Vitamins that Celiacs Should Stay Away From: One A Day VitaCraves Adult Multivitamin Gummies.

Fellow Celiacs, we all know how important it is for us to take vitamins in order to keep our body healthy. However, there is one vitamin that we should all avoid: One a Day's Vitacraves Adult Multivitamin Gummies. These gummies contain wheat.

The gummies have Glucose Syrup in them. In terms of US made products, the Glucose Syrup is derived from corn. In Europeon countries, the Glucose Syrup is derived from wheat. Bayer has confirmed this. The One a Day Vitacraves Adult Multivitamin Gummies, were made in Europe.

If you have Celiac/gluten intolerant children, I recommend not giving them gummy vitamins. One a Day reps have said that it is safe, since it tested at 20ppm or less. However, those that are very sensitive to gluten, I would suggest not purchasing this product.

For a list of gluten free vitamins for Celiac kids and adults, visit:
http://www.theceliacdiva.com/gluten-free-vitamins/

source: http://www.glutenfreegigi.com/ingredients-inside-one-a-day-vitamins/

Is there a link between Celiac disease and Lymphoma?

While great strides have been made in researching and understanding Celiac disease, there are many questions that have been left unanswered. However, one question that can be answered, is about the link between Celiac disease, and Lymphoma.

Scientists measured the risk of Lymphoma in Celiac disease patients, by looking for persistent villious atrophy in the patient.
It has been shown that patients, who have maintained a gluten free diet, even for a year, can still have persistent villious atrophy. This could be due to accidental intake of gluten.
The only way to heal from persistent villious atrophy, is to maintain a very strict gluten free diet. If left untreated, you put yourself at a higher risk for Lymphoma.

Those who have persistent villious atrophy, have a 3.78-fold increase in developing Lymphoma. However, those who are in the process of healing, only have a 1.5-fold increase in developing Lymphoma.
The specific type of Lymphoma that we are at risk for is, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (a blood cancer).

As stated before, a life-long adherence to a gluten free diet, will lower the risks of Lymphoma.

source:
http://www.celiaccentral.org/researchnews/celiac-disease-lymphoma-researcher-explains-risk-10191/

Creative Writing: "Diary Entry of Lennox Williams." (7/25/2010)

*Disclaimer: These “diary entries” are a sneak peek into the book I am currently writing. The book is about a 14 year old girl who was just diagnosed with Celiac disease. The “diary entries” will discuss how she is dealing with her diagnosis, the summer before she starts high school. If you have any questions about this story, please contact me, or comment below. I hope you enjoy this series!*

7/25/2010

Dear Diary,
"I have been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I'm not going to let loser boy Kevin, get me upset. If he is going to be a jerk about me having Celiac disease, he can go kick rocks. Today, I decided to get out of the house, and go to the mall. I needed to walk around and clear my head. I know I will come to terms with having Celiac disease. I just don't want this to ruin my social life. What if I'm around more jerks like Kevin? I know I shouldn't worry. I need to just enjoy my freedom before 9th grade starts. It would be easier if my pals were around. I hope the end of the summer party will still happen. It would be awesome to hang out with everyone, before we all go our separate ways. I can't believe my pals are going to different high schools. I have to start all over again, and this time, I have to deal with having Celiac disease. I just need to tell myself that it will be okay. 
Mom is making me gluten free mac and cheese for dinner. It's her first time making it gluten free. It better not be nasty."


 

(c) 2013 Story by: Shauna S

FDA Now Redefines Gluten Free Labeling!

Hey everyone. I'm sure you all heard the exciting news from last week. The FDA is requiring that gluten free foods must meet the government's new standard of labeling. Basically, things are going to get a lot easier for new and seasoned Celiacs, in terms of purchasing foods that won't get us sick.

In a press release from the FDA last week, it states that "in order to use the term "gluten-free" on its label, a food must meet all of the requirements of the definition, including that the food must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm363474.htm). " It also states that foods claiming "no gluten" and "free of gluten," to meet the definition of gluten free.

This is amazing news for the Celiac and gluten sensitive communities. When I was first diagnosed with Celiac disease, I was completely lost, when it came to what foods I could eat. I spent a ton of time in the store, scouring the shelves, reading labels to see what I would be able to eat. I am glad that newly diagnosed Celiacs will have a much easier time finding gluten free foods.

Celiacs and those who are gluten sensitive, what do you think about the FDA ruling?

photo credit: http://www.chicagonow.com/active-suburbia/files/2013/08/gluten-free-624x624.jpg

Celiac disease and Social Situations

Today, I was inspired to write about having Celiac disease, and being in social situations. As a Celiac, I have felt rather left out of social situations. The places I used to eat at, I cannot eat at anymore. When my friends want to go to an Italian restaurant, a bar, or a diner, I never get invited. Friends of mine who barhop, never invite me because bars in my area do not carry gluten free beer. I have spoken to a few Celiacs, and there are some who also feel left out of social situations.

