Gluten Free RN

What did we know about celiac disease in 1953?

The truth is, we knew quite a bit about sensitivity to gluten 65 years ago when Matilda Babbitz’s son Bobby was diagnosed with celiac disease. A nurse by profession, Matilda carefully observed her baby and kept detailed records of his reactions to foods, working with doctors to determine an appropriate diet for Bobby.

Today, the Gluten Free RN is sharing an article published in the March 1953 edition of the American Journal of Nursing written by Matilda herself. She covers how Bobby presented with celiac disease at six months of age and the dramatic change in his health and behavior after a diet change.

Nadine discusses the systematic approach Bobby’s healthcare team took in creating a custom diet, the relationship between the baby’s irritability and his inability to digest food, and his growth and development before and after treatment. She also addresses the misunderstanding that children will ‘grow out of’ celiac disease, explaining that we’ve since learned patients must adhere to a 100% gluten-free diet for life. Listen in for insight around what we can learn from past case studies of celiac disease and understand what we already knew about celiac disease back when Eisenhower was president and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes was on the big screen!

What’s Discussed:

How Bobby presented with celiac disease at six months of age

• Sudden attack of diarrhea, upper respiratory infection
• History of GI difficulty + distended abdomen, increased gas
• Marked irritability, weight loss, inability to move arms/legs

The dramatic change in Bobby’s behavior after a diet change

• Symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting and weakness disappeared
• Irritability subsided with shift to skim milk

The new pediatrician’s approach when Bobby’s progress stalled

• Shift to goat’s milk, added complete multivitamin supplement

The relationship between irritable behavior and the inability to digest foods

• Nurse/mom kept detailed records of foods eaten, reactions

Bobby’s growth and development before and after diagnosis

• Lost ability to perform gross motor activity prior to diagnosis
• Caught up with age group after diet change (walked at 18 months)

How Bobby’s mother dealt with social pressure to eat with others

• Replaced cookies and ice cream with sherbet and lollipops
• Kept away from parties so not conscious of being left out

The chronic nature of celiac disease

• No one ‘grows out of’ being celiac
• 100% gluten-free diet for life

Nadine’s insight around what we knew about celiac disease in 1953

• Many celiac patients unable to digest cow’s milk
• Need supplementation with vitamins, certain fats
• Recognized impairment of immune system

Resources

‘Bobby Has Celiac Disease’ in the American Journal of Nursing

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Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal

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‘Know your own truth and let that guide you.’

How do you cut through the noise and misinformation around gluten sensitivity and celiac disease in order to make the best choices for your health and happiness? By tapping into your intuition and asking WHY when the answers don’t feel right—and reaching out to the right people for support when you need it.

Today, the Gluten Free RN is sharing her Top 10 Musings and Truths for health and wellbeing, empowering you to be self-protective and surround yourself with the people who genuinely care enough to speak up for—and with you. She shares the value in setting goals for your physical and mental health and taking your power back from the people who may have victimized you in the past.

Nadine also encourages you to get educated and engage in critical thinking, questioning the information you are given and saying ‘no’ to anyone who suggests you eat gluten—even if they happen to be a doctor. Listen in to understand the idea that ‘you are your own experiment’ and learn to be the healthiest YOU you can be by committing to a 100% gluten-free diet!

What’s Discussed:

1. Commit to being 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and ideally Paleo

• Focus on diet change for first year so intestines can heal

1. Be self-protective

• Lose people who aren’t supportive

1. Find your tribe

• People who speak up for/with you, willing to change diet

1. Set goals for what you want your life to look like

• Write down objectives to make real, move in that direction

1. Be powerful (even if you don’t feel it)

• Speak up and take power back, don’t be victim

1. Get educated and educate others

• Go to conferences, read and do research

1. Don’t believe everything you hear, read or say

• Get answers to questions, then question the answers (ask WHY)

1. Don’t eat gluten for anyone

• Not for friends/family, doctors or research study

1. Be the healthiest YOU, you can be

• Strive for MORE health, fun, good food and information

1. You are your own experiment

• Reassess and apply new information as needs change, work with team

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Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine

Books by Nadine:

Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal

Much existing propaganda claims that African Americans do not suffer from celiac disease. Even the Gluten Free RN was surprised to find out that her adopted daughter had a genetic predisposition to the disease back in 2006, as research available at the time regarded the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes to be primarily Caucasian traits. And until we take steps to conduct a mass screening, we simply don’t know how common celiac disease is among people of African descent.

