Posts Tagged ‘celiac’

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Monday, September 6th, 2010

Probiotics: Dr. Fasano and Celiac Disease

Dr. Alessio Fasano

As an author, researcher, and gluten-free advocate, I work to raise awareness for celiac disease and gluten intolerance because with increased awareness comes more research, more diagnoses, and even better treatments. I’d like to give you an example of how the work of just one researcher, Dr. Fasano of the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland, can make a difference:

In Scientific American, Dr. Fasano poses in his article, “Surprises from Celiac Disease,” the question of why some celiacs develop the disease later than others, even though all celiacs share a genetic predisposition to it.

According to Dr. Fasano, the different onset time among celiacs is associated with the microbiome—that is, the community of bacteria or microbes which live in the digestive tract. Dr. Fasano explains that the microbiome varies among different people and even in the same individual over time. Furthermore, Dr. Fasano says these microbes can have an effect on the genes which are active in their host. Therefore, someone genetically predisposed to celiac disease may have been able to handle gluten for a long time, but upon a shifting of the microbiome, and a subsequent activation of the gluten intolerance gene, the symptoms of celiac disease will appear.

Not only do Dr. Fasano’s studies shed light into a question that has been perplexing researchers for some time, but it also opens the door to a treatment for, or even prevention of, celiac disease—good bacteria for the digestive tract, otherwise known as “probiotics.”

I look forward to hearing more from Dr. Fasano about this fascinating topic!

Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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Monday, August 30th, 2010

Chef to Plate International Awareness Campaign

In my work as a children’s author, researcher, and humanitarian, I am always looking for ways to help people with celiac disease or who are gluten-sensitive by raising awareness and making the gluten-free diet easier to maintain. Therefore, I’m incredibly excited to announce the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America’s 2010 campaign, which you can find out more information about at the following link: http://gluten.net/events.php. This campaign will help to spread awareness about celiac disease and gluten intolerance by partnering up with restaurants that offer gluten-free foods.

According to GIG, the 2009 campaign was an extraordinary success, which helped people all over learn about gluten intolerance and the gluten-free diet. By partnering with GIG this year, your organization will be included under the media campaign listings as well as on their website—free of cost! When you become a sponsor, contributing toward the cost, you will get your logo featured on the literature in restaurants.

Last year, they sent out over 5,000 pieces of literature to 196 restaurants, including a number of
chain restaurants, in the U.S. and Canada, and they estimate that the campaign reached 1.6 million people alone during Celiac Awareness Month—a very impressive number!

Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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Monday, August 16th, 2010

Five Questions to Find Celiac Disease in Children

How can you find out if YOUR child should be tested for celiac disease?

WebMD Health News recently published a questionnaire that you can use to find out if your child has celiac disease and needs to be put on a gluten-free diet. According to the article, at least half of children with celiac disease NEVER get diagnosed, leaving them suffering from the painful physical and mental symptoms of the disease.

Instead of indiscriminately administering a blood test to kids, now we can narrow down the children who need to be tested by asking them five questions:

1. Has your child ever suffered from abdominal pain more than twice during the last three months?

2. Has your child ever had diarrhea lasting more than two weeks?

3. Does your child have a tendency to firm and hard stools?

4. Does your child gain enough weight?

5. Does your child gain enough height?

Check out the link below!

http://tinyurl.com/yl5fgbc

Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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Monday, August 9th, 2010

Treating Autism with Bentonite Clay

As a children’s author, researcher, and humanitarian, I have been growing increasingly alarmed at the growing rate of autism diagnosis. Whereas in the 1980s, a study shows that 4 in every 10,000 children exhibited signs of autism, a study conducted recently by Cambridge University’s Autism Research Center showed that approximately 1 in 60 children have autism. Several years ago, I myself was diagnosed with celiac disease, caused by a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, after many years without proper diagnosis for my painful symptoms. I am now happily gluten-free and pain-free. Lucky to have been correctly diagnosed and had my symptoms handled with the natural treatment of a gluten-free diet, I am passionate about helping children to avoid the same pain of misdiagnosis and to find natural remedies for their health problems. According to a recent article on NaturalNews.com, one such natural remedy for autism is calcium Bentonite clay. I had to share this information!

The use of Bentonite clay has been rising in popularity in autism treatment centers. Calcium Bentonite clay, also known as “Living Clay” and one of the most sought-after for its healing properties, has a particularly strong negative ionic charge which magnetically attracts positively-charged substances such as bacteria and metals, for example, and absorbs them, eliminating toxins from the body. It is used both internally and externally and is a rather simple procedure.  In autism treatment centers, Bentonite clay baths are used to safely remove metals and toxins from the body to increase the chances of success when used in conjunction with other therapies.

