How Many Celiacs in the United States
Just how many celiacs in the United States doctors' offices are going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed is difficult to say, since celiac disease symptoms are so similar to many other digestive disorders. Still, the number of diagnosed celiacs who are undergoing treatment is high enough that you don't have to feel alone if you have just been diagnosed with celiac sprue.
How Many Celiacs In the United States?
According to Celiac.com the number of celiac sufferers within the United States is about 1 in 133 persons, or 2,131,019. This is a significant number of individuals, which is why many individuals with celiac disease have striven to create an active online community of gluten-free blogs and forums for victims to share their personal diagnosis stories and sufferings. These forums and blogs are also an excellent way to learn about gluten-free living, everything from recipes to lifestyle choices.
Plugging Into the Community
Chances are, if you've been wondering how many celiacs in the United States cities have been hit with the same quest for radical dietary changes, it's because you are feeling alone in your situation. Going gluten-free when most of your family and coworkers are enjoying the same standard American diet can be shocking and even depressing. You may endure a lot of strange looks from friends and the typical, "You can't eat what"? from concerned individuals who haven't even heard the term "gluten" before. It's hard enough just having been diagnosed with a strange digestive disease, not to mention the self-control you will need to exert during mealtimes.
The good news is that since there are so many celiacs in the United States, you now have the Internet upon which to unleash your angst. Celiac.com boasts a highly active Internet community of gluten-free folks. In fact, their forums are populated by thousands of members all ready to hear your tale and provide you with tips and tricks for adjusting to your plight.
Thanks to the increasing number of properly diagnosed celiacs, blogs and forums are cropping up everywhere, and, of course, the ever-noteworthy Curezone.com is a highly regarded health site that contains a forum specific to the diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease.
The World of Gluten-Free
Gluten-free living is actually becoming popular within the non-celiac world. Due to the large amount of genetically modified wheat that lines the supermarket shelves, many individuals have sped off to the organic markets, while others have decided to shun gluten-products altogether. Many people are simply allergic to grains, and others avoid gluten for weight loss issues. Don't forget that followers of the Atkins Diet aren't exactly gluten-fans either. So if you add this number of persons to the number of celiacs living in the US, it's no wonder that stores like Whole Foods are bringing in more gluten-free products each day.
That's right. Did you think you'd be bound to a cook-stove for the remainder of your days? Gluten-free products are very popular in many health food stores, particularly gluten-free baked goods. If you are located near a Whole Foods market, you have access to a large array of these celiac-friendly foods. Even mainstream supermarkets offer a small selection, which will likely grow as more celiacs are accurately diagnosed and petition their local markets for more food options.
Going gluten-free doesn't have to be the coffin-lid on exciting flavors. In fact, many recently-diagnosed individuals eventually realize that becoming gluten-free opened up their diet to a variety of other delicious food options like polenta and potato flour! Just make sure when you dine out to ask your waiter regarding sauces and dressings, as they can frequently contain wheat flour. Many celiacs learn to bring their own homemade or store-bought gluten-free dressings to restaurants.
This is just one of many lifestyle tips that you will learn from the celiac community. Be sure to participate in these forums and benefit your fellow celiacs by sharing any tricks you have learned as a gluten-free individual!
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