Today, the Gluten Free RN is exploring celiac disease in the African American population. She covers a 2006 study out of Columbia University that assessed African American celiac patients, discussing the variety of ways the subjects presented with celiac disease and the potential reasons for their poor compliance with the prescribed gluten-free diet.

Nadine also considers the prevalence of celiac disease on the continent of Africa, explaining why she believes the number of celiac patients will explode with the population’s growing exposure to wheat. Listen in for the Gluten Free RN’s insight on other health issues that may point to undiagnosed celiac disease and learn how we can prevent celiac disease among the African American population with access to testing, social support and gluten-free food!

What’s Discussed:

The 2006 Columbia University study of celiac disease in African Americans

• Identified nine patients with biopsy-proven celiac disease
• Presented with diarrhea, iron deficiency anemia and autoimmune disorders

Why patients in the Columbia study demonstrated poor dietary compliance

• Expense, availability and palatability of gluten-free food
• Lack of symptoms at diagnosis, inaccurate dietary information

Nadine’s prediction around the number of celiac patients in Africa

• Increasing exposure to wheat will cause explosion

The statistics regarding the mortality burden of celiac disease

• Science Daily reported estimates of 42K child deaths every year in 2011
• Majority from Africa and Asia

The overlap between diabetes and celiac disease

• Every type 1 diabetic is HLA-DQ2/8 gene carrier

The health issues that may indicate undiagnosed celiac disease

• Type 1 diabetes, cardiac issues, stroke and heart attack
• Obesity (stems from lack of nutrient absorption)

How to prevent celiac disease among the African American population

• Access to testing, social support and gluten-free food

Resources:

Celiac Disease and How Gluten Affects Your Skin EP011

‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube

‘Celiac Disease in African-Americans’ in Digestive Diseases and Sciences

‘First Global Estimates of Coeliac Disease and Its Mortality Burden’ in Science Daily

Neurological Disorders Associated with Celiac Disease EP012

‘Celiac Disease in the Developing Countries: A New and Challenging Public Health Problem’ in the World Journal of Gastroenterology

‘Systematic Review: Worldwide Variation in the Frequency of Coeliac Disease and Changes Over Time’ in Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics

‘HLA Typing and Celiac Disease in Moroccans’ in Medical Sciences

‘A Historical Assessment of Sources and Uses of Wheat Varietal Innovations in South Africa’ in the South African Journal of Science

University of Chicago: Celiac Disease Facts and Figures

‘Adult Coeliac Disease in South Africa: An Analysis of 20 Cases Emphasizing Atypical Presentations’ in the South African Medical Journal  

‘Epidemiological and Clinical Features in Immigrant Children with Coeliac Disease: An Italian Multicentre Study’ in Digestive and Liver Disease

‘Prevalence of Positive Coeliac Serology in a Cohort of South African Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus’ in the South African Journal of Child Health

ESPGHAN Goes Africa Course

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Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine

Books by Nadine:

Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal

Approximately 50% of ER visits are associated with abdominal pain, and the vast majority of those patients are given a diagnosis of ‘abdominal pain of an unknown origin’ and directed to come back if the condition gets worse. This is little comfort to people suffering from severe discomfort who need answers around the cause of their belly pain, not just medication to mask it temporarily. Could undiagnosed celiac disease be the source of their suffering?

Today, the Gluten Free RN is diving into the issue of belly pain and undiagnosed celiac disease, discussing the expensive testing often conducted to determine the cause of abdominal discomfort—testing that rarely includes a celiac panel. She covers several of the common misdiagnoses of celiac patients as well as the incredibly high prevalence of abdominal pain in children. 

Nadine shares the case study of a child-patient who was misdiagnosed with appendicitis and the research published in Digestive and Liver Disease outlining the unnecessary surgical interventions endured by undiagnosed celiac patients. Listen in for the Gluten Free RN’s advice to patients with idiopathic abdominal discomfort and learn why no one should suffer from belly pain!

