Celiac disease is a serious, life-long condition 

The small intestine absorbs nutrients such as digested carbohydrates, proteins and fats. For the 330,000 Canadians affected by celiac disease, the body's own white blood cells attack the villi in the small intestine and impair absorption.  This causes nutrient deficiencies and intestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.

Celiac disease symptoms may include constipation, diarrhea, oily or frothy stools, inability to gain weight, fatigue, bloating, abdominal pain, and dermatitis herpetiformis  (an extremely itchy skin rash). The disease can be difficult to recognize because symptoms vary from person to person, affect adults and children, and may overlap with those of other, more common disorders. 

Getting diagnosed as soon as possible is critical in order to protect the body from complications such as malnutrition, liver diseases, and cancers of the intestine. New blood screening tests that have up to 95% accuracy are now available but it is important to note that celiac disease can only be confirmed by obtaining a tissue sample (biopsy) from the small intestine. The illustration to the right illustrates the difference between healthy, normal villi and and villi damaged  by celiac disease.  Anyone with a positive blood test for celiac disease needs to have a gastroscopy.  It is vitally important NOT to stop ingesting gluten prior to having a blood test or biopsy.

While there is no known cure, the good news is that following a gluten-free diet enables your intestine to heal, nutritional deficiencies to resolve, symptoms to be relieved, and protects you from malnutrition and other serious health risks. Adjusting to a gluten-free diet can be challenging since it involves knowing what foods contain gluten, and determining possible hidden sources of gluten in food products, medications and even lipstick.  Remember to avoid foods containing wheat, rye and barley and learn to carefully read the labels.  If you've been diagnosed with celiac disease, explain your condition and dietary needs to family members and friends and ask for their support.  

Celiac disease does not have to be about deprivation. There are an infinite number of great foods with wonderful dietary benefits and flavours to eat.  Open your eyes and mouth to new possibilities.

Learn more about living a full life with celiac disease from the Canadian Celiac Association or view the Fact Sheet and more on our website at CDHF.ca. 

Make this your summer to RISE!

The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation is taking to the roads of beautiful Blue Mountains in Ontario this September and we want you on our RISE Revolution Cycle Team.

With three routes (40, 80 and 160 km), there is a ride that is perfect for everyone from notice to  veteran cyclist. We are already 30% towards our goal of recruiting a team of 100 cyclists from across the country.

This national fundraising event is fun, exciting, and critical for our foundation.  In addition to supporting awareness and research, funds raised through RISE will help us continue to meet our mandate to empower Canadians to take control of their digestive health with confidence and optimism.  

We need Canadians like you to RISE with us. The ride is challenging. The scenery spectacular.  The experience remarkable.  And, the impact revolutionary.  

Reserve your spot on the team or sponsor a RISE Revolution Rider today

Now you can learn more about digestive health and disease from people just like you who are living with the disease  and physicians who care for patients suffering from gastrointestinal issues.  CDHF's webseminars are full of great information and free.

Visit the doctor for free -- whenever and wherever it's convenient for you

We recently added two new webseminars for you to watch.  They are free and you may listen to them  when and where it is best for you.   Honest, compelling recounts of their personal lives and trusted information from physicians help you understand and live better.

Living Successfully with GERD, the first session in our series, is lead by Dr. David Armstrong with special guest, Mr. Shawn Richarz.  Living Positively with IBD (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), is our second session featuring Dr. Richard Fedorak, and Mr. Jeff Sheckter.