Celiac Disease Awareness Month is celebrated in the month of October each year in the US and Canada. In 2009 Canada began observing Celiac Disease Awareness in May as well.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes an immune system response when a protein called gluten found in rye, barley, wheat and many foods. The immune system response causes damage to the intestines. People with the disease, also called gluten sensitivity, suffer from painful symptoms and must eat a specific diet to prevent symptoms.

During Celiac Disease Awareness Month you can participate in spreading information about the disease by sharing information about your disease with friends, relatives and colleagues. You may want to cook some gluten-free dishes that you can share with others so they can learn how delicious these alternatives are.

For more information on this issue visit Celiac Central.