As autism diagnosis increases, so does the controversy over its causes. Most researchers seem to be searching for a genetic factor, but others are showing evidence of environmental causes. “There`s really the role for something in the environment that could be triggering someone who is genetically susceptible,” says Dr. Gary Goldstein, a child neurologist and director of the Kennedy Krieger Institute, located in Maryland.

The research supporting the impact of environmental toxins has spurred the search for detoxification therapies that can remove them from our systems.  Already large numbers of doctors are recommending chelation and detoxification programs in conjunction with behavioral therapy for autistic children, noting that with these toxins removed, other therapies are more effective. Chelators are substances that fix themselves to heavy metals. Chelation therapies are typically effective, but they’re expensive and carry a higher risk of side effects such as headache, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and cramps, particularly for children. Calcium Bentonite clay is considered more effective and safer for children.

While many autism clinics are citing successful results with clay therapy, its use isn’t being promoted to doctors due to the fact that clay can’t be patented by the pharmaceutical companies.  Similarly, celiac disease affects 1 out of 100 Americans, and since its treatment is simply a gluten-free diet—requiring no pharmaceutical products, doctors are failing to recognize the symptoms of the disease and diagnosis it correctly, leaving only three percent of celiacs properly diagnosed. However, just as in the cause to increase celiac and gluten-free awareness, by taking it upon ourselves to promote natural therapies for children’s autism, we will surely bring about increased awareness on the effectiveness of calcium Bentonite clay treatment, just as I’ve witnessed awareness of celiac disease and gluten-free grow a great deal over the years.

Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

ALCAT Success

Last year, I met a man at a conference representing ALCAT (antigen leukocyte cellular antibody test), a test that measures levels of food and chemical intolerances, also known as sensitivities, and is available all over the world, in the U.S., UK, Ukraine, India, and Saudi Arabia. My husband’s success with this blood test will follow, but for now, let me explain the simple, basic, yet powerful details of this test.
Once your blood arrives at their Florida laboratory, ALCAT lab technicians determine a general baseline of your blood and immediately expose the blood to various “test agents” based on the package you purchase. For example, you may choose molds and certain foods, or just foods, or chemicals and foods, etc. The blood’s reactions to their agents tell the lab what degree of reaction, if any at all. The data is rapidly compiled. You or your healthcare practitioner will receive the result with easy-to-read information and a simple-to-understand and a chart to follow.
My husband had to deal for years with a very high CRP (C-Reaction Protein) level. CRP measures inflammation in the body, which very long periods is not healthy and can cause all sorts of trouble for the heart, organs, joints, and age-related situations. I was told years ago that it’s a good test to have done in your forties as a preventative action.
So after years of doctors trying to help my husband lower his CRP, and after many other tests to try to pinpoint why it’s so high and where it’s causing damage, my husband decided to have his blood drawn for the ALCAT. His results come back seven days later, and he has a few foods in his “severe” list to avoid for six months. Nothing major, except it does show he had reaction to casein and wheat as well.
My husband would eat wheat, bread, and crackers mostly, so to me this news was a godsend. Finally I could have my dedicated GF kitchen. The dairy was another story. He loves his cheese. It was going to be an interesting six months.
Over this period of six months, he grew fond of gluten-free pasta, crackers, breads (especially my homemade bread) and even started eating my rice cheese.
It’s six months later and he retests his CRP after no wheat and dairy and five other foods. For the first time in many years his CRP came down from a dangerous constant high to very near normal. His only change had been avoiding the seven foods in his extreme list and a few in his mild. There are three columns: extreme, mild, and no reaction.
I’m thinking, “Drats, now he’ll go back on wheat if he retakes the ALCAT and it says he’s clear of wheat.” Well, he retested and had about six foods, plus the gluten, reacting high again (even though he’s off it). The casein is less.
He feels great, lost some weight, less nose troubles, and he’s decided to refrain from wheat and dairy. The only change he made to lower his CRP was this ALCAT test. Pretty amazing.
You can learn more about ALCAT and other results at 1 (800) US-ALCAT or by visiting www.alcat.com. You can also do a Google search on CRP, C-Reactive Protein, to read some basic details on this, if you’re curious.
Ask your doctor about the ALCAT or even suggest it if you’re in your forties or older. I hope this was helpful.
Tina Turbin

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Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Gluten is not the Problem for a Celiac?

This is news everyone needs to really know to get a bit more advanced knowledge of gluten and celiac disease and please stay informed through the many radio shows on these topics.

Gluten is actually not the real problem for celiacs – it is the ‘prolamin’ portion of the molecules in specific grains. This is “the toxic component” of the gluten molecule lies in the prolamin portion.

