| More than 2 million Americans have been diagnosed with celiac disease – a serious genetic, autoimmune disease 83 percent of Americans with the disease may be unaware because they have no symptoms – but they are damaging their bodies every time they come into contact with gluten. Â
If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to severe complications like cancer or other autoimmune diseases. Â The only treatment now is to completely avoid gluten and switch the diet from a wheat-based diet to rice and corn-based foods. Â Celiac Awareness Vice President Jennifer North discusses the disease, who is at risk, and the only viable treatment for the disease. Dr. Ritu Verna, section chief of gastroenterology for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia explains what celiac symptoms – and lack of symptoms – could mean. Often on the front lines of food allergies, restaurant kitchens play a role in keeping Celiac sufferers safe. We share footage from restaurant kitchens that cater to gluten free customers and include interviews with general managers of two Washington, DC restaurants discussing the rise in gluten free and how the restaurant industry is reacting. |
HEALTH & MEDICAL
