamins do I absolutely need to be taking with Celiac disease? I have so much itching.

    B-complex, D3, Magnesium citrate or Magnesium glycinate (better absorbed than Magnesium oxide which is common in stores), zinc. Make sure all are gluten free.

    Do you have DH (dermatitis herpetifirmis)?

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    Barbara McMaken
    2 hours ago, trents said:

    B-complex, D3, Magnesium citrate or Magnesium glycinate (better absorbed than Magnesium oxide which is common in stores), zinc. Make sure all are gluten free.

    Do you have DH (dermatitis herpetifirmis)?

    I don't know. I haven't been told that by the dermatologist. 

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    CBird

    When that 'at tee tood' comes at me from someone, I now say "then you won't mind paying the emergency room bill if I eat that!" I once had a deli counter clerk roll his eyes when he suggested something and I said I can't eat that with the gluten in it. So I said the above to him. He just stared at me with a stunned look. I was fed up!

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    trents

    "Another misconception found in the survey was that 43% of Americans thought that attending social events and parties would be difficult for individuals limited to gluten-free food."

    Why is this a misconception? It is difficult!

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    Guest Celiacs Are Not Attention

    Posted

    That would be vegans/vegetarians hands down. :)

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    Shane7223
    On 8/16/2023 at 10:32 AM, Barbara McMaken said:

    I don't know. I haven't been told that by the dermatologist. 

    Barbara, instead of seeing a dermatologist, I would recommend you see a functional physician that practices in Eastern Medicine... I was dxed with Celiac among other things, by this sort of doctor. 

     

    Western medicine is generally lacking in it's knowledge. For example, I have 47XXY aka  Klinefelter's Syndrome. People with this syndrome and other chromosome variations beyond Downs Syndrome or Turners Syndrome, are all prone to developing autoimmune disorders like Celiac. 

     

    It's not just the Gluten, but also the Hormones, Refined sugars, and obviously Dairy. 

    In Eastern medicine (Ayurveda) , they do not practice in using things that are harmful to the body. Taoist do not either.  They maintain healthiness as other cultures do like the Khemetian, Igbo and Benin tribes of Africa by consuming what (NTJR/nTjr Kemetic language before Ægyp) and (Nature in English) provides them, not man made synthetic trash.

     

    Search around the world... you'll be surprised what you can learn. 

     

    Best wishes to you. Mm

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    Jane07

    That’s a good article thanks till I had this I never really thought about it. Yes  gluten free foods more and it really hard.  I wish I could eat gluten I can’t . 
    people don’t understand no needs for rude comments 😞

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  • About Me

    Jefferson Adams

    Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University. His articles, essays, poems, stories and book reviews have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and websites, including North American Project, Antioch Review, Caliban, Mississippi Review, Slate, and more. He is the author of more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His university coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously devised health and medical content for Colgate, Dove, Pfizer, Sharecare, Walgreens, and more. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of numerous books, including "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

    >VIEW ALL ARTICLES BY JEFFERSON ADAMS

     


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