Summary
Melissa Souza from Massachusetts found out she has celiac disease after noticing she was much smaller than her friends in a childhood photo. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten causes damage to the small intestine. Since her diagnosis, Souza has been living a gluten-free lifestyle and has seen improvements in allergy-free food options.
Key Facts
- Melissa Souza is from Massachusetts and discovered she has celiac disease.
- Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by eating gluten.
- Gluten is found in barley, wheat, and rye.
- The condition leads to damage in the small intestine, affecting nutrient absorption.
- Around 1 in 100 people globally have celiac disease, but only 30% are diagnosed.
- Symptoms of celiac disease can develop in both children and adults.
- Souza faced dietary restrictions and had to avoid items like Playdough due to gluten content.
- She now follows a gluten-free diet and has learned to check for gluten in foods and products.
