Welcome to the Gluten Free Raleigh Blog. This blog focuses on living with Celiac Disease and successfully navigating the Gluten Free Lifestyle in Raleigh, NC.
Own, Manage or Cook at a restaurant? Are you a Dietitian with Celiac patients? Interested in becoming certified Gluten Free? The Gluten Free Raleigh Blog can help. Click the picture above for more information.
1 out of every 133 Americans (about 3 million people or 1% of population) has Celiac Disease.
97% of Americans estimated to have CD are not diagnosed.
CD has over 300 known symptoms although some people experience none.
Age of diagnosis is key: If you are diagnosed between age 2-4, your chance of getting an additional autoimmune disorder is 10.5%. Over the age of 20, that rockets up to 34%.
30% of the US population is estimated to have the genes necessary for CD.
2.5 babies are born every minute in the USA with the genetic makeup to have CD.
There are 15 states in the US with populations less than the total number of Celiacs in the US.
CD affects more people in the US than Crohn’s Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease combined.
500,000 new Celiac diagnoses are expected to occur in the US by 2012 -- thanks to efforts to raise public awareness of the disease.
People with CD dine out 80% less than they used to before diagnosis and believe less than 10% of eating establishments have a 'very good' or 'good' understanding of GF diets.
It takes an average of 11 years for patients to be properly diagnosed with CD even though a simple blood test exists.
The average cost of misdiagnosis is $5,000 - $12,000 per person per year. Improving the time to diagnosis could save the health care system millions of dollars annually in unnecessary medical care.
A recent study by Packaged Facts projects that the sales of GF food will reach $2.63 Billion by 2012. The GF market is also projected to hit $5 Billion by 2015.
GF foods are, on average, 242% more expensive then their non-GF counterparts.
The smallest amount of gluten which has been shown by a biopsy to cause damage to a Celiac is 0.1 gram per day - or 1/48th of a slice of bread.
The Food Allergen Labeling & Consumer Protection Act became law in 2006 allowing for easier reading of food labels for those with CD but the law only requires labeling of wheat. Nearly 5 years later, the FDA still has not finalized what it means to label a product Gluten Free.
12% of people in the US who have Down Syndrome also have CD.
8% of people in the US who have Type 1 Diabetes also have CD.
Among people who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with Celiac, as many as 1 in 22 people may have the disease. First degree relatives should be tested yearly for CD even if previous tests were negative.
There are currently 0 drugs available to treat CD.
Special thanks to Gail for taking meeting minutes during the last North Raleigh Celiac Support Group meeting on 4-15-2010. Below is a recap for those of you that could not make the meeting.
North Raleigh Celiac Support Group
CSA Chapter 108
April 15, 2010 7:00-8:30 PM
Rex Hospital Private Dining Room, Raleigh, North Carolina
Lisa Noto chaired the meeting in Pat’s absence. Lisa requested that if anyone has materials (books or other items) that belong to the Support Group to please return them at next month’s meeting.
The recent Raleigh Whole Foods Gluten-Free Fair was larger and better supplied that previous events. Thank you to group members Mark LeSaint and Judy Eise for volunteering.
Our special guest was Nancy Long, co-owner of Harmony Farms Natural Foods. She introduced the group to several new G-F products which have been added to their already extensive selection of special items and gluten-free foods. She talked about natural enzymes in raw foods and “Vega” a plant based, protein supplement. Nancy also discussed the opening of Café Harmony. www.cafeHarmony.net. They serve breakfast and lunch daily and are dedicated to the best of organic and locally supported food. Gluten-free options in addition to other diverse dietary needs can be provided.
Zach Becker announced that North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue has proclaimed May 2010 as Celiac Awareness Month. Several events including a six course g-f wine dinner and a food drive of non-perishable, gluten-free, foods in support of the North Carolina Food Bank on May 8, 2010, have been planned. Further details are posted on Zach’s blog http://glutenfreeraleigh.blogspot.com/.
In other local news, Custom Choice Cereal’s new website is up and running. The N.C. Dept. of Agriculture has not made any further contact regarding Paul Seelig and the investigation into his former bread company. A new Cameron Village restaurant, Café Caturra, is planning to offer g-f menu items.
A general discussion regarding late onset celiac disease and symptoms was held. Neuropathy is an issue for many as is difficulty sleeping. Several options, including over the counter supplements was discussed. Food safety is another concern. Zach noted that the total group order for EZ Gluten testing kits is 175.
Our next meeting will be held at Rex Hospital on May 20, 2010. Group members Eileen and Marcel Pusey will share information and tasting of a g-f meal replacement.
Click the gavel for the latest information on the case of the fraudulent Gluten Free Baker.
Food Allergy Poster
Please click the link below to view the Food Allergy Education Poster.
Restaurant owners - please download, print and post in your kitchen to educate your staff!
Please see the following posts about my Petition to Wake County, NC for the requirement of posting a food allergy poster at every restaurant in the county.
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