Why Celiac Disease Is on the Rise—And What You Can Do About It

May marks Celiac Awareness Month—a time to recognize a condition that impacts over 3 million Americans and is rapidly increasing in prevalence. But here’s the thing: celiac disease isn’t just about gluten. It’s about gut health, immune dysfunction, and environmental triggers that we can no longer ignore.

Let’s explore how we got here, why the U.S. leads in celiac diagnoses, and what it really takes to support healing beyond just going gluten-free.

A Brief History of Celiac Disease in the U.S.

Celiac disease was first medically documented in the 1st century AD by the Greek physician Aretaeus of Cappadocia, who described patients with chronic diarrhea and malabsorption. But it wasn’t until the 1940s, during World War II food shortages in Europe, that gluten was officially identified as the culprit.

In the U.S., diagnosis and awareness lagged behind. Until the late 1990s, celiac disease was considered rare. Today, it's recognized as one of the most common chronic autoimmune conditions, with rates increasing fourfold in the last 50 years.

Yet while rates soar in the U.S., countries like Italy, Finland, and Sweden—with similar genetic predispositions—have much lower incidence. Why? Let’s dig deeper.

Why Are Celiac Rates So High in the United States?

The U.S. food system is a perfect storm for triggering celiac and gluten sensitivity:

1. Highly Processed Wheat

American wheat is bred for high yield and durability—not digestibility. Most commercial wheat is stripped of its germ and bran, removing fiber, nutrients, and key enzymes. This ultra-processed wheat is harder to digest and spikes inflammation.

Compare that to European wheat, which is often milled in small batches, fermented traditionally (hello, sourdough!), and grown with fewer chemical inputs.

2. Glyphosate and Other Chemicals

Perhaps the most under-discussed culprit in the rise of celiac disease is glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. Glyphosate is routinely sprayed on wheat crops—especially right before harvest to dry them out.

Here’s why that matters:

• Glyphosate is a known gut microbiome disruptor, harming beneficial bacteria and increasing intestinal permeability (a.k.a. “leaky gut”).

• It also inhibits the shikimate pathway in bacteria, blocking the production of tryptophan and tyrosine—precursors to key neurotransmitters.

• A 2013 study even proposed that glyphosate exposure could mimic and exacerbate celiac symptoms, triggering autoimmunity in genetically susceptible individuals.

The Real Issue Isn’t Just Gluten—It’s the Damaged Gut

Eliminating gluten is only the first step. Many people continue to struggle with symptoms like bloating, brain fog, fatigue, and skin issues even after going gluten-free.

That’s because:

• The intestinal lining is damaged, and takes time and intentional effort to heal.

• Other triggers like dairy, processed sugar, heavy metals, and even EMFs may still be inflaming the system.

• The gut microbiome—our immune and digestive command center—is often depleted or imbalanced.

True healing from celiac disease (or non-celiac gluten sensitivity) requires a multifaceted gut restoration protocol.

Stellar Biotics: A Research-Backed Ally for Gut Recovery

One of the most effective ways to begin repairing the gut lining and restoring immune balance is through strategic, science-backed probiotics—and that’s where Stellar Biotics shines.

Their flagship formula, Del-Immune V®, is not your average probiotic.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Fast-acting immune support: Unlike live probiotics that can take weeks to colonize, Stellar Biotics’ formula uses cell wall fragments of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, shown to stimulate key immune pathways immediately.

• Backed by decades of clinical research, Del-Immune V® helps reduce intestinal inflammation and supports mucosal immunity—critical in healing the gut lining in those with celiac or gluten damage.

• Safe for adults and kids, it’s a must-have in any gut healing toolkit.

As a proud partner of Stellar Biotics, I’ve seen firsthand how this formula can change lives. Use my link HERE to try Del-Immune V® and support your gut on the path to healing.

The Gut-Immune-Brain Axis: Healing Is Holistic

If celiac has taught us anything, it’s that food is more than fuel—it's information for the body.

• Your gut lining influences your immune system, which can overreact when constantly exposed to toxins.

• Your microbiome influences your mood, memory, and mental clarity.

• Your intestinal wall is your first line of defense—and once it's breached, a cascade of issues can follow.

By removing inflammatory triggers, repairing the gut, and restoring balance with the right tools like Stellar Biotics, healing becomes possible.

Where to Start

Whether you have diagnosed celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or simply feel better without gluten—this is your reminder that your body isn’t broken. It’s reacting to a broken system.

This month, take these action steps:

✅ Read labels closely—look for glyphosate-free, organic sources
✅ Support your gut with clinically proven probiotics like Stellar Biotics
✅ Run functional tests: micronutrients, GI-MAP, and food sensitivity panels
✅ Eliminate additional gut stressors: artificial ingredients, NSAIDs, and chronic stress
✅ Eat whole, nourishing foods that support healing, not sabotage it

This Celiac Awareness Month, let’s go deeper than gluten-free. Let’s reclaim gut health—one informed choice at a time.

Struggling with gluten sensitivity or celiac symptoms and not finding relief? At Discovery Wellness Group, we specialize in functional medicine solutions that address the root cause of gut dysfunction.

Book a consult and let’s build your custom healing plan.
➡️ www.discoverywellnessgroup.com/contact