Things I Wish I Knew in 2011
Today’s Post by Kelsey Chadwick, MS RDN
May 23rd, 2023
This week's topic is one I am very passionate about - Celiac Disease. A diagnosis I received on March 3, 2011. In some ways it was a day of peace, (I now knew why I was in constant pain) but also there was worry and dread as I now had to navigate a whole new way of eating.
My hopes in writing this today is to spread awareness and offer support to others; support I wish I had along the way. I also want to share some useful tips I have learned over the years.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac Disease Foundation defines celiac disease as “a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.” Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. When someone with celiac disease ingests gluten, an immune response attacks the small intestines which leads to damage on the villi. Located in the small intestines, villi are small, fingerlike projections that are vital for nutrient absorption. When the villi become damaged, nutrients cannot be properly absorbed.
Celiac disease is hereditary and people with a first-degree relative with celiac disease, like a parent, have a 1 in 10 risk of developing celiac disease. (Celiac Disease Foundation).
What’s the treatment?
Currently, the only treatment for Celiac disease is to follow a gluten free diet. Back in 2011 this was extremely challenging and is still something I struggle with today. It is certainly easier navigating the grocery store, but one of the hardest parts has always been eating at restaurants.
Tips for thriving with celiac disease
I want to offer some tips that I have learned along the way for dining out and general tips that may help support you in navigating your diagnosis, whether it is new or old.
Always pack snacks! - While this may seem simple and a no brainer, there will be times when you think there will be options for you but there aren’t. The place this happens to me most frequently is the airport. In 2023, I always expect there to be decent, filling, gluten free options but oftentimes there aren’t. Doing a bit of research ahead of time to learn which restaurants the airport has can save you a lot of stress and time planning meals when you arrive. Always bring snacks or a meal for the plane from home to sustain you on your journey and during your trip. Additionally, most airlines have the option to request a GF meal on the app ahead of time. I have personally done this on the Delta app.
Always ask questions about the menu - Some restaurants may label items GF because they are GF or can be made GF. There have also been countless places that mark menu items GF, but when I ask if it is made in a shared fryer or shared equipment, most of the time the answer is yes, making the item not GF. Always ask if the menu items are prepared gluten free or can be prepared gluten free with the necessary precautions. It is also worth asking if a menu item can be modified in some way making it a safe option for you.
Bring your own food to sporting events - This is a game changer and something I am eager to try. As someone who follows not only a GF diet, I also eat a pescetarian diet out of my love for animals and the environment. This makes it especially hard to eat out at events like sporting events, where a hot dog or hamburger on a GF bun is one of the only options. I have not personally done this, but would love to hear your experiences if you have!
For my local stadium, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA you can contact them at teamops@gillettestadium.com. I found this info here on their website. Most places should have their own policies on their website.
Despite the name, buckwheat is gluten free! I wanted to include this one because I was shocked when I found this out. Surprisingly, it is not even a grain, it is a seed and is actually related to rhubarb. It is rich in fiber and several minerals and is often an ingredient in pancakes at restaurants. Buckwheat is safe for individuals with celiac disease, as long as the meal itself was prepared under the necessary celiac precautions.
Tax deductions - This tip takes a bit more time and effort but may be well worth it. I am linking more in depth info here, but in brief you will need to complete four steps. The first step is having an official written diagnosis from your medical provider along with a prescription for a gluten free diet, as you will need to submit this with your taxes. The second step is to save your receipts for all GF groceries. It is important to note you can only deduct the cost of GF food that is in excess of the cost of gluten containing food. Step three is to calculate the difference between GF products and gluten containing products from the grocery store. Lastly, step four is to fill out the Form 1040, which can be found at the link above.