I have a confession: I know celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, but I often call it an allergy. When our family is ordering at a restaurant, my priority is food safety over celiac awareness. Most people get it when you say allergies, while autoimmune conditions are not as commonly understood.
Celiac Disease is Autoimmune
You might already know that celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system mistakenly targets and damages their small intestines instead of protecting their body like it should.
It’s inherited through genes, which is why celiac runs in families. But just because you have the genes doesn’t mean you have celiac disease. The condition needs to be triggered by something in the environment.
The same is true for other autoimmune conditions. The diseases can be identified by the symptoms of the immune system reacting against its own body, but the causes are still unknown. Evidence points toward exposure to toxins, bacteria, viruses, and some drugs as triggers in people who are genetically predisposed.
7 Facts About Autoimmune Disease
In preparation for Autoimmune Awareness Month (observed each March), the Autoimmune Association shared these staggering facts:
There are more than 100 known autoimmune diseases.
Approximately 50 million Americans are living with autoimmune disease.
Autoimmune disease tends to cluster in families. If one person in your family has an autoimmune disease, it’s likely that someone else does, too—but they might not have the same disease.
80% of people living with autoimmune disease are female.
On average, it takes 4.5 years and 4 physicians to receive a diagnosis.
Autoimmunity is now one of the most common disease categories, ahead of cancer and heart disease.
25% of people living with autoimmune disease have multiple diagnoses, and certain diseases tend to cluster with others.
Takeaway
Let’s be honest, celiac disease isn’t easy. But I’m grateful that my children’s autoimmune condition is manageable with mindful eating. Although there is no cure, their symptoms are managed by strictly avoiding gluten. No gluten, no autoimmune reaction.
Stay curious! Learn more fascinating facts about celiac disease.