Many people living with celiac disease consider the gluten-free diet to be the cure for the condition. At Beyond Celiac, we love the positive attitude that many in our community have toward the gluten-free diet, which has helped to people to restore their health and reclaim their lives. Unfortunately, the fact is that the gluten-free diet is notenough to properly control celiac disease.

Here are 3 reasons why we need a cure for celiac disease:

1. 70% of people with celiac disease still have intestinal damage, despite best efforts to stay strictly gluten-free. That’s because avoiding gluten is harder than it seems, and many could be getting glutened, even when symptoms aren’t present. Ongoing intestinal damage means there is a real risk for long-term health consequences and could be causing symptoms regularly.
2. Celiac disease stops many people from living their lives to the fullest. In a Beyond Celiac survey, nearly half of the respondents said they didn’t do something they wanted to because of their disease. This could be avoiding vacations, turning down a job because of travel requirements, skipping family functions and more. What’s more, 68% said they are even embarrassed by their disease and the need for a gluten-free diet. This could cause people to cheat or take risks with their health to avoid embarrassment.
3. Celiac disease is the only autoimmune disease with a known trigger: gluten. Not only does knowing this help people to manage the disease, but it also helps researchers get closer to better treatment options and even a cure. Fully understanding how celiac disease works, what triggers the disease and more could help researchers answer the same questions for other autoimmune diseases where no trigger is known currently.

How YOU Can Help Forge the Pathways to a Cure

Beyond Celiac, formerly known as the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, is on a mission to drive a cure for celiac disease. But, we can’t do it alone! You can help forge the pathways to a cure today by signing up for the Research Opt-In. By signing up, you’re agreeing to be informed about the latest in celiac disease research, as well as the opportunities to get involved. This could range from surveys and focus groups to participation in a clinical trial. Being informed is the first step toward making a change. Sign up today at www.BeyondCeliac.org/ResearchOptIn.

Beyond Celiac thanks Thai Kitchen for their support of this blog post!