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May is celiac disease awareness month and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), is starting a new campaign to educate families about this autoimmune disorder.

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease (CD) is a genetic autoimmune condition that is triggered by the protein gluten. In celiac, gluten causes damage to the lining of the small intestine and interferes with proper absorption of vitamins and nutrients.

It is estimated that 1% of the population has celiac and majority of people do not have symptoms.

Major symptoms include: bloating, diarrhea or constipation, skin issues, delayed growth, numbness or tingling, headaches, and infertility.

To learn more about gluten, read Dr. Ellie’s previous posts on gluten here.

Talk.Tell.Test

The video on the NFCA’s website, is a perfect example of some of the conversations that should take place if one member in a family has celiac disease.

Why?

Because celiac disease runs in families and has a very strong genetic component. NFCA pushes people with celiac disease to Talk to their family members, Tell their doctor, and Test for celiac disease.

It is important for family members to get proper testing to prevent further damage from occurring as well as making important lifestyle changes. Since celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, it can increase your risk of developing other autoimmune diseases if not properly diagnosed and treated.

Click here for a helpful handout on the TalkTellTest campaign from NFCA: Seriously, Celiac Disease_Talking to Your Doctor_2015

#TalkTellTest

Give Starting Point Acupuncture & Wellness, a call today (425) 686-4498 to learn more about how to find a solution to get your digestion back on track!

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Dr. Ellie Heintze, ND, LAc, is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist in Bothell, WA at her practice Starting Point Acupuncture. She is a pain specialist, seeing people who suffer from chronic pain, migraines, as well as digestive issues. Offering pain relief injections, acupuncture, and nutrition consults. Most insurances accepted. Dr. Ellie Heintze is also the author of the book, A Starting Point Guide to Going Gluten-Free on Amazon.