CBS News is taking the gluten-free health craze seriously!  You can check out the video from one of their news reports on how some consumers are going gluten-free by choice and not for specific health reasons.

Some people reported feeling more energy after going gluten-free as well as seeing minor stomach problems dissipate.  However always be careful about starting a new diet without first consulting your doctor. It’s VERY IMPORTANT to note that you should speak to your doctor to get tested for celiac disease before starting a gluten-free diet. Or, try out the CeliacSure/Biocard test for celiac disease that allows you to test for the condition from the comfort of your own home.

Read more at http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/04/26/some-people-are-going-gluten-free-by-choice/ and check out the video now!

Did you know that almonds can make your gluten-free lifestyle more delicious and nutritious?  Almonds bring taste and texture to many dishes when converting them to gluten-free.

Try almond flour in baking, slivered almonds in salads, and ground almonds in place of bread crumbs to coat chicken or fish for dinner.

Read more about almonds and get some great recipes here: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/almonds-naturally-make-gluten-free-lifestyle-more-delicious-2012-04-26

With celebrities like Miley Cyrus tweeting pictures of her new slimmer body and touting the benefits of a gluten-free diet, eating gluten-free is the new hot trend in twitterverse.

But should everyone go gluten-free?  In this article Dr. Peter Green of the Columbia University Center for Celiac Disease says that people who suspect they have celiac disease should speak to their doctors about testing first and understand that eating gluten-free is not just a trend but the only way to truly remain healthy for people with the disease.

Read the full interview with Dr. Green and learn more at http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/04/10/should-you-go-gluten-free/

Now you can feel beautiful and be gluten-free!  Beauty companies are taking notice that people need to have gluten-free beauty products and are making efforts to make them safe for all people. And, a big thanks to News Channel 10 for this great video looking at where gluten can hide in your cosmetics.

And, a recent study from researchers at the George Washington University looked at labeling of cosmetics and found the few, if any, companies volunteer the information on gluten in their makeup. For this particular study, the researchers discussed patients with celiac disease who were on a successful gluten-free diet but then began wearing make-up or lotion that contained gluten. One patient they mention developed a skin rash after use of the gluten-containing product.

The researchers note that although “gluten can’t be absorbed through the skin,” people could potentially ingest small amounts of lipstick, lotion and other cosmetic products that could in turn make them sick.

Learn more and watch the video now at: http://www.local10.com/thats-life/health/Beauty-products-go-gluten-free/-/1717022/10953984/-/pq7c3yz/-/index.html

The Kelowna Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association this year will host the association’s annual conference from May 25 to 27 at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. The 2012 event will feature five incredible speakers and more than 40 gluten-free exhibitors.

The conference’s keynote  speaker will be Dr. Sheila Crowe, a professor of medicine and research for the Division of Gastroenterology at the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego. Click to read her full biography.

Dr. Ian Blumer will be speaking on celiac disease and its relationship to other autoimmune diseases.  Dr. Blumer is an internal medicine specialist in Toronto and is a member of the executive of the Canadian Diabetes Association and is the recipient of the Canadian Diabetes Association Special Dedication Award. Dr. Blumer is a director of the Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre and has a teaching appointment with the University of Toronto. He is the author or co-author of 8 books.  Dr. Blumer’s web site is www.ourdiabetes.com.

Dr. Hardy Limeback will be speaking on dentistry and celiac disease.  Dr. Limeback, PhD, DDS, is an associate professor and head of preventative dentistry at the University of Toronto, as well as a part-time dentist. He is the former President of the Canadian Association of Dental Research. He received his PhD in in collagen biochemistry and his DDS from the University of Toronto. He has authored or coathored over 80 publications on dentistry.

Dr. Brent Barlow will be speaking on naturopathy and celiac disease. Dr. Barlow is a Naturopathic Physician practicing at Okanagan Naturopathic Healthcare in downtown Kelowna.  Naturopathic Doctors are licensed in the province of British Columbia as primary care physicians, which means they are licensed to diagnose and treat medical conditions primarily with natural medicines. As of 2010, NDs have also been granted pharmaceutical prescription rights which Dr. Barlow uses as part of his integrative and holistic approach.

