opinion

Health Minister Mark Holland is recognizing May as Food Allergy and Celiac Disease Awareness Month

May 2, 2024 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada

In Canada, more than 3 million people live with food allergies, while nearly 400,000 people face the challenges of celiac disease. As May approaches, we recognize both Food Allergy and Celiac Disease Awareness Month and its impact, including the uncertainties and fears associated with it.

An allergic reaction can be frightening and requires immediate action. In severe cases, symptoms can quickly worsen and endanger your life or that of a loved one. Another worrying factor is the unpredictability of severe reactions, as symptoms can vary from case to case.

Health Canada has created a list of allergens that are most commonly associated with potentially serious food allergies and therefore must be listed as ingredients on the label when used. These are nuts, wheat, sulfites, eggs, milk and peanuts. To protect yourself and take the necessary precautions, it is important to know which foods you are allergic to, such as: B. Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector prescribed by a doctor. We can all help support and protect those around us who suffer from severe allergies.

Although celiac disease is not considered a food allergy, it is characterized by adverse reactions to grains containing gluten and presents its own challenges. The severity of symptoms can vary widely, making diagnosis difficult. From gastrointestinal problems to developmental delays, symptoms can manifest themselves differently depending on the age group.

People with celiac disease should follow a strict gluten-free diet, read labels carefully, and avoid cross-contamination when preparing food to protect their health. Celiac disease is lifelong.

If you think you or a loved one has a food allergy or celiac disease, you should definitely consult a doctor who can advise, support, test and suggest actions that could change your life. Remember that you are not alone in this ordeal.

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