Celiac Awareness

Friday

Treat Yourself To The Gluten Dude App

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Woman looking at Gluten Dude App on cell phone


#TheGlutenDude #glutenfree

Tuesday

7 Helpful Tips for a Smooth Transition to Gluten-Free Living

Going gluten-free can be a challenge at first, especially if you are used to eating gluten-containing foods. But it doesn't have to be difficult! With a little bit of planning and some helpful tips, you can make the transition to a gluten-free lifestyle much easier. Here are some tips to help get you started:

  1. Read labels carefully: When you are shopping for gluten-free products, it is important to read labels carefully to make sure that the product is truly gluten-free. Look for products that are labeled gluten-free or that have a gluten-free certification logo.

  2. Know your gluten-free grains: There are many grains that are naturally gluten-free, including rice, quinoa, buckwheat, corn, and oats. Make sure that you know which grains are safe to eat and which ones to avoid.

  3. Learn to cook: Cooking your own meals is one of the best ways to ensure that you are eating gluten-free. You can control the ingredients that you use and avoid cross-contamination. These days there are many wonderful gluten-free cookbooks and websites that can help you get started.

  4. Be careful when eating out: Eating out can be a challenge when you are gluten-free. Make sure that you communicate your needs to the restaurant staff and ask questions about the ingredients in the dishes. And when in doubt, go without.

  5. Use gluten-free substitutes: There are many gluten-free substitutes available for your favorite gluten-containing foods, including bread, pasta, and flour. Experiment with different substitutes to find the ones that you like best.

  6. Stock up on gluten-free snacks: Having gluten-free snacks on hand can help you avoid the temptation to eat gluten-containing foods. Keeping a few snacks in your bag can also help you to avoid being hangry during those sometimes all too common moments when no safe gluten-free options are available. Some good options include dried fruits, nuts, and gluten-free crackers.

  7. Be patient: It may take some time to adjust to a gluten-free lifestyle. Be patient with yourself and don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up occasionally. Remember that every small step counts in this very adventurous learning curve.

Going gluten-free can be a challenge, but it can also be a rewarding experience for anyone who has trouble digesting gluten.

With these tips, you can make the transition to a gluten-free lifestyle easier and more enjoyable.

Need a little extra help on your gluten-free journey? Grab a copy of My printable Gluten Free Workbook here

Wednesday

Celiac Resources: What To Look For & Red Flags To Run From

When I think of the sea of information surrounding Celiac disease, I'm reminded of how I learned the ins and outs of managing it. Lucky for me, I was diagnosed long before gluten-free had become romanticised by celebrities and diet junkies. It made things easier I think because the information circulating about gluten-free was pure and foreign to most people. Gluten-free was just that; no gray area and no jokes.

With all of the information out there today, it can be difficult to weed out fact from fiction. The internet is a continuously growing source of unmoderated information and strong opinion. While different points of view can be a good thing, they aren't when it comes to managing Celiac. Scientific facts from medical professionals trump personal opinions on the internet ( looking at you Facebook Groups, Twitter, and Instagram ) one hundred percent! 


So Who Do We Trust?!

Celiac Resources

What to look for


Bloggers who actively campaign for Celiac awareness without policing the nutritional choices of others. Celiac aside, we all have different dietary needs, requirements, and lifestyles. It's important to find bloggers you can relate to. For example, if you are gluten-free AND dairy free, you would naturally gravitate toward someone who shares that lifestyle.


Look for support groups which are low on animosity and focus on the positives. While we all need to vent once in a while, it can be emotionally draining to be constantly surrounded by negativity. It's not hard to find a silver lining when everyone you connect with is searching for it too. Support networks big or small, are important to successfully manage Celiac.


Advocacy groups which are funded by member and or Government donations. When there is no sponsorship, there is zero potential for conflict of interest. They are also more likely to involve members in every aspect of the organization, making it 100% accountable. Advocacy is a vital lifeline to everyone with Celiac. This is why we need to make sure we're supporting groups which are serious about making a difference.


Facts based on valid scientific researchCeliac is not governed by personal opinion. Period. To avoid clickbait and plain old wrong information, ask yourself:
Is this a trustworthy information source?
Can the facts be verified?
Is there an ulterior motive?
What makes this source reliable?
Where did the information originate?
Is it up to date?

We live in an era where information travels at lightspeed and just because it's out there, doesn't mean it's accurate.


Red flags


Anyone who promotes Cheerios as a suitable option for those with Celiac. 
See more on why that is a no-no here. This is a hot topic still and I cannot for the life of me wrap my head around why. The main problem here is cross-contamination and lack of transparency about the gluten-removal process from General Mills.