Dr. Mohsin Rashid will be speaking on “Celiac Without Borders: A Global Perspective“. Dr. Mohsin Rashid is a paediatric gastroenterologist and an Associate Professor of Paediatrics & Medical Education at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.  He did his Pediatric Residency training at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Gastroenterology& Nutrition Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto.  He is a member of the national Professional Advisory Board, Canadian Celiac Association and Medical Advisor to the Canadian Celiac Association Nova Scotia Chapter.

Learn more about the conference now at: http://kelownaceliac.org/kelowna-2012/

A huge thanks to the good folks at About.com for reminding us that Dermatitis Herpetiformis is the most common skin condition associated with celiac disease and is 100% treatable with a gluten-free diet. In fact, the National Institutes of Health estimates that as many as 25 percent of people with celiac disease also have Dermatitis Herpetiformis.

It is extremely important to note, that there are several other skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and alopetia areata that are also linked to celiac disease and that a gluten-free diet may also help relieve symptoms.  Be sure to always check with your doctor and asked to get screened for celiac disease before starting a gluten-free diet.

Read more: http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/symptomsofceliacdisease/a/Skin-Based-Manifestations-Of-Celiac-Disease-Can-Take-Many-Forms.htm?nl=1

Celiac disease is popping up everywhere and now researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine Center for Celiac Research say that celiac disease is about two and half times more common in older people than in the general population. In fact, the National Institutes of Health says that more than 34 percent of people diagnosed with celiac disease are over the age of 60.

Dr. Alessio Fasano, director of the Center for Celiac Research says that people with celiac can develop the condition at any point during their life, even if they have been on a normal diet without any health problems for most of their lives. In a quote from the University, Dr. Fasano said the celiac is something “you cannot grow out of, but you may grow into it.”

Dr. Fasano notes that in elderly people, there is a major risk of developing complications like osteoporosis, malnourishment and joint problems, as well as a variety of other issues.

Read more on the topic now at: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/celiac-disease-in-the-elderly.html?page=1

Do you have a child with celiac disease?  One of the major issues facing parents of a newly diagnosed child is having them accept the diagnosis and to feel “normal” amongst their peers and at school events.

A good way to help is to read your child books about celiac disease and books about children like themselves who are adapting normally.  There are many books on the market today to help.

A new book just hitting store shelves is “Barrett’s Unusual Ice Cream Party” which involves a child with celiac disease and a neighbor child with milk allergies. Barrett is positive and says “this makes me special.”

By going to Amazon.com and entering in the search “children’s books on Celiac Disease” you can get a list of the most popular books on this subject sold through Amazon.  The author of the lists states: “If you have a child with celiac disease, you understand all too well how difficult it is to transition their diet. As caregivers we need tools to help our children learn about and explain to others the nuances of their condition. We need good recipes, good shopping tips, and inspirational stories that will inspire our kids. This list is meant to be a tool for parents of children with gluten-intolerance and celiac disease.”

Learn more at: http://www.amazon.com/Favorite-Childrens-Books-Celiac-Disease/lm/R1JL5TXINT16FS

The New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service has developed a program to help people with gluten intolerance and celiac disease find their way to living gluten free and cooking delicious food.  Cindy Davies, a home economist, who answers calls on this subject, states “our country has overdosed itself in white, enriched flour.  People’s systems may have reached the tipping point.”

The program, which includes diabetic cooking and gluten-free baking classes, seeks to help students better understand ingredients in food and find suitable gluten-free alternatives.

Read more about this great program at: http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-healthy_u/ci_20322393/nmsu-tests-tasty-gluten-free-alternatives

Woohoo! Alaska has just joined as one of the States officially declaring May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Other states whose elected officials have already declared May as awareness month are California, Illinois, North Carolina, Maryland, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.

Celiac disease often goes undiagnosed, and these states have taken a huge step in raising awareness for this genetic autoimmune disease, which is controlled strictly by diet. Based on symptoms, celiac is often misdiagnosed and can lead to malnutrition, among other health issues. Gluten is a protein found in the grains wheat, rye, and barley. The only treatment is a 100% gluten-free diet. By raising awareness, people in these states, can help find the source of their illness, and be on the road to a happy and healthy life!

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