Celiac disease is not a trend, a choice, or an allergy. There seems to be a lot of confusion about what celiac disease actually is for those who don’t have it. I know I can’t be the only one who got the eye-roll from a waitress, or been told to “just take the croutons off”. Um no, not how it works hun.
Related: What is Celiac Disease?
Why is it Referred to As an Allergy So Often?
Okay, you may have had someone tell you that celiac disease is a serious allergy and that they cannot consume gluten. While the latter is true, it’s not technically an allergy – it’s an autoimmune disorder. You can read more about what celiac disease actually is in my article, What is Celiac Disease?
The reason many celiacs refer to celiac disease as an allergy is because sometimes it’s just easier that way. Those of us with celiac disease become exhausted trying to explain to people about what the disease is and what it does. And sadly, a lot of people don’t take it seriously yet.
Please, Don’t Be Rude
Once, I actually had a waitress laugh in my face when I asked if something is gluten-free. I immediately started tearing up and walked out. Maybe that’s dramatic but honestly, it’s so hard to ask in the first place because that’s the reaction I’m always expecting.
I’m actually not a really picky person. I love trying new foods and will try anything once. But Celiac disease is not a joke, it’s not a choice, and it doesn’t mean anything about me. Acting like I’m just a “hipster” or “following a trend” is extremely hurtful, and sadly it happens a lot.
Many of us with celiac disease just avoid going out to eat, going to events, and attending parties or get-togethers because of the lack of knowledge and seriousness. While someone can tell me something is gluten-free, I have a hard time trusting others to not cross-contaminate it.
Celiac disease is something we have to consider every day, everywhere we go, and with everything, we eat. It’s mentally exhausting already without having to worry about the added shame, judgment, or misunderstanding.
If you’re reading this and do not have celiac disease, I truly commend you for taking the time to learn more about what we go through. If you do have celiac disease, please share this so that others can learn!
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