When Is A Gluten Free Diet Needed?

There is so much nutriton advice everywhere, often without any facts behind the advice.  Some say only buy organic, no dyes, no seafood, too much mercury.  Some say avoid meat, and above all avoid gluten. 

All this advice has no evidence behind it.  It should be taken with a grain of salt.
As an example, avoiding red meat is good advice for lowering cholesterol, however most will find it challenging to adhere too.  Cholesterol lowering medications lower lipids better, than diet.  As most of us know, diets rarely work.  You need to make lifestyle changes for long term health. 
Gluten has become the fad for many.  Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and other grains.  It gives the chewy texture to bread. 

Benefits Of Dark Chocolate

Safety Tips For Living In A Non Gluten Free Home

Whether you own your home, live in a dorm, or live with your parents, there are certain precautions you need to take in order to avoid cross contamination.  Not everyone with Celiac has the luxury of living in a home that is gluten free.  Here is a list of some tips to help you, in the kitchen.

1.  Always wipe down counter tops, table and stove.  Use paper towels so you can toss them in the trash.  Have a separate hand towel for you.

2.  Use the dishwasher for all dishes, for complete cleanliness.  If using sponges, have a separate one for you.  They can absorb gluten too.

Day 2 Of 2 Symptoms Of Celiac Disease

A few more symtoms of Celiac disease.

6.  Skin rash-  A type of skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis, often occurs in people suffering from the disease.  The rash is triggered by gluten intolerance.  It causes localized apperance of blisters, usually on knees, elbows or butt, often itchy. 

7.  Weakness-  Being a digestive disease with malabsorption occuring, we see low levels of folic acid and vitamin B12.  This can lead to anemia, common in people with Celiac.  When lacking these nutrients, weakness and fainting can happen.

8.  Tooth decay-  Many people with Celiac suffer from dental defects, particularly tooth discoloration.  Yellow, brown, or white spots appear on their teeth. 

9.  Joint pain-  Those suffering from the disease often suffer from joint pain and aching bones.  It is not clear why, but some suggests it from malabsorption. 

These are just a few symptoms to look for.  Always check with your doctor before taking gluten out of your diet.  A diagnosis is important first. 

Day 1 Of 2 Symptoms Of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects those who are genetically predisposed to the disease.  It can occur at any time in life.  It affects the small intestine and usually produces stomach pain and digestive discomfort.
As we know, the only treatment is a strict gluten free diet.  I will go over some symptoms of the disease, and what to be aware of if you think you or someone you know may have the disease.

1.  Diarrhea- People with Celiac disease can suffer from loose stool and diarrhea if a strict gluten free diet is not adhered too.  Their stool is watery, smelly and pale in color.  Many times, those unaware of their condition get used to passing loose movements and do not realize they have the disease.

Celiac Disease

Only an estimated 1% of the population has Celiac disease, an autoimmune
disorder where ingesting gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.  We
 are seeing now that about 22% of  people try to include gluten free foods
 in their diets anyway.  Knowing the pricey mark up  of these foods, and
 lack of additional health benefits, this shouldn't make sense.

A study suggests that people who are sensitive to gluten may feel a bit
 better, but a larger portion will derive no benefit at all.  These are the
 people that simply waste their money. People think gluten free means
 healthier, and food marketers think those people will pay more for
 foods with a gluten free label.  This has contributed to the massive
 growth of the gluten free industry.

For those with Celiac, ingesting gluten causes an inflammatory reaction
 that can severely damage the lining of the small intestine.  But for those
without the disease, gluten does...well nothing. 

Flaxseed

6 Fast Facts About Celiac Disease

1.  A blood test is only the first step in diagnosis.  A biopsy of your small intestine is needed to determine if you have Celiac disease.

2.  Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where eating gluten damages the small intestines.

3.  Celiac disease affects 1 in 100 people worldwide with the number of people doubling every 15 years.  If an immediate family member has it, then the risk is 1 in 10 that you will have it too.

4.  Many people gain weight after diagnosis, and on a gluten free diet.  Their intestinal tract starts to heal, leading to better absorption of nutrients.

5.  20 ppm of gluten  is the amount of gluten the FDA allows in a product labeled gluten free.  Just know that 1/8 tsp. of gluten can damage the small intestine of someone with Celiac disease.

6.  Gluten cannot be absorbed through your scalp or skin unless there is an open cut.  It must be ingested in order to cause damage.  No need for gluten free shampoos or creams.  Because lipstick and lip products can be easily ingested, keep them gluten free.

Portable Gluten Free Detector

A highly sensitive gluten sensor that allows diners to know whether their food contains gluten or non gluten components is now available.  The gluten detector is portable, and you can carry it for dining out.
Developed by Massachusetts Institute of technology(MIT)- Nima with CEO and CPO as cofounders, has developed this sensor.
This is a  breakthrough especially to people with Celiac disease or gluten intolerances.  This gluten detector can trace amounts of gluten in all food on your plate.

How does Nima work, you ask?
Diners put a small sample of food (pea size) into the capsule.  Insert capsule into the device, and in 2-3 minutes a display shows up on the sensor.  It works along side with an app for your phone.
Nima can detect gluten at 20 parts per million or more the maximum concentration for gluten free foods.  When it detects gluten, this antibody ties to the gluten particles.  Either an icon with gluten found will pop up or if gluten free a smiley will show.

