Genetic Testing For Celiac Disease

You hear it all the time, I think I may have Celiac disease.  My stomach hurts,  I have diarrhea, constipation, and the list goes on and on.  Many doctors do an array of tests which might be unnecessary, until you check for the gene for Celiac.  So as you see, you need one of two genes in order to get Celiac,  if no gene present the you can never get the disease.  Just because you carry the gene it also doesn't mean you have or will get the disease, you carry the gene for it.  First step should be to see if it is possible for you to have the disease by this simple blood test. 

Old Food Label Verses New One

Here is a picture of the food labels side by side. The new one is bolder, easier to read, with sugar added and more accurate serving size.  There could always be improvement, but it is a great start to help with label reading.

3 Reasons Your Child Should't Go Gluten Free

This is a misleading title.  There are a few reasons that your child shouldn't go gluten free unless they have too.  There is a new phenomenon that many parents are putting their children on gluten free diets.  Parents are doing this because they think its healthy, however a gluten free diet can be very unhealthy for children.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and some other grains.  It is found in bread, baked goods, cereals, pastas, and many other foods in small amounts.  For people with Celiac disease, even those small amounts can make them sick. 

Day 2 Of 2 Looking For Gluten

 If product is labeled gluten free, you don't have to check the food label.  Most USDA foods follow the FDA gluten free labeling rules, here are some more ingredients to avoid, food starch, and dextrin.

6.  Avoid grain based products that are labeled may contain or made on shared equipment with wheat or gluten that are not labeled gluten free.  These products are  more likely to contain gluten from cross contamination.

7.  Prevent cross contamination at all costs.  It is very important to avoid consuming even small amounts of gluten.  1/8 of a teaspoon is enough to cause intestinal damage in most people with Celiac disease.

Day 1 Of 2 Looking For Gluten

Now that you need to eat gluten free, you need to educate yourself and learn to read labels.  You have been recently been told you have Celiac disease, it is important to eliminate gluten from our diet.  This new lifestyle change will take time and practice till it feels normal.  Some tips to find and look for gluten and hidden gluten.

1.  Educate, educate and educate yourself some more.  Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale.  It is found in many baked goods and food.  It is also found in licorice, soy sauce and some over the counter medicines.

2.  Only eat products containing oats if they are labeled gluten free.  Oats are grown next to wheat, and can be contaminated unless properly cleaned and labeled gluten free.

Day 2 Of 2 Questions About Gluten

5.  Does school have to provide a gluten free lunch?  Yes.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, schools are required to provide students with Celiac disease and other food allergies safe and nutritious food options.  However, they are not required to provide meals equivalent to those served to other students.

6.  Is it safe to work in a bagel or bakery, knowing I can not eat anything?  Well, breathing in gluten is similar to ingesting it.  Although flour can not be absorbed through the skin, you can breathe it in.  Working at either of these, unless gluten free is not recommended for people with Celiac disease. 

7.  Can I still drink coffee and eat corn on a gluten free diet?  Coffee and corn are both gluten free.  Both are safe for people with Celiac disease.

8.  Are there any products to help those with Celiac digest gluten?  No there is nothing out there at this time, other than a gluten free diet.

9.  Do I have to use special soaps, shampoos and lotions?  While all of these are available gluten free the answer is no.  Gluten cannot be absorbed through your scalp or skin.  Lipstick and lip products however should be gluten free. 

Day 1 Of 2 Questions About Gluten

It could be you, a friend, child or a spouse recently diagnosed with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.  There are many questions that come up, so I will go over a few that are the most common.

1.  Does gluten make you fat?  No, gluten does not make you fat, lifestyle choices do.  If we eat more calories than we need or expend it will be stored as fat.  It has little to do with gluten.

2.  Now that I am on a gluten free diet, will I lose weight?  Most people who start a strict gluten free diet, gain a few pounds.  When their body starts to heal, they absorb more nutrients and gain the weight they may have lost due to Celiac.  Some of the gluten free products are also higher in calories and fat, leading to weight gain.  A naturally gluten free diet, lean meats, fruits and vegetables, will help with weight management.  It is all about lifestyle choices, whether gluten free or not.