May is Celiac Awareness Month and Wild Zora wants to help you understand the disease that affects an estimated 1 in 133 people in the US. 

Over the past few years, gluten-free diets have become extremely trendy. But for those diagnosed with celiac disease, adopting a gluten-free diet is not a fad, but a vital treatment. 

Celiac disease is a severe autoimmune disorder in which gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, causes damage to the lining of the small intestine. This damage can lead to serious side effects like malabsorption, anemia, thyroid disease and osteoporosis. Currently, the only known treatment is a strict gluten-free diet.

Of the roughly 3 million people in the United States who have celiac disease, only 10% of them have been diagnosed. There are more than 300 symptoms of celiac disease, but the most common are digestive discomfort, recurring headaches, skin rashes, chronic infection, depression/anxiety and body fatigue. If you are experiencing these symptoms and believe gluten to be the cause, it’s important to consult with a trained healthcare professional.

Managing celiac disease and maintaining a 100% gluten-free diet can be difficult. Gluten lurks in many foods, beauty products and even medications. Avoiding it takes vigilance and often means planning ahead. Check out the links below for resources and tips on living with celiac disease:

• Newly Diagnosed with Celiac Disease
• 7 Day Gluten-Free Meal Plan
• Gluten-Free Diet Overview
  

Wild Zora is proud to make delicious snacks that are completely gluten-free. Our snack bars provide a safe and nutritious on-the-go option for people with celiac disease.

Wild Zora creates truly healthy gluten-free snacks that you can feel confident to feed to your family. In the interest of helping you start -- or continue -- to eat with nutrition in mind, we’ve put together a list of the benefits of a healthy diet. Some may really surprise you!

Top 5 Benefits of Eating Healthy:

1. You will be happier and less stressed. What we eat affects our brain, and certain foods can increase good hormones and/or moderate detrimental ones. For example, kale contains a plant-based omega-3 called ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid), which helps lower risk of depression and decrease anxiety. And the folic acid found in spinach supports serotonin regulation, a key contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness.
   
   
2. You will maintain the weight you want -- or lose if you need to. Eating less bread, starch and sugar and more meats and vegetables will help you reach -- and maintain -- a healthy weight. With this type of diet, you reduce your carb intake, minimize cravings and feel more satisfied from less food. Everyone’s healthy weight range is different, so make sure to talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
   
   
3. You will reduce your risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. Trading processed junk food for fresh fruits, veggies and meats will lower your risk of heart disease. It will also help regulate or prevent high blood pressure -- a serious and common ailment that can lead to heart disease.
   
   
4. You will be at lower risk of getting cancer. Your lifestyle and diet affect your risk of getting cancer. Eating lots of fruits and veggies helps lower that risk.
   
   
5. You’ll be more efficient. Foods with grain and added sugars lead to sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar levels which causes fatigue and puts you at risk of losing productivity. Choose healthy, gluten-free snacks for lasting energy.  

Still not convinced? Don’t take our word for it -- try it for yourself and see how you feel!