Why Women Must Be Aware of Celiac Disease and Myths & Facts Around Gluten | Alice Bast

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune condition, which impacts 1 in 133 Americans, where 60% are women. It is estimated that up to 83% of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions, and it takes 6-10 years for diagnosis.

In honor of Celiac Awareness Month, in this episode, Alice Bast, Founder & CEO of Beyond Celiac covers:

• What celiac disease is, proper diagnosis, and its impact on many women's health conditions
• Myths and facts about a gluten-free diet
• The difference between celiac and non-celiac gluten sensitivity

Resources

• Resources and episodes on Autoimmune & Chronic Disease

• Celiac Disease and Women's Health
• Celiac Disease, fertility and pregnancy
• Celiac Disease Testing and Diagnosis in Women
• Symptoms checklist

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About Alice Bast

Alice Bast’s experience with celiac disease began more than twenty years ago, when debilitating physical symptoms, multiple miscarriages, a stillbirth and intense mental and emotional strain began to take over her life. Alice struggled to get a proper diagnosis, and after visiting 22 physicians, the 23rd finally diagnosed her with celiac disease, a serious genetic autoimmune condition that currently has only one treatment—a strict gluten-free diet. 

In 2003, Alice was compelled to found Beyond Celiac, a patient-centric organization serving millions of Americans. She represents the celiac disease patient voice in key government, research and industry venues. Under her leadership, Beyond Celiac has helped increase the rate of diagnosis from 3% to an estimated 50% and increased the availability and affordability of gluten-free foods, which are now on store shelves across the country. The leading celiac disease patient advocacy organization, Beyond Celiac is now accelerating research for treatments and a cure for this serious genetic autoimmune disease. 

**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.**

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