Have you noticed grocery shelves filling with products like brown rice spaghetti, quinoa and wheat-free toast? Consciousness of gluten-free food has been increasingly on the minds of many consumers over the last few years, and on Oct. 4, the 2014 Annual Iowa Celiac Conference will take place at the Clarion Highlander Hotel and Conference Center to educate about gluten free lifestyles and celiac disease.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, and those affected have severe reactions to gluten in foods like wheat, rye and barley. Symptoms of the disease include stomach distress, fatigue, weight loss or gain, anemia and brittle bones. But not all people interested in living without gluten in their diet are diagnosed with celiac disease.
“Some people are eating gluten-free because they have a gluten sensitivity, like an allergy,” said Betty Bast, one of the event coordinators. “Some eat gluten-free because they think it is a low-carb diet type. But for [those with celiac disease], the diet is a life-saving diet.”
While the conference is geared towards those already diagnosed with celiac disease, it can also be informative for those who think they might have it, dieticians, health care providers and families.
The conference will offer a gluten-free vendor fair, bone density scans, celiac blood screens and presentations. Speakers include professionals with specialized knowledge in celiac disease. They will present information on food, nutrition and medication safety when dealing with celiac disease, as well as how to eat out while avoiding gluten.
“The conference can be beneficial to those who just want to learn more about celiac and understand what it really is,” said Bast.
The conference is from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration will be available at the door and costs $45 per person and $10 per child ages three to 10. Children under three get in free. Blood draws are $25 per adult.
