Celiac disease is often called a “clinical chameleon,” and for good reason. There can be an overwhelming amount of symptoms, and these symptoms vary widely from person to person—there are even some people who have no symptoms at all, called “asymptomatic celiac.” A proper diagnosis can be elusive when symptoms shift from person to person, when celiac appears to be masquerading as a different condition. We hear all the time: “I never had stomach issues, so I didn’t think it could be celiac.” But the truth is, celiac disease is more than a digestive condition; it’s an autoimmune disease that can impact nearly every system in the body.
Unlike other conditions with more obviously unique symptoms, celiac disease shows up in ways many wouldn’t expect: skin rashes, unexplained infertility, recurring miscarriages, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, persistent migraines, poor night vision, or anemia. These symptoms don’t scream “celiac,” and too often they’re brushed off, misdiagnosed, or chalked up to something else entirely.
It’s frustrating. It’s sneaky. And it’s why some people struggle for years with these “chameleon” symptoms before getting diagnosed, and many more remain misdiagnosed or undiagnosed altogether.
And yet, despite the 250+ debilitating symptoms of celiac disease, there is still just one highly-restrictive treatment: a lifelong gluten-free diet with no backup for accidental exposure. That’s not good enough. Our community deserves more. You deserve options.
At Beyond Celiac, we envision a future where people with celiac disease can choose the treatment that works best for their unique symptoms and unique lifestyle—whether that’s diet alone, medication, or a combination of both. And we deserve empathy from our family and friends. We don’t want to be socially isolated. We all know too well that our social and emotional well-being is truly foundational to a person’s ability to live life to the fullest.
If you believe in this vision and want to help create treatment options for people with celiac disease, add your support to our Fall Campaign; give before the end of September and your gift will be matched by a generous donor.
Want to do more?
And don’t forget to mark your calendar for National Celiac Awareness Day on September 13th. It’s a perfect time to:
I implore you to join our efforts this September, however you can, to raise awareness of celiac disease and all its effects. Together, we can and do achieve real progress in the race toward treatments for celiac disease—and ultimately, to help people with celiac disease live longer and healthier lives.
Together for a cure,
—Alice
Autumn is in the air, students are back at school, and we’re ready to connect at Step Beyond Celiac!
Gather your friends and family to raise funds for celiac disease research—let’s race toward a cure together!
Autumn, back-to-school, and football season—there’s a chill in the air, so cozy up with a comforting bowl of chili. Make the base recipe and customize it with substitutions and additions to your taste. Great for meal prep or family gatherings!
Apple season is here! Indulge with this not-too-sweet apple cake, and, if you’re in the mood, caramel topping. Bonus points if you take friends, family, or a date to an apple orchard and pick your apple bounty yourself!
“At first, I often felt like an outsider, wondering why my body couldn’t just be ‘normal.’ Now, at 23, everything has changed. I’ve not only understood this disease inside out, but I’ve also found purpose in it. What once felt like a limitation has become my greatest strength. I’m a nutrition scholar now, and guide others with knowledge, empathy, and the lived wisdom of my own path. I never want anyone to feel as lost or alone as I once did. The girl who used to feel broken now lives fully—and helps others heal too.”
Read Princi’s Story
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Is sourdough bread safe for someone with celiac disease?
No, wheat-based sourdough bread is not gluten-free. If you are on a strict, gluten-free diet, do no eat sourdough bread unless it is clearly labeled gluten-free or has been made safely at-home with gluten-free starters and ingredients.
The myth that sourdough is naturally suitable for those on a gluten-free diet comes from the idea that sourdough contains less gluten than traditional breads. While sourdough may have less gluten than, for example, a standard wheat loaf, it is still more gluten than is safe for someone with celiac disease.
If you want to eat gluten-free sourdough, you can make your own from the comfort of your kitchen.
A Phase 2 clinical trial is testing a potential treatment, Amlitelimab, for celiac disease. Amlitelimab is a monoclonal antibody that is proposed to work in celiac disease by interrupting the immune response that occurs.
In IBS patients, celiac disease diagnosis may be being missed in some cases, while in others the gluten-free diet may not be necessary, according to two new studies.
Read more research news on our Research News Feed
Struggling with your celiac disease symptoms? We are looking for people with celiac disease to take part in a clinical study. You may be eligible to participate if you:
Living with celiac disease can be challenging. See if you may qualify for our study today.
This award provides $40,000 for one year to independent investigators at any career stage researching new directions in celiac disease or gluten-related disorders. Applications are due September 18, 2025, and funding begins April 1, 2026.
This time of year, upperclassmen will be encouraged to consider their plans after high school. If you have a child with celiac disease, allergies, or other food restrictions who wants to attend university, check out this list of four standout schools.
Cooking in a kitchen with others who eat gluten doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience! To help you stay safe, share our reference guide with housemates. This is perfect for anyone with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity who shares a kitchen with people eating gluten, including family, roommates, a significant other, or anyone else learning to accommodate gluten-free needs.
Looking to connect with community? Check out a dinner in LA, speed-friending in NYC, a baseball game in DC, and fun runs in Philadelphia and Boston. For our friends across the pond, the Celiac Disease Symposium in Finland takes place this September. For those interested in virtual events, sign up for our next Town Hall, on the unique symptoms and conditions associated with celiac disease.
Happy birth-month to all our September-born community members! When your big day rolls around, consider raising money for Beyond Celiac so that we can help fund new research by scientists in the celiac disease field. And a HUGE thank you to everyone who’s created fundraisers for us throughout the years! These fundraisers help make our important work possible.
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