Shine a light on Celiac as today is International Celiac awareness day. 🌎

Hi everyone today is International celiac awareness day please see:

shinealightonceliac.org

I haven’t seen any coeliac awareness in the U.K. for several years no so guess they’re inclusive events for members.

I think it’s interesting to be aware of what other countries and their coeliac/celiac societies advise as we have vary different spins on what’s a real gluten free diet and the way I see it is if it’s got gluten in it it isn’t gluten free...full stop.

[Narwhal10]

Thanks Jerry,Awareness needs to be raised. We aren’t being awkward, fussy or lazy. We are too embarrassed to talk about our GI symptoms.

I agree with you whole heartedly about gluten free.

😊

[MTCee]

Maybe it should be called zero gluten day? I’m with you on the need for absolutely none in gluten free foods rather than ‘some’. It’s the ‘some’ that’s the problem in all foods, both gluten free and all the others. It not just the amount, it’s the sheer presence of the stuff at all.

[philaustin]

I'm beginning to think everyone has had enough of hearing about our problem with gluten. Grand son's birthday yesterday. Daughter made him a lovely chocolate Oreo cake. I commented on Facebook that it looked delicious My sister made a simple quip about being 'Glutton' free, and I gave a lengthy response. It didn't matter about not being gluten free because it was grand son's birthday and I just wanted to say it looked very nice and I appreciated the effort that must have gone into making it, and one doesn't have to be a creative person to appreciate other's creativity etc. Got a sharp response from sister about 'not expecting a song and dance about it'. Its become difficult not to think too much about food, gluten avoidance, and the feeling of being alienated, and its difficult trying to avoid mentioning it at every opportunity. Coeliac disease affects more than just our bodies; it messes up our heads too.

[Hidden in reply to philaustin]

Off course it does philaustin its toxic to our bodies so is bound to have a negative effect regardless of how small.

I think it’s great that your daughter made a gluten free cake and it’s your sister who has the problem because she doesn’t understand the natural fear of foods that coeliacs feel. ...

[philaustin in reply to Hidden]

Sorry Jerry, the cake wasn't gluten free. It didn't have to be as I wasn't invited to grandson's party, and I wasn't complaining, just praising her effort.

So, when my sister quipped 'glutton' free?' I explained it didn't have to be, but it didn't matter anyway, etc. I was merely making the point that everything didn't have to be gluten free. The tables appear to have been turned. I try to avoid talking about gluten too much whilst others raise the subject whenever food is mentioned. They're over-aware and tired of it all.

[Hidden in reply to philaustin]

Hi PhilAustin, your sister sounds like she's taking a passive aggressive swing at you. Not pleasant. I find having coeliac makes life an isolating experience as few will have the level of regard for what is, basically, a life-long illness. I've had family member throw it back to me that she was such a brilliant person for accomodating my 'faddy imagined allergies'. People are not very nice, and anything that sets you apart from the herd will also make you a target. Family can be the worst.

[Hidden in reply to philaustin]

I've experienced bullying behaviour from ex-partner and in workplace for being gluten free. Just another thing for unpleasant people to have a pop at others for. Gluten is the thing to be avoided, but I find people are the true enemy in gluten free world.

[nellie237 in reply to philaustin]

"it messes up our heads too" Literally - Sheffield University/Coeliac UK have done some research on this.

Sorry about your sister - I think we've all got 'one of those' in the family somewhere. It hurts.

[Narwhal10 in reply to philaustin]

Oh deary my. Sorry Phil. The focal point was your grandson and your daughter had made something to celebrate the event. A simple wow - ‘well done you’ was turned around. 😞

I love watching bake off (although I’ve never been fussed on cakes prior to diagnosis - just the icing.) Like yourself, I can appreciate things. I’m always amazed at the craftsmanship in constructing these edible pieces of art.

Coeliac disease does affect the brain and mind.

Best wishes. 🐳

[Hidden]

CUK are listed as one of the participating partners. They should be hanging their heads in shame amongst the likes of Beyond Celiac and GIG.

[Hidden]

Thanks Jerry. Good that we have a day and a light up.