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MEDICAL RESEARCH: “Copper Deficiency in Infants with Active Celiac Disease.”

Editor’s note: In this case report of infants with severe malabsorption from celiac disease, the treating physicians found copper deficiencies based on blood studies that showed severe low copper levels and white blood cell count.  Treatment required copper supplementation in addition to the gluten-free diet.  Normally, in the last few months of gestation, an infant  stores a large amount of copper in their liver.  This storage must last about 6 months because infants must derive their nourishment from copper-poor milk.  This case report shows dramatically the terrible effect of malabsorption coupled with a naturally occurring huge demand for copper that could not be satisfied through digestion.

Do Celiacs Need Gluten Free Skin Care?

There are a lot of skin care products in the world to choose from.  The ways each person selects which products to buy are as individual as the people buying them.  Some people look for a certain scent, while others look for the way they want to feel.

People who have severe allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients are often prone to buy products without those ingredients.  This raises the question; Do Celiacs need gluten free skin care products?

According to Dr. Michael Picco, in an article on MayoClinic.com,

Osteoporosis in Celiac Disease and How to Prevent It

osteoporosis celiac disease glutenOsteoporosis, or brittle bones, is a generalized bone disorder involving the slow loss of bone mass throughout the skeleton that results in diminished bone mineral density (BMD). Thinning, fragile bones maintain normal cell appearance but have a rapid turnover so that more bone is taken up and removed than is laid down. The result is bone weakness that predisposes people with osteoporosis to fractures.

Osteopenia refers to the progression of bone tissue loss in the range between normal to osteoporosis.

What are Bones?

Bones are dynamic structures made up of living connective tissue and certain minerals. Connective tissue provides the shape of bones and holds calcium phosphate mineral for hardness and

Does the severity of celiac disease symptoms correspond with degree of villous atrophy?

Editor’s note: The study below, investigating whether the degree of villous atrophy (intestinal damage) correlates with the symptoms that are presented, found they do not. Therefore, more research is needed to find out why symptoms do not correlate with the degree of intestinal damage.

The pathologic range of villous atrophy seen on small intestinal biopsies ranges from severe (total villous atrophy and subtotal villous atrophy) to milder, partial villous atrophy.

Gluten-free Recipe: Super Easy Breakfast Casserole

I love casseroles. They are quick, easy and versatile. They can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner and offer an easy clean up.

What you will need: bfast_casserole_j_meyer

EVOO (Extra virgin olive oil) for sautéing
½ bag frozen green beans (optional)
½ lb-1 lb ground turkey sausage
1 onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
12 eggs, beaten together

So You Want to Start a Celiac Support Group?

celiac disease support group
Celiac Disease Support Groups Are Priceless

I was diagnosed in 1996 when “celiac” and “gluten free” were still foreign words.  I remember the first conversation I had with a fellow Celiac.  I sat on the floor in my bedroom, confused and overwhelmed, listening to the kind voice on the other end of the telephone talking me through gluten free condiment options.  She introduced me to our local support group and within a few years, I was standing as the president.

Support groups serve a great purpose of providing grass root support from others in a similar situation.  This is priceless for newly diagnosed Celiacs and those who love them.  There can be an initial overwhelming sense of confusion and helplessness.  The good news is that even though there is a learning curve, it gets much easier!  And local support groups can be a huge help in the process.

Whether you want to start a support group or improve an existing one, these tips can help get you motivated and succeed.

Gluten-Free School Lunch Recipes and Tips

Here are a week’s worth of gluten-free school lunch recipes that add variety, kid-friendly flavors and nutrition to school lunchboxes. High protein sandwiches, pizza, warm comfort foods including convenient leftover entrees and veggie-rich soups and salads will keep even picky eaters and those with multiple food intolerances happy and healthy all through the school day.

Be sure to read Lunchbox and Lunch Bag Safety from Kevin Weeks, our About.com Guide to Culinary Arts.

1. Sandwiches, Wraps and Pizza!

Gluten-free sandwiches, wraps and pizza slices are easy to make and to pack in school lunchboxes and bags. Use your favorite gluten-free breads to make sandwiches with gluten-free deli meats, nut butters and delicious chicken and turkey salad sandwiches. It’s amazing just how many

Watch Your Waistline While on a Gluten Free Diet: Part Two

Keeping a slim and trim waistline seems to be an important topic lately. Members of the gluten free elite are trying to find ways to counter-act the effects of a gluten free diet on their weight.Carter_foodcart

In part one, the subject of will power was broached. Now that we have established that you have such a powerful tool at your disposal, let’s work on how to use it.

Selective Substitutions

Since the problem lies with the super-carbs, that is where you need to start. Put your powers to good use by having three days a week with no gluten free substitutes. Stick to lean meats, fruits and veggies on these days. This is a budget friendly idea as well. Put the savings towards buying that new smaller wardrobe.