Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month 

By Camryn Hetrick 

November was made gluten free diet awareness month to show support for those with diseases like Celiac which is gluten intolerance. The month was founded by the national foundation for Celiac awareness. This month’s awareness introduces gluten free products and educates others on lifestyle changes. 

What is gluten? Gluten is the family of storage proteins also known as prolamins. These are naturally found in certain grains like wheat, rye, and barley. The most common medical issues that involve a gluten free diet are Celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, IBS, and wheat allergies. What are the diseases and why can’t they have gluten? Celiac disease is where the small intestine is extra sensitive to gluten, which makes it harder to digest. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity, also known as NCGS, is when people have several negative symptoms when eating gluten, but don’t test positive for Celiac disease. IBS, also known as irritable bowel syndrome, is like an overlap of NCGS. Some people with IBS have reported gluten as a food they can’t tolerate. It’s unclear why some people with IBS struggle with gluten and not all. Last is a wheat allergy. A wheat allergy isn’t like a gluten related disorder but is close to it. Wheat allergy is the tolerance itself not the gluten protein. All this information was found on healthline.com. 

When interviewing Brittany Hetrick, a student at Southern New Hampshire University on what she thinks about gluten-free awareness month, she said, “It’s a great month to show support for those who are gluten-free, coming from someone who has Crohn’s disease I think it wonderful to have support especially if you’re newly diagnosed.” When interviewing Mrs.Fahlor, the culinary instructor here at Lenape Tech on what she thought about gluten-free awareness month she said, “I didn’t know it was a thing. Number one in the industry there aren’t enough people who know how to make it, and many places may not be certified to do gluten-free foods. There is a difference between gluten-free and gluten-friendly.” As she went on to talk about different important facts on gluten-free foods in the food industry she showed joy in knowing there is a month dedicated to gluten-free awareness. 

A way to celebrate gluten free awareness month by discussing diseases related to gluten and hosting a gluten-free dinner. Remember who your gluten-free friends and family are for this holiday and surprise them with a treat they can eat.