Digestive health is in the spotlight as the Nanaimo Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association recognizes May as Celiac Awareness Month.
Island Natural Markets, in partnership with the association, is hosting a week of education and awareness activities beginning Monday (May 9) and ending May 12 with renowned speaker and holistic pharmacist Rosemarie Pierce on digestive health and gluten intolerance.
Celiac disease is a genetically inherited disease that affects the digestive tract and prevents the absorption of nutrients from food.
When left untreated, it has debilitating long-term effects. As many as 300,000 Canadians suffer from it, but many are undiagnosed.
The only known treatment is the adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. A gluten-free diet has also gained prominence in recent years as more people are diagnosed with celiac disease or wheat and gluten sensitivities.
Pierce earned her degree in pharmacy from Dalhousie University in 1972. After studies in herbal and nutritional medicine, she integrated the practices with her pharmacy education to become Canada’s first holistic pharmacist.
Her presentation takes place from 7-8:30 p.m. at 6560 Metral Dr.