Assisted Living, Gluten-Free
While living in their own home seniors are generally able to control their environment to manage celiac disease (CD) or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Transitioning to shared living spaces can present a challenge for these seniors in maintaining their gluten-free diet. Awareness of the importance of providing a safe environment is growing, but is not Read More
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Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2019
May 18-21, San Diego. Research summaries GIG’s Education Supervisor, Lola O’Rourke MS, RDN, recently attended the 50th anniversary Digestive Disease Week (DDW) conference in San Diego and has compiled an impressive list of summaries of the latest research on celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and gluten-related disorders. Be sure to check these out to stay Read More
4-Week Gluten-Free Meal Plan
New to gluten-free? Check out this 4-week menu plan!
Celiac Disease in Children
What is celiac disease? Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that results from the response of the immune system to the ingestion of gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This immune response causes inflammation and damage to the small intestine that can ultimately lead to malnutrition and poor health. Celiac Read More
The Gluten-Free Diet: Facts and Myths
FACTS Gluten-free diet and celiac disease (CD): A strict, life-long gluten-free diet is required for health reasons. Ingestion of gluten causes an adverse reaction which damages intestinal cells and can lead to serious health problems. Gluten-free diet and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (also known as “gluten sensitivity”): Individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) require a gluten-free Read More
Celiac Disease
What you need to know about celiac disease Celiac disease is a chronic, autoimmune disease which is the result of an immune system response to the ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley) in susceptible individuals. This response to gluten damages the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and related Read More
Getting Started on a Gluten-Free Diet
The following information is intended to be used as a preliminary guide for those who are newly diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Not all aspects of the gluten-free diet are as clear cut as portrayed here. For additional details about the gluten-free diet, consult with a knowledgeable dietitian and go to the Resources section Read More
Celiac Disease Centers – Resource List
Updated December, 2019
Celiac Disease Testing in Children
For parents, there are a multitude of everyday children’s matters and milestone marks that take up plenty of time and concern, so when there is a medical issue (especially one as complex as an autoimmune disease like celiac disease), it can be especially taxing. Doctor visits can feel rushed, confusing, and overwhelming, so we put Read More
Medications and the Gluten-Free Diet
Staying gluten-free involves more than just dietary changes. While use of gluten as an ingredient in medications is uncommon, medications must also be evaluated for their gluten content. Many pharmaceuticals have an additional filler called an excipient, used to make a particular dosage form of the drug. These fillers are often made from corn, potato, Read More
Hospital Stays Made Safe
Being admitted to the hospital can be a stressful experience, especially for those with celiac disease or other gluten-related disorders. Whether you are there for a day-surgery or for three weeks in rehabilitation, the hospital should be doing everything it can to meet your need for a gluten-free diet. Share this information with your family Read More
Gluten Sensitivity and FODMAPs
Gluten sensitivity and FODMAPs: Is there a connection? Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (also known as gluten sensitivity) is not yet well understood. The currently accepted means of diagnosing this condition is to rule out celiac disease, wheat allergy, and other possible causes of symptoms. Then, if a gluten-free diet leads to improvement in symptoms, gluten sensitivity Read More
Healthy Weight Gain in Celiac Disease
The term “weight management” generally brings to mind the issue of how to lose weight, or at least how to prevent gain. But sometimes there are health-related reasons to gain weight, and one scenario where this may be the case is in celiac disease. Weight loss (or, in the case of kids, slowed growth) is Read More
Pregnancy and Celiac Disease
Pregnancy and celiac disease both call for extra considerations when it comes to nutrition. What if you fall into both categories? Do some of the needs overlap, and are there special nutritional issues that arise for pregnant women who have celiac disease? Significant evidence supports the role of a healthy diet in optimizing pregnancy outcomes. Read More
Diabetes and Celiac Disease
What is celiac disease? An autoimmune disease which is the result of an immune system response to the ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley) in susceptible individuals. This response to gluten damages the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and related problems. Untreated celiac disease can also lead to Read More
Celiac Disease & Thyroid Conditions
Celiac Disease and Thyroid Disease: The Connection Researchers have found autoimmune thyroid diseases to be more common in people with celiac disease than in the general population. The reasons for this relationship are not entirely clear, but these are the known facts: There is a genetic link among many autoimmune diseases. It is likely that Read More
Celiac Disease and Anemia
What is Anemia? Anemia is a condition that results from either a decrease in the size or number of red blood cells, or in the amount of hemoglobin, which is the red pigment in red blood cells. What effects does anemia have on our bodies? Think of red blood cells as ships that deliver oxygen Read More
Associated Autoimmune Diseases
People who have celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis (celiac disease which manifests as a skin rash) are at greater risk than the general population for developing one or more associated autoimmune diseases. These disorders share common genetic and immunological linkages with celiac disease. The prevalence of other autoimmune conditions in people with celiac disease is Read More
Healthy Gluten-Free Eating Guidelines
Removing gluten from the diet is the essential first step to thriving gluten-free. Next, learn how to make your gluten-free plate exceptionally healthful. Vegetables Fill approximately half your plate with non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, onions, cabbage, carrots, artichoke, beets, Brussels sprouts, tomato, cauliflower and cucumber. In addition to being naturally gluten-free, Read More
Whole Grains
What makes a grain a “whole grain?” A whole grain is a grain that contains all three of the main parts of the grain (endosperm, bran, and germ). A whole grain has not been refined and stripped of important nutrients. The bran, or outer protective layer of the grain, contains the fiber and a large Read More
Weight Management and the Gluten-Free Diet
