May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month! Here at Senza Gluten, we are incredibly passionate about increasing awareness regarding this serious autoimmune condition. 

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune condition that affects about 1% of the population. When individuals with celiac consume gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye), an immune response is triggered. Even the smallest amount of gluten can trigger a reaction. There are hundreds of possible symptoms, and the vast majority of individuals with this condition are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Celiac can develop at any age, and undiagnosed or untreated celiac disease can cause significant long-term health consequences. Currently the only treatment is a strict gluten free diet. 

Senza Gluten Restaurant was founded with the belief that individuals with celiac disease should be able to enjoy and relaxing and beautiful meal with loved ones without fear of getting sick. Teona (our owner and co-founder) emphasizes the importance of safety through meticulous training of our staff, in depth research into ingredient sourcing, and of course maintaining a 100% gluten free kitchen and dining room. We also have several books and educational resources about celiac disease on site for our guests to peruse if they would like.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, please speak with a medical professional. 

Some additional resources that might be helpful –

Local NYC resources:

• Celiac Disease Center at the University of Columbia
• NYC Celiac Disease Meetup Group

Other resources: 

• Beyond Celiac
• Celiac Disease Foundation
• National Celiac Association
• The Gluten Intolerance Group
• The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center

We also understand that for individuals with celiac disease, helping to increase awareness is often a daily task. We would love to hear from you – What do you do to increase awareness? Do you have any favorite resources that have made a difference in your life? Please feel free to visit our social media pages and leave a comment!  

Best wishes, 

The Senza Gluten Family