Stay far away from anyone promoting gluten-removed beer as a Celiac safe.
It's not. Heres why: current technology is not reliable as it can't accurately measure the amount gluten in beer. It doesn't matter if it has been treated with enzymes or your Aunt Betty said she drinks it and is fine. Bartenders are not medical professionals and should not be relied upon for accurate information on the gluten-freeness of a drink. Beer made with malt a.k.a gluten-removed beer is not safe for any Celiac, nor is Corona for that matter.

Watch out for anyone who neglects to disclose sponsored material. 
This has been an ongoing problem on the interwebs for some time. It's sketchy, in poor taste and lacks authenticity.

Stay away from people who want to sell you essential oils, tonics and cleanses.
None of this will "heal" you and most of them tend to be MLM situations. Don't get caught up in it and you won't be sorry.


Avoid anyone who tells you that they know a "cure". 
Although therapies are actively being trialed and researched, there is nothing to date which will allow you to safely consume gluten. There is zero proof that anything currently on store shelves will help with cross contamination or accidental glutening. ZERO. Side note - those pills in health stores that "aid in the digestion of gluten" are not regulated by the FDA and not even meant for people with Celiac.


Advocacy groups and Expos that are sponsored by companies that are not Celiac safe. This is a major conflict of interest. How can we be sure that money hasn't bought a favorable opinion here? Safety first!

Be wary of anyone who relies strictly on the Nima Sensor. 
The Canadian Celiac Association recently released a statement cautioning anyone with Celiac or gluten sensitivity against using the device. While Nima could potentially be a helpful tool, it's not flawless and the opportunity for error is simply too risky.



Research and Support You Can Count On




The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center

Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University



Gluten-Free Certification 




Sunday

What every Celiac Wants You To Know

Celiac is a permanent lifestyle change. A change that is difficult, expensive and involves more than just avoiding bread. For someone with Celiac, indulging in gluten containing food is never okay. Ever. Below, I touch on things every Celiac wants their friends, family and co-workers to know.

So What Exactly Is Celiac?

Celiac isn't an allergy, intolerance or preference. It's an autoimmune digestive disorder which causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Contrary to most people's understanding, this is not a new disease. In fact, Celiac was first discovered by the Greek physician, Aretaeus of Cappadocia who lived in the first century A.D. He wrote about "The Coeliac Affection" and named it koliakos which is derived from the Greek word koelia, meaning abdomen.

Celiac is a serious autoimmune condition where the body ultimately views gluten as the enemy. Thus creating a hostile reaction to it. Following a strict gluten-free diet isn't glamorous and it requires extra work to ensure that it's also healthy.

Common Overlooked Dangers

Taking precautions to prevent cross contamination (both home and away) is a necessary effort. Though it may seem exuberant, it's important to ensure some kitchen items are deemed Celiac only. Examples such include:

toaster
cutting board
colander
condiments


It's also important to be mindful of food courts, break rooms and other eating areas away from home. The tables may not always be sanitised before you sit down and can harbour crumbs from previous diners.

Reading food labels can be tricky. Take your time and learn the various terms for gluten and become versed in proper label reading. The Canadian Celiac Association provides a great resource for label reading.

Myths, Lies, And Misunderstandings

Celiac is a life long condition as currently there is NO CURE. That means adhering to a 100% gluten-free diet is essential. Contrary to what some companies may try to slyly sway you into believing, no pill or ritual out there will allow you to safely ingest gluten. Period. 

Though it seems to still be happening, starting a gluten-free diet before proper testing is a monster no-no. Why? Because if you are in fact Celiac, your body will begin to heal on a gluten-free diet which will result in a false negative test result.

Simply following a gluten-free diet blindly is never a good idea. Many of the foods are high in fat and sugar, as well as low in essential nutrients such as iron, fibre and vitamin B. Believe it or not, this can actually cause weight gain. It's a process to eat healthy on a gluten-free diet as we have to work harder to ensure that the healthy food makes its way into our routine. This involves a lot of planning and straying from the convenience of pre-packaged foods. Especially if away from home.


Don't Get Caught Up In Myths

  • Deep frying doesn't destroy gluten 
  • Ancient Grains like Spelt aren't safe- they're in the wheat family
  • Celiac is in not a result of GMO's
  • Crumbs are a big deal. Even a little bit is harmful to a Celiac
  • Lack of physical reaction is not an indication of safety. Even without a noticeable reaction, gluten consumption is harmful.
  • Celiacs don't need to avoid all grains. Unless you have another condition, wheat gluten is the only thing you need avoid.


