Celiac Awareness Day

Shubhra Shukla
Dec 22, 2023 By Shubhra Shukla
Originally Published on Feb 04, 2022
Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit
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Celiac Awareness Day is observed on September 13 every year.

Where is Celiac Awareness Day observed?

Celiac Awareness Day is observed in the U.S.A. to bring resources and support to those who have already been diagnosed and raise awareness about this illness.

Who is Celiac Awareness Day observed by?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that makes it impossible to digest gluten. Gluten is a type of protein found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, among others.

Gluten is what gives dough or bread its elasticity and chewy texture. This day is observed by medical professionals and people already living with this condition to provide support to each other and raise awareness so that it can be detected as early as possible, making treatment easy.

When did Celiac Awareness Day first start?

The day was observed for the first time in 2005. If not diagnosed in time or left untreated, celiac disease can lead to other health disorders, like cancer, osteoporosis, and infertility.

Who started Celiac Awareness Day?

 A resolution was passed by the United States Senate in 2005 to observe Celiac Awareness Day every year on September 13. It is observed in honor of the doctor who recognized a link between celiac disease and food. Dr. Samuel Gee, a leader in celiac disorder research, was born on September 13, 1839.

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(The history and discovery of Celiac Disease are very interesting. Read on to learn more.)

History And Timeline

This day is observed every year to provide awareness about celiac disease, which causes chronic indigestion. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of nutrients.

The only treatment is a lifelong diet of gluten-free foods. The symptoms of celiac disease range from mild abdominal pain and bloating to severe joint pain. It can affect many aspects of the lives of people living with it.

Celiac disease can be disabling in cases where the symptoms are severe. Celiac disease is diagnosed in children too.

Celiac Disease Diagnosed

Aretaeus, a Greek physician, gave the first report of celiac disease, which he noted as an abdominal infection.

100 AD

Samuel Gee Links Celiac To Diet

Gee was the one to link celiac disease and its symptoms to diet.

1888

Celiac Affects Children

Christian Herter, an American Physician, published a book on children tormented with what he called intestinal infantilism.

1908

A Breakthrough In Research

Scientists in Birmingham, England, linked celiac disease with gluten absorption problems for the very first time.

1952

Celiac Awareness Day

Celiac Awareness Day was the first observed day to raise awareness about this disease and promote a gluten-free diet.

2005

Traditions And Customs

Observing this day helps researchers follow and record undiagnosed cases, leads to a diagnosis of more symptoms, and inspires them to develop answers to cure this disease. There are no specific traditions and customs related to this day, but its purpose is to mark its existence and educate people.

Ways To Observe Celiac Awareness Day

On this day, you can share tips and resources to help people living with this disease. You can even offer to serve a completely gluten-free meal for a loved one or friend you know who has celiac disease.

Be mindful of their needs every time you invite them over. Learn new recipes and make them feel that they are not missing out on good, tasty food.

Facts And Stats

  • A 100% gluten-free diet is the only remedy for celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity right now. Consider eating gluten-free to observe Celiac Awareness Day.
  • Since this disease affects both men and women from all age groups, it can be observed by everyone in the U.S.A. People spread information about celiac disease to promote its early detection.
  • Celiac Awareness Day is observed on September 13 because Dr. Samuel Gee, a leading researcher of celiac disease, was born on this day.

Who invented the concept of Celiac Awareness Day?

The United States Senate passed a resolution in 2005 to observe Celiac Disease Awareness Day on September 13.

What are some reasons we need to observe Celiac Awareness Day?

Observing this day supports the search for a cure for Celiac disease and is also a reminder to give back to the people already living with it. 

How does observing Celiac Awareness Day support patients?

It helps people understand the severity of the disease. It also helps people not living with this disease to take care of the needs of patients.

How do hospitals observe Celiac Awareness Day?

Hospitals observe this day by putting up information boards, handing out pamphlets, and serving only gluten-free food.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Saturday, September 12, 2020
  • Sunday, September 12, 2021
  • Monday, September 12, 2022
  • Tuesday, September 12, 2023
  • Thursday, September 12, 2024

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Written by Shubhra Shukla

Bachelor of Technology specializing in Computer Science

Shubhra Shukla picture

Shubhra ShuklaBachelor of Technology specializing in Computer Science

With experience in digital marketing, social media strategy, and creative copywriting, Shubhra is a skilled writer and editor at Kidadl. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering from Gujarat Technological University/Narnarayan Shastri Institute of Technology (N.S.I.T) and believes in the power of words to influence people. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

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Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

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Nishtha DixitBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha is an experienced SEO writer and editor, with a passion for writing and self-expression. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate major in Literature and Communication and a minor in Political Science from the University of Delhi. Nishtha has completed a certificate master course in English from the British Council and has been appointed as the editor for the bi-monthly magazine of the University of Delhi.

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