Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2020
GIG Research Update The 2020 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) conference was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but there was still much to be learned from abstracts that had already been submitted and accepted. Following are summaries of selected abstracts related to celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Probiotics for celiac disease symptoms: research continues PROBIOTICS Read More
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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
What is Celiac Disease?
What You Need to Know 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 health issues. To Read More
Restaurant Dining: 7 Tips For Staying Gluten-Free
Tips for Dining Away from Home Staying gluten-free when dining out can be a source of anxiety. Many restaurants have “gluten-free” offerings, but how can you be sure that procedures are being followed to avoid cross-contamination, and that all ingredients used are truly safe? The best approach is to choose restaurants which have been certified Read More
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
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 results from 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. Think of red blood cells as ships that deliver oxygen to all the tissues in the body, and hemoglobin as the crates on 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
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
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
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
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