CeliAct Supplements

Gluten free CeliAct vitamins were created by people who know the challenges of living a gluten free diet.
They were founded in 2010 with the goal of improving the lives of people with restricted diets and digestive
discomfort.  After years of research and feedback, they started a gluten free diet support, and vitamin line.

To learn more visit www.celiact.com

Day 2 Of 2 Celiac Disease Food Tips And Products To Avoid

Foods to avoid on a gluten free diet.  The single most important thing to do is avoid all products containing wheat, barley or rye.  Gluten makes up 80% of the protein found in these grains.  Many packaged foods have trace amounts of gluten in them too.

• You need to read all ingredient labels carefully and look for any type of wheat, couscous, spelt, semolina, rye, barley and even oats.
• You need to watch carbohydrates, such as bread, pastas, cakes, cookies, rolls, buns, pie, baking flour and so on. 
• Beer and malt alcohol are made with barley or wheat.
• Some sauces and condiments contain gluten.  Many soy sauces, marinades, and dressings.

Day 1 Of 2 Celiac Disease Food Tips And Products To Avoid

Estimates have shown that rates of Celiac disease diagnoses have risen by nearly 400%, and many still go undiagnosed.  There is no cure, no pill to take, only way to help is a strict gluten free diet.
If left untreated, Celiac disease can cause health problems such as malnutrition, developmental delays, lowered immunity, and neurological illness.  This is why it is vital to follow a healthy gluten free diet.

With no cure for the disease, the best way to manage its symptoms is a strict gluten free diet.  The focus should be including more anti inflammatory, healing type foods.  These foods can help repair the small intestines, correct any deficiency.  They include organic animal products, dairy, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and probiotic foods.

Celiac Disease and Type 1 Diabetes

Unlike type 2 diabetes, which is caused primarily by lifestyle habits, type 1 diabetes is usually  inborn. It is when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
Celiac disease is an intestinal disorder where gluten damages the small intestines.  This can lead to stomach pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Both type 1 diabetes and Celiac diseases are autoimmune conditions sharing similar genetic profiles.  About 3 to 8% of type 1 diabetics will develop Celiac disease.  People with type 1 diabetes need to be screened yearly as in diabetics, Celiac is often asymptomatic.  Sometimes unexplained hypoglycemia can be a result of malabsorption associated with Celiac disease.
As you can see, there are some connections between the two. If a patient has both, they need to watch their diet and blood sugars. 
Some tips on this-

• Eat three meals a day
• Alcohol in moderation
• Limit sugar drinks and foods
• Include gluten free starches in each meal to help control blood sugar and appetite
• Reduce fat and salt intake
• Eat more fish
• Eat fruit and vegetables

By following these tips, you can have greater success managing your diabetes and Celiac disease.

Day 2 Of Poorly Responsive Celiac Disease

Here are a few more reasons, someone may not respond to a gluten free diet.

There may be pancreatic insufficiency, this is the inability to properly digest food due to a lack of digestive enzymes made by the pancreas.  This can be diagnosed by the measurement of enzymes in the stool.

There could be food intolerances.  People with Celiac disease may have lactose or fructose intolerance.  This could be diagnosed by a hydrogen breath test.

Lastly,  refractory Celiac disease, also known as refractory sprue, affects up to 5 % of patients.  For these patients, the damaged villi in the small intestine do not heal from a gluten free diet.  These patients are usually treated with steroids and immunosuppressants.

1 Of 2 Days Poorly Responsive Celiac Disease

Hope everyone enjoyed the 4th of July weekend.  Hope is was full of fun, sun, family and parties.
Over the next month I will go over information, facts and some receipes all about Celiac disease.

Today I will focus on information to those who are poor responders to a gluten free diet.  It is estimated that up to 20% of people diagnosed with Celiac disease have persistent symptoms even on a gluten free diet.

What can cause someone to have a poor response to a gluten free diet?  The most common reason for persistent symptoms is unknowingly ingesting gluten.  After disagnosis it is important to meet with a dietitian about a gluten free diet and its hidden sources of gluten. 

Another cause is people with Celiac disease have an increased incidence of microscopic colitis and inflammatory bowl disease, known as Crohns and ulcerative colitis.  To diagnosis this, a colonoscopy is required. 

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is another cause.  This is a condition in which abnormally large numbers of bacteria are present in the small intestine.  This can be diagnosised by a hydrogen breath test. 

To be continued.................................

Quinoa

Quinoa cooks like a grain but it is actually a seed, and an excellent source
 of protein for vegans and people following a gluten free diet. This makes it
 safe for people with Celiac disease.

Like amaranth, quinoa can be ground into a flour and used in cooking or
 baking.  Quinoa is rich in manganese which is vital to activating enzymes
 crucial to metabolizing carbohydrates and cholesterol.  Quinoa is rich in
lysine, an essential amino acid, and helps with the absorption of calcium
 and the production of collagen.  It is also low on the glycemic index.

Both amaranth and quinoa are great gluten free options, both as a flour
 or grain substitute, and have a nutty taste and texture.  They readily
 absorb the flavors they are cooked with, and are tasty on their own. 
They are both versatile, easy to work with, and have a high nutritional
content.  If you are looking for an easy healthy, gluten free option, try
 quinoa or amaranth.  It will become a staple in your home.