Our well-being is uniquely tied to the condition of our colon, which is commonly unhealthy at diagnosis of celiac disease. To keep our colon healthy, we need to understand what happens there on a microscopic level. Hundreds of varieties of intestinal microbe populations called “flora” live there, numbering in the billions. To put these numbers into focus, dead bacteria make up about a third of each bowel movement. Our resident microbes, whether beneficial or harmful, play a decisive role in nourishing or damaging the cells that form the intestinal lining. Probiotic and prebiotic foods and supplements restore and feed our friendly microbes. (more…)
In 2007, Gluten Free Works published “Recognizing Celiac Disease,” the first work to present over 300 signs, symptoms, associated disorders and complications gathered from documented medical research from around the world. The book proved that researchers were finding hundreds of health problems associated with celiac disease and gluten. This list is now being used by celiac disease centers, national celiac organizations and health organizations to help identify at risk patients and determine whether patient symptoms are consistent with celiac disease.
But how can one disorder cause so many problems? Here’s a look at one way…nutritional deficiencies. (more…)
Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin for strong bones and teeth, turns out to be a multi-tasker! Since its discovery in the early 1920s, this important fat-soluble vitamin was labeled simply as “the antirachitic vitamin” (prevents rickets). Not any more. A major discovery of how it functions as a hormone in the body when converted into its active form by the liver has spurred intense research which is revealing much more about this amazing vitamin.
We now know the active form of vitamin D is essential for the regulation of calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food in the digestive tract, proper neuromuscular function, normal growth and development and normal bone and tooth formation and maintenance. Recent medical research suggests vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, cancer, and several autoimmune diseases. (more…)
This just in from the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University…
The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University will continue to host a Roundtable on Celiac Disease that deals with individuals and their families’ difficulties in living with celiac disease. The program will be held monthly and would deal with children, adolescence and adult issues with respect to celiac disease.
Members of the Celiac Disease Center who will be attending the Roundtable on Celiac Disease include adult and pediatric gastroenterologists as well as our nutritionist. We will conduct this program in an interactive format allowing airing of views and questions from all participants. (more…)
They might be furry and walk on four legs, but they’re family just the same and we oftentimes treat them like our kids. I’m talking about our pets. Well, it seems our pets are even more like us than we thought. Dogs, cats and even other animals like guinea pigs can have food sensitivity issues just like humans leading to digestive problems.
Diane Haggar’s black Labrador, Maddie, suffered from frequent diarrhea, weight loss and terrible smelling gas. The diagnosis was Irritable Bowel Disease and an elimination diet was performed that found gluten to be the problem. A change to a gluten-free diet resulted in a complete remission of symptoms within a few weeks. “We had to be especially careful to inform family, friends and the doggie day care people about Maddie’s diet. She gets sick for a few days with diarrhea, even if she only gets a little bit.”(more…)
Identifying celiac disease may seem simple enough. After all, there are tests your doctor can perform to determine if your body is reacting to gluten, the grain protein that those with celiac disease cannot tolerate. However, it is becoming more and more accepted that celiac disease may not always present as classic gut symptoms. Instead, celiac disease can cause and contribute to other diseases, deficiencies, ailments, and conditions.Because of this, some people with celiac disease may be diagnosed with diseases that could have been prevented or can be eliminated by a simple gluten-free diet. In other words, celiac is often considered the “root cause” of other conditions, even though it is seldom tested for in chronically-ill people.(more…)
Saturday, May 14th was an evening of fabulous food and fundraising for the University of Chicago’s Celiac Disease Center at the 10th Annual Spring Flours Benefit which was held at the Swissôtel in downtown Chicago. The center is completely funded by donations and this event it vital in keeping the center at the forefront of celiac research, education and advocacy.
The event began with a presentation of the celiac Iceberg Award to the founder of the Center, Stefano Guandalini, MD., with the help of Amy Lukas, one of the very first celiac patients in the clinic. This was followed by silent and live auction events and unlimited dinning possibilities. (more…)
General Mills will be debuting gluten-free Bisquick and 3 flavors of gluten-free Hamburger Helper at this year’s Celiac Disease Foundation Annual Education Conference & Food Faire, which will be held in Los Angeles, Saturday, May 15th.
Once again General Mills steps up and provides the gluten-free community with a mainstream product that is gluten-free and readily available. (more…)
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