I have decided to write about how we can be included in social situations. Since Celiac disease is still unknown (and I say unknown because people don't really talk about the facts when it comes to Celiac disease), I think it is our duty to educate our loved ones about what we are all about.

Gluten Free Dinner Night
Wouldn't it be fun if we invited our loved ones over for an amazing gluten free dinner night? We can put on our favorite apron, wear a chefs hat, and cook up a storm! We can make some homemade gluten free bread. We can cook our favorite gluten free pasta, or another amazing gluten free entree. We can finish the night by serving a mouth-watering gluten free dessert. People will be begging for more delicious gluten free food. They won't even miss the gluten!

Gluten Free Drink Night
Bars not offering gluten free beer? How about you turn your humble abode into a bar for a night. Buy an abundance of gluten free hooch, break out the karaoke machine, and have a party!

Going to a Sunday Dinner or Potluck?
Are you going to a non-Celiac Sunday dinner, or Potluck? Here is a perfect opportunity to introduce your loved ones to the world of gluten free food. Make your favorite dish or dessert, and show them that, just because we're gluten free, it doesn't mean we can't have tasty food. Show your loved ones how amazing gluten free food tastes.

Trust me, as a Celiac, I know how lonely life can be. Today, I have experienced that loneliness. However, I have realized that I can't live my life in loneliness. If I want to feel included in society, I need to introduce those around me, to gluten free food. Being Celiac is nothing to be afraid of. The only thing that is different, is that we don't eat gluten, wheat, barley, rye, and oats. The above situations are what I am going to incorporate into my life.

Gluten Free Pasta Review: Ronzoni Rotini

Good morning to all my gluten free pasta lovers! I may have spoken about Ronzoni coming out with a gluten free pasta, some posts back. Last night, I picked up a box at my local supermarket, and decided to give it a try. The pasta is made up of brown rice, quinoa, and corn flour. The box suggests that it tastes like regular white pasta. I looked at the box, thinking, "Challenge accepted." I followed the directions exactly, and finished cooking the pasta fairly quickly. I put some gluten free pasta sauce on top, and sat down to eat.

The pasta was, by far, the best gluten free pasta that I have ever tried! It is not mushy, or hard at all. It tasted like normal pasta! It blew my mind.
I am a Al Dente fan. If pasta is NOT cooked Al Dente, I won't eat it. To cook Ronzoni Rotini Al Dente:

• Follow the instructions on the package, and cook for 7 minutes exactly. 

• In addition to adding a pinch of salt, I added a touch of olive oil to the water. 

• Once the water boiled, I added the pasta. I waited for the water to return to a roaring boil, and then I turned the heat down to medium. 

• To avoid any pasta sticking together, make sure you stir the pasta occasionally. 

Paired with your favorite sauce, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite red wine, you have a delicious gluten free meal, sent to you from Heaven.

If you are interested in trying Ronzoni gluten free pasta, look for it in the regular pasta aisle. You will find it in the Ronzoni section, in a yellow box. At my local Stop n Shop supermarket, the pasta retails at $2.99.

photo credit: http://www.trademarkia.com/services/logo.ashx?sid=85887366

Creative Writing: “Diary Entry of Lennox Williams” (7/20/2010)

*Disclaimer: These “diary entries” are a sneak peek into the book I am currently writing. The book is about a 14 year old girl who was just diagnosed with Celiac disease. The “diary entries” will discuss how she is dealing with her diagnosis, the summer before she starts high school. If you have any questions about this story, please contact me, or comment below. I hope you enjoy this series!*

Dear diary,

“The past few days, I been keeping a low profile. After the humiliation at the mall, I been too freaked to go out. I spent some time on facebook, talking to some of my online friends. We play Farmville together.
Mom and I went out for coffee earlier today. She had the coffee, and I had a Green Tea Frap. It was delish! Mom and I had a great talk, and then I saw Kevin walk in with some sleazy girl. She They ordered soup and sandwiches, and sat at a table in front of us. Kevin was facing me, and gave me a total stink face look. He grabbed sleaze girl’s hand and kissed it. I swear, I threw up in my mouth. I wanted to slap him for that. I asked mom if we could go for a walk in the nearby park. We walked through the park, and talked. She knew I was bummed about something, so I told her about Kevin. She told me that guys can be idiots, but, there are some good guys out there who will understand my situation. I told mom that I hope so, or else high school is going to be a lonely place."

Well, I’m off to play more Farmville. At least in that reality, I don’t have to worry about having Celiac disease. Ugh!



(c) 2013 Story by: Shauna S.