In wheat this portion is called gliadin. It comprises approximately 40 – 50% of the protein. In rye this portion is called secalin. It comprises approximately 30 – 40% of the protein. In barley this portion is called hordein. It comprises approximately 35 – 45% of the protein. In oats this portion is called avenin. It comprises approximately 10 – 15% of the protein.

Yes, there are prolamins in rice, corn and other foods but these do not contain the toxic tetrapeptide(s) which are stated responsible culprits for the villous damage and rash” experienced by celiacs and people with ‘gluten’ sensitivities.

Once gluten enters the digestive tract, gluten breaks down into peptide chains in a similar fashion to other protein sources; however the resulting gluten-related peptide chain length is considerably longer than for other proteins. These longer peptides are part of the reason that immune response triggers occur and cause celiac disease. Celiac are not the only people who chose to avoid gluten. Some of the disease that also benefit from a gluten free diet are: irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, dermatitis herpetiformis (autism) and those with ulcerative colitis.

For anyone new to a gluten free diet, it is worth mentioning that there is an increasing number of ‘health food’ products with gluten so read your ingredients always!

Tina Turbin

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Monday, March 29th, 2010

ALCAT Allergy Test for Celiacs

Just as food allergies can cause a variety of physical and mental conditions, some of them rather severe, food sensitivities can have serious effects on one’s health as well. I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which is caused by an allergy to gluten, many years ago, and as an author, researcher, and humanitarian, I have studied gluten allergies andgluten intolerance, to find that it is not uncommon that those who are sensitive or allergic to gluten often have additional sensitivities or allergies as well. Now I’m pleased to find there’s a test out there—the ALCAT—which thoroughly and accurately determines one’s sensitivities to various chemicals and foods.

The ALCAT (Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test) is a type of blood test that dates back almost 25 years and is used by individuals and healthcare professionals to determine one’s food and chemical sensitivities and their degree of sensitivity – extreme or mild. While 1 in every 100 Americans has celiac disease, there are many who don’t have an allergy to gluten, and won’t test positive for the disease, but they do, in fact, have a gluten intolerance. Whereas celiac testing fails to determine sensitivities to gluten, the ALCAT can be administered to successfully determine this.This means that the millions of Americans who suffer from mental and physical discomfort from ingesting gluten can finally be helped.

What is the difference between an allergy and a sensitivity? ALCAT Worldwide says that the “inability to tolerate foods and environmental factors, also known as sensitivity or intolerance, induces chronic activation of the innate immune system and gives rise to inflammatory processes.” It is this inflammation that leads to health problems such as digestive difficulties, migraines, skin disorders, arthritis, and obesity, just to name a few. In other words, even if you just have a “sensitivity,” and not a full-blown allergy, it is important to your health and quality of life that you address this.

It is not uncommon to find that celiacs have allergies or sensitivities to additional foods, not just gluten, such as casein or soy. I personally am not able to tolerate dairy very well, and I have run into many celiacs with this same intolerance. If you’ve tested positive for celiac disease and have changed to a gluten-free diet, but you still don’t feel your best, there may be other sensitivities that need to be addressed. The ALCAT is highly useful for celiacs who fall in this group.

So what is the ALCAT? It is a blood test that identifies one’s type of reaction (extreme, mild, or no reaction) to over 300 foods, chemicals, and other substances by measuring cellular reactivity in whole blood, using “state-of-the-art” electronic technology. The results are presented in a simple, color-coded, easy-to-follow chart.

If you’re gluten-intolerant or celiac, and you’ve already made the change to a gluten-free diet, you have taken a critical step in protecting yourself from a wide range of health problems and diseases. If you suspect you may have other sensitivities, or if you’d like to go the extra mile in safeguarding your health, the ALCAT Test may be the answer you’re looking for.

Read success stories:

http://www.glutenfreehelp.info/gluten-free-and-allergy-tests/gluten-free-and-the-alcat

http://www.glutenfreehelp.info/autoimmune-disorders/alcat-success

Tina Turbin

www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

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Monday, March 15th, 2010

Living Gluten Free – Right to Heal – Part I Sandi Star, CNN

As many of you know I have a passion for increasing the awareness of  gluten issues as well as celic disease and topics relating to this general area. I would like to introduce a wonderful woman with a wonderful purpose. Here is Sandi Star’s incrediblegluten-free story which has led her to a healthy vibrant life. She is now helping others daily. Also learn about Sjögren’s Syndrome (autoimmune disease). Sjögren’s is one of the symptoms of Celiac diseasewhich she will,  share with you as well. Read her first story with more Parts ( chapters) to come which Sandi will share every 2nd of the month.

After struggling for over 40 years with chronic migraines, IBS, Muscle and joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, asthma and a slew of other ailments and frustrations I decided to take a closer look at the cause rather than obsessing on the symptoms. I was tired of relying on doctors to give me answers and tired of the medications that only gave me side affects and little relief.

