As diagnosed cases of celiac disease continue to climb, Alberta restaurants are recognizing the need to accommodate various dietary restrictions for their patrons.
In response to this growing demand, Glitch Gaming Lounge has emerged as a sanctuary for the celiac community in Airdrie and its neighbouring communities.
“I don’t know how many people have said that they feel normal eating here,” said Tracy Wright, who is a co-owner of Glitch Gaming Lounge and a celiac sufferer herself.
“I feel really happy when they come in, and they’re like, ‘Oh my god, I get to eat mozzarella sticks.'”
Featuring an array of pool tables, arcade machines, and virtual reality stations, Glitch offers a space for entertainment enthusiasts and a comprehensive menu tailored specifically for those with celiac disease.
“I had two girlfriends that, after they had babies, got diagnosed with celiac,” said Wright.
“At first, I was like, ‘It’s a diet fad. You guys don’t know what you’re talking about. That’s ridiculous.’ Fast forward a few years, I donated eggs and went through the awful hormones.”
Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten consumption, affects an estimated 1-in-100 individuals worldwide. Only 30 per cent receive proper diagnosis, as reported by the Celiac Foundation of Calgary.
Various factors, including stress, pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, and infections within the body, can trigger the genetic foundation of the disease.
The prevalence of celiac disease has been steadily increasing, with an average annual rise of 7.5 per cent in recent decades.
Jenny Suneby Jagers, a celiac disease research expert with a PhD in medical science, attributes this rise to improved detection methods.
“It’s because we’re better at finding it,” Jagers said. “It used to be that 1-in-280 celiacs knew they were celiac. Now, it’s 1-in-146. It used to take 16 years, on average, to get diagnosed. Now it takes between six and 10.”
The introduction of blood testing toward the end of the 20th century has made diagnosing celiac disease more accessible and cost-effective.
Celiac disease manifests in over 200 symptoms, many of which extend beyond digestive issues. Fatigue, migraines, widespread rashes, joint pain, and even psychological effects like depression and anxiety can result from gluten ingestion.
“The signs and symptoms, as well as their intensities, vary between every celiac, and they can change over time,” said Jagers. “The symptoms and signs you have before diagnosis may not be your experience one year into a gluten-free diet.”
Glitch Gaming Lounge prioritizes a safe environment for celiacs. The kitchen includes dedicated fryers, separate surfaces, and well-trained staff to prevent cross-contamination. This commitment gives individuals with celiac disease a sense of normalcy while dining out.
Their menu includes chicken strips, beef and chicken burgers, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and even deep-fried Oreos.
