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Happy myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and celiac awareness month!

Said no one.

Here’s the thing — chronic fatigue isn’t just “I need a nap” tired. It’s soul tired. It’s dragging your body through the day like it weighs twice as much. And when you’re living with MS, fatigue isn’t just a symptom — it’s a whole villain in the storyline.

But let’s stir in something that doesn’t always get talked about in the MS community: celiac disease. Or even gluten sensitivity. Because that gut-brain-body connection? It’s very real.

People with MS are more likely to develop other autoimmune conditions, and yes — celiac is one of them. Celiac disease isn’t new. It was first clearly identified during World War II, when a Dutch pediatrician, Dr. Willem-Karel Dicke, noticed children’s symptoms improved during food shortages — specifically when wheat was unavailable. That discovery cracked open decades of research, revealing how gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine.

Now, fast forward. We know gluten sensitivity — celiac’s less extreme cousin — can still cause major issues, especially for people already navigating chronic illness. And I’ll say this from lived experience: sometimes the fatigue feels layered. MS is doing its thing, but something else is quietly adding fuel to the fire.

That something might be on your plate.

If you’re experiencing brain fog, migraines, joint pain, or that heavy, hard-to-move kind of tired — and especially if your stomach’s been off too — it’s worth asking the question. Gluten could be triggering an inflammatory response that deepens MS symptoms and takes energy you don’t have to spare.

May is Celiac Awareness Month, and that’s not just a hashtag. It’s a chance to learn, question, and advocate for your own wellness. Ask your doctor about testing. Try tracking what you eat and how you feel. You don’t have to jump on a fad diet — but you can take note of what makes you feel worse or better.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about giving yourself options. MS already takes up enough space. If something as simple as skipping the bread can give you back some clarity, some calm, or a little more energy to pour into your day — you deserve to know that.

Your body’s been talking. Maybe this May, we finally listen.