I had been committed to health and fitness for over 20 years, losing close to 50 pounds and 5 dress sizes, however I still had all the chronic conditions that played havoc in my life. I realized there was a key element missing and soon found out it was my reaction to gluten and dairy. I didn’t know enough about food intolerance or allergies or at least put the two together. I never believed food could have such a serious impact on overall health let alone be the direct cause of my diseases. With what I know today I’m surprised my doctor didn’t put the connection together when he diagnosed me with Sjögren’s Syndrome (autoimmune disease). Sjögren’s is one of the symptoms of Celiac diseaseamongst a long list including:

• Fatigue

• Addison’s disease (hormonal disorder)
• Gastrointestinal distress (gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, reflux) 
• Headaches (including migraines) 
• Infertility 
• Mouth sores 
• Weight loss/gain 
• Inability to concentrate 
• Moodiness/depression 
• Amenorrhea/delayed menarche (menstrual cycles) 
• Bone/joint/muscle pain 
• Dental enamel hypoplasia (dental enamel defect)
• Short stature 
• Seizures 
• Tingling numbness in the legs.

Nutrition was the key to my healing process. By making the appropriate diet changes – (gluten and dairy free), I’ve managed to eliminate my migraines, IBS………etc., etc., meaning I reduced the inflammation in my body caused by gluten and dairy. I’ve also kept the Sjögren’s Syndrome under control. Even better, I have eliminated all medications and use food and natural remedies for nutrition and overall health.

I became a clinical nutritionist and started Karmic Health because I am so thrilled to be able to help others with my experience, education and passion in the field of nutrition and functional medicine. In the next issue I will get into the details of why it’s so important to understand gluten and how it has changed over the past 50 years; how it relates to many diseases. I’ll also explain wheat allergy verses intolerance and leaky gut; and of course the most extreme case – Celiac disease.

Sandi is the founder of Karmic Health; specializing in nutrition related to disease where a gluten and casein (dairy) free lifestyle is crucial. Sandi works with celiac disease, autism and all auto immune disorders. Sandi graduated from The Natural Healing Institute in Encinitas CA., with a degree in Clinical Nutrition and is continuing her studies in Clinical Herbology. She has hands on experience and a true understanding of many health issues and has dedicated her life in helping others reach their optimal health.

Please sign up for the RSS feed on the right hand column of every page to receive  regular posts or check back every 2nd of the month for another story or informative information from nutritionist, Sandi Star, CNN.

Thank you Sandi!

Tina Turbin

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Sunday, March 7th, 2010

My Interview in Amsterdam-Holland

This was a fun interview! Charlie Valentino of glutenfreegroove.com found me through a search on the internet and asked if he could interview me. He then sent me the questions and we had a blast form that point on. His questions were fun and so was his interview!
He placed my replies up and here they are for your reading pleasure.:
Tina Turbin

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Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Teen Celiac and a Hand For Haiti- Cookbook

Lauren is a gluten free teenager living in Canada, with a passion for good food and a care in her heart for those in Haiti! Lauren may be a teen but she is now deemed a humanitarian in my eyes as well as many others. As a children’s author, writer, humanitarian I do know how much time this must have taken to organize and get all this gathered to a completion. A lot!

Here is what Lauren has to share: “After all, that is what this is about: selling ebooks to donate money to Haiti. All proceeds will do to the Red Cross.  The Canadian Red Cross that is.  You see, I am Canadian so it only makes sense to donate to this one.  Also, it has been in Haiti for many years, so they will be able to use the funds to help as in the best areas possible.  And here’s the really important part: the Canadian Government will match all donations received by February 12th, that are marked for Haiti Relief (as I will be doing to these).  They are matching donations made by individuals as well as those made from fundraisers for Haiti (like this ebook) by schools, businesses, social groups (that is what I believe we are, as blogging is a community of people, in this case coming together around food), etc.”

Going back in time, Lauren started this project in January 2010- ”I don’t know how long it will be, or how much work it will take, but it will happen.  Relief is being sent there in bundles now, and in a few weeks, they will still need clean food and water.  Medical support will still be saving lives. Currently, some of the “big” bloggers are getting together to make a cookbook, but I’m sixteen.  With that said, if you’re a blogger, send me your favourite, most loved recipe that makes you feel at home with an email subject line of “Haiti Ebook” to mail at celiacteen. com.  Please also include a picture!  The recipe does not have to be gluten free.  It can be a baked good, a meal, a breakfast, a treat, anything.  Whatever it is though, make sure it makes you think of home.  They lost theirs, so a comforting dish is the best way in my eyes!”

The project is complete- Help support Lauren’s Cause.

http://www.celiacteen.com/2010/02/haiti-ebook.html

Tina Turbin

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