The Complexity Of It All

Celiac has been associated with over 300 different symptoms. Crazy right?! Not everyone has the same telltale signs. Some people are what is known as "Silent Celiac", meaning they show no noticeable symptoms (also known as asymptomatic) of the disease. This is why proper testing is very important. Self-diagnosing and assuming you're Celiac can be a dangerous road to follow. By not taking the proper steps for diagnosis, you are potentially putting yourself at risk. You know all those symptoms linked to Celiac? They can be signs of other conditions as well. Thus making diagnosis tricky and solidifying the need for accuracy. What if you aren't actually Celiac, but have a health issue only masked by the gluten-free diet? You won't get the treatment you need and you will wonder why you're still sick or what's been "glutening" you. You're also less likely to adhere to the gluten-free lifestyle without having been correctly tested.


The Genetic Link

Celiac is genetically inherited, but not everyone with the gene will develop the disease. Providing genetic markers are present, there is a 1 in 10 risk of a first-degree (parent, child, sibling) relative developing Celiac disease.

Complications

Unlike wheat products, most gluten-free items are not fortified.This results in vitamin deficiency for many with Celiac. It's important to ensure you are getting sufficient iron, calcium, Vitamin D, B6, B12, zinc and folate.

Untreated, Celiac can lead to a whole slew of other autoimmune disorders, including MS, Diabetes, Osteoporosis, neurological conditions, pancreatic problems and gastrointestinal cancers.


Etiquette And Support

A positive support network is crucial to for everyone with Celiac. Whether it's an encouraging shoulder to lean on or an ear to rant to, simply being a bright presence makes our journey a little easier.

Though others may mean well by asking questions, there are some things that really should be avoided. Some questions and comments we field tend to be less than empathetic and kind of inconsiderate. 

Let's talk etiquette and what falls under the please don't even category

"That must suck"
"Don't be dramatic"
"I feel sorry for you"
"Just a little won't hurt"
"I'd die if I couldn't eat gluten"
"If you take xyz you can eat gluten again"
"My friend's Naturopath say xyz will cure Celiac"
"I'd never be able to give up my favourite foods"

It's also important to understand that we may not always feel comfortable eating away from home. Even if it's something a friend or a family member has gone to the effort of making gluten-free. Not everyone understands the detailed prep involved in ensuring gluten-free food stays gluten-free. For people who are not immersed in the Celiac lifestyle, it can be easy to overlook areas of cross contamination. We mean no offence when we politely decline. Trust us. We really want to be able to trust you and eat the food you have so graciously prepared. But, we have also all had that one experience where we've reacted to food made by others. So when we say "no thank you" please just let it be and don't pressure us or become irritated.


Love ,
your friendly neighbourhood Celiac



Saturday

Ottawa Senators To Host Celiac Disease Awareness Night


The Canadian Celiac  Association has teamed up with the Ottawa Senators to host a Celiac Awareness night


 When I received an email from the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) advising of this event, I was thrilled! As a Celiac and a hockey fan, this is a double win. I have emailed an inquiry as to whether or not there will be any Celiac safe food at the event and will post an update once a response is received.


     When:
     Saturday, March 4th 2017

     Where:
     The Canadian Tire Centre
     1000 Palladium Drive Ottawa, 
       Ontario K2V 1A5



       How to purchase tickets:

Please visit this page to ensure that part of your ticket price will be donated to the CCA. 

You NEED to use the promo code CELIAC when you complete checkout.
Not a hockey fan, but know someone who is? Senators tickets make a great Christmas or birthday gift! Plus you will also be helping fellow Celiac's - A portion of ticket proceeds will support important awareness, research, and restaurant training programs. All brought to you by the CCA.                  
 

For more information, kindly email cca.communications@celiac.ca with your inquiry.


Disclosure

This policy is valid from 23 February 2013

This is a personal blog written and edited by me. All opinions are that of my own. I am not a healthcare professional or an expert. All information presented in this blog is purely that of my own experience and or opinion. Please consult a medical professional before making any changes to your diet.

I write this blog as a hobby that I am passionate about. From time to time, I may receive monetary compensation for a sponsored post. I only work with brands that I trust and would use in my own home.

This blog accepts complimentary products for review. The opinions I have of a product will never be swayed by a company sending me an item(s) for free. I take into consideration the opinion of family members who are gluten-free due to Celiac Disease and I also value the opinions of non-gluten free family members. Taste is a matter of personal opinion so please use your own discretion and don't take my opinion as a gold standard.

Any ingredient or gluten-free claims should be verified with the restaurant/manufacturer as things can and do change.

For questions about this blog, please contact: sandra@glutenfreedoll.com

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