Individuals with undiagnosed or untreated celiac disease may experience unintended weight loss over time due to malabsorption of nutrients caused by damage to the intestine. However, when a gluten-free diet is begun and the intestine heals, lost weight is sometimes re-gained and weight gain continues. One factor which likely contributes to this is the widespread Read More
Gluten-Free Vegetarian
A little extra planning may be needed, but maintaining a healthy diet when you are both gluten-free and vegetarian is absolutely doable. Depending on the degree of dietary restriction in the type of vegetarianism followed, as well as on varied individual food choices, some people who are both gluten-free and vegetarian may require the use Read More
Supplementing a Gluten-Free Diet
Individuals following a gluten-free diet may be susceptible to nutrient deficiencies. In those with celiac disease, gluten damages the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. Until the intestine has had a chance to heal, this can cause deficiencies. In addition, after the intestine has healed, nutrient deficiencies may occur due to the fact that Read More
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutritional Deficiencies in Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Nutritional deficiencies can occur in individuals with celiac disease because of both low intake and poor absorption. Once the intestine has had a chance to heal, nutrient absorption improves, but intake may remain a problem. In the case of non-celiac gluten sensitivity, nutrient absorption is not Read More
Heart Healthy Gluten-Free Diet
Once you’ve figured out the basics of staying gluten-free, it’s time to consider other aspects of the diet which can also impact your health. Is your gluten-free diet a heart-healthy one? Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Learn how to reduce your risk by making your gluten-free diet Read More
Gluten-Free Grains
The gluten-free diet requires total avoidance of the grains wheat, barley, rye and all varieties and hybrids of these grains, such as spelt. However, there are many wonderful gluten-free grains to enjoy. Amaranth Once the sacred food of the Aztecs, amaranth is high in protein, calcium, iron, and fiber. Toasting this tiny grain before cooking Read More
GIG’s Gluten-Free Diet and Drug Instruction
The gluten-free (GF) diet can provide adequate nutrition while eliminating wheat, rye and barley from the diet as long as GF grains with high nutritional value are used and the diet includes a variety of nutritious foods. Gluten is a generic term referring to storage proteins in grains. The fractions of gluten protein in wheat Read More
Gluten-Free Flours & Thickening Agents
You’ve likely noticed that there is an extensive selection of gluten-free flours available these days. Where do you start, and what should be used for what? Is there just one that can be substituted for wheat flour? It’s always beneficial to do some tinkering and experimenting with your own recipes to see what meets your Read More
Adding Fiber To Your Gluten-Free Diet
Fiber is an important part of a healthful diet. Consumption of enough fiber can aid in lowering cholesterol and reducing risk of heart disease, and is important for maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal system. High fiber diets have also been linked to lower body weights. Recommended intake is approximately 25 – 35 grams per day, depending Read More
Cross-Contact
The presence of gluten, the protein found in common cereal grains wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives, can be problematic even in microscopic quantities for those with gluten-related disorders (celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity). Though the first step in treating gluten-related disorders is eliminating obvious exposures to gluten, it is also essential to avoid Read More
Women and Gluten-Related Disorders
Some symptoms of gluten-related disorders (celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity) are also more likely to exist in women than men in general. Therefore, if you are a woman and have any of these conditions or symptoms it’s important to consider both gluten-related disorders, as well as non-gluten related issues as possible causes. Consult with Read More
Gluten-Free Pantry Essentials
While a burst of gluten-free products have been appearing on grocery store shelves over recent years, it can still be difficult to decide where to start in building up your first gluten-free pantry. Having a good selection of gluten-free items on hand can help make meal preparation relatively easy, and remove some of the uncertainty Read More
3 Tips for Gluten-Free Label Reading
1. A product which carries a 3rd party certification such as that of GIG’s Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), is considered safe for gluten-free consumers. 2. As of August 5, 2014, if a product is labeled “gluten-free” and is an FDA regulated product, it is considered safe for gluten-free consumers. The regulation specifies that manufacturers choosing Read More
Easy to Find & Easy to Fix Meals and Snacks
Hungry for a quick bite? Not sure what is safe to eat? Here are some easy-to-find and easy-to-fix foods that make perfect snacks and quick, simple meals to get you started on a gluten-free diet.* Snacks: Fresh fruit Broccoli and tomatoes with ranch dip Carrots and hummus Peanut butter on celery Yogurt Yogurt parfait with Read More
One Step at a Time
Following a gluten-free diet is a major lifestyle modification. There is a lot to know about foods, ingredients, and changes in lifestyle and cooking, and you may be wondering just where to start. Try taking things “one step at a time” to help make your gluten-free transition more manageable. Step One – Yes, you need to Read More
Gluten Sensitivity
(also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or non-celiac wheat sensitivity) Some individuals who experience distress when eating gluten-containing foods and show improvement when following a gluten-free diet may have what is commonly referred to as gluten sensitivity (GS) instead of celiac disease (CD). It is important to keep in mind that GS is not well Read More
Could Gluten be Causing Your Health Problems?
To start to find out, answer the following questions: Do you have a family history of celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis? Do you have recurring problems with: Abdominal pain Bloating Constipation Diarrhea Vomiting Elevated liver function tests (AST, ALT) Joint pain Fatigue Tingling or numbness in hands or feet An itchy skin rash occurring on Read More
Celiac Disease, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity or Wheat Allergy: What is the Difference?
Celiac disease (CD), non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) and wheat allergy are all conditions whose primary treatment is avoidance of specific dietary components. While celiac disease and wheat allergy are well defined conditions, non-celiac gluten sensitivity is poorly understood at this time. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition; wheat allergy involves an immune (not auto-immune) response; Read More
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
What you need to know about dermatitis herpetiformis Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a form of celiac disease. It is a skin condition characterized by groups of itchy blisters. The ingestion of gluten (a protein contained in wheat, rye and barley) triggers an immune system response that deposits lgA antibodies under the top layer of skin. Read More