What’s Discussed:

The statistics around ER visits and abdominal pain

• 50% of visits associated with belly pain

The most common abdominal pain diagnoses

• Abdominal pain of unknown ideology, idiopathic abdominal pain

How patients are treated for idiopathic abdominal pain

• Medication, directive to return if condition gets worse

The testing to find the cause of chronic abdominal pain

• Expensive blood workups, rarely include celiac panel

How many children suffer from belly pain

• 30% report abdominal discomfort

Nadine’s patient who received a misdiagnosis of appendicitis

• Mother of child-patient sought second opinion prior to surgery
• Child didn’t have appendicitis, cause of pain still unknown

A research study around abdominal surgery and celiac disease

• Patients with celiac disease at increased risk of abdominal surgery
• Misdiagnosis leads to inappropriate interventions (i.e.: appendectomy)

Nadine’s advice for patients diagnosed with idiopathic abdominal pain

• Initiate clinical trail of gluten-free or Paleo diet

Resources:

‘Increased Rate of Abdominal Surgery Both Before and After Diagnosis of Celiac Disease’ in Digestive and Liver Disease

‘Screening for Celiac Disease in Children with Recurrent Abdominal Pain’ in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

‘Effect of a Gluten-Free Diet on Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Celiac Disease’ in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

‘Clinical Features and Symptom Recovery on a Gluten-Free Diet in Canadian Adults with Celiac Disease’ in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology

‘Association of Adult Celiac Disease with Surgical Abdominal Pain’ in Annals of Surgery

‘A New Insight into Non-Specific Abdominal Pain’ in The Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England

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Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine

Books by Nadine:

Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal

If you are being treated for a blood disorder, it is time to look deeper and explore the underlying cause. Rather than simply addressing iron- or B12-deficiency anemia in isolation, ask WHY you have a deficiency in the first place. It is possible that damage to your intestines caused by gluten is preventing your body from absorbing the nutrients necessary to grow your red blood cells and keep your immune system healthy. And anemia is not the only blood disorder associated with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity!

The Gluten Free RN is taking a closer look at the hematologic manifestations of celiac disease from anemia to hyposplenism. She explains the connection between disorders of the blood and bones, offering insight around why men with both anemia and osteoporosis are also likely to have celiac disease.

Nadine discusses the danger in taking H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors for GERD long-term, describing how those medications decrease the gastric acid necessary for breaking down food. She also addresses what you can do to identify any nutritional deficiencies in your blood and reminds us why celiac patients have difficulty absorbing the nutrients necessary to form red blood cells. Listen in to understand how the skin reflects what’s happening internally and learn how to prevent a number of blood disorders with a gluten-free diet!

What’s Discussed: 

The hematologic manifestations of celiac disease

• Anemia secondary to malabsorption of iron, folate and vitamin B12
• Thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, venous thromboembolism
• Hyposplenism, IgA deficiency and increased risk of lymphoma

Why iron supplements didn’t solve Nadine’s anemia

• Couldn’t absorb supplements due to undiagnosed celiac disease

The connection between anemia, osteoporosis and celiac disease

• B12 forms red blood cells made in long bones

The danger of taking H2 blockers and PPIs long-term

• Decreases levels of gastric acid necessary to liquify food
• Leads to bacterial overgrowth, gastritis

How to uncover potential nutrient deficiencies in your blood

• CBC with differential (breakdown of red blood cells)

The conclusions of the 2007 study in Blood

• Anemia and hyposplenism are most common complications of celiac disease
• Obtain small-bowel biopsy in all patients with iron-deficiency anemia

The fat-soluble vitamins

• A, D, E and K
• Deficiency in one indicates malabsorption, potential celiac disease

The connection between DH and celiac disease

• Skin disorders begin in intestines

Resources:

‘Hematologic Manifestations of Celiac Disease’ in Blood

Celiac Disease and Your Spleen

Dr. Ben Lynch: Folic Acid vs. Folate

‘The Thrombophilic Network of Autoantibodies in Celiac Disease’ in BMC Medicine

‘Hematologic Manifestations of Celiac Disease’ in Celiac Disease— From Pathophysiology to Advanced Therapies

‘Sarcoidosis, Celiac Disease and Deep Venous Thrombosis: A Rare Association’ in Balkan Medical Journal

‘Celiac Disease Manifesting with Deep Venous Thrombosis: A Case Report’ in Govaresh

‘Deep Venous Thrombosis and Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism Revealing Silent Celiac Disease’ in Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine

‘How Often Do Hematologists Consider Celiac Disease in Iron-Deficiency Anemia?’ in Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology

‘Deep Vein Thrombosis Associated with Celiac Disease’ in Bratislavske Lekarske Listy

‘Celiac Disease Presenting with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura’ in Case Reports in Hematology

‘Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis Associated with Gluten-Sensitivity Celiac Disease’ in Terapevticheskii Arkhiv

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Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine

Books by Nadine:

Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal

Your gastrointestinal tract is approximately 30 feet long, and it runs from your mouth all the way to the anus! We know that celiac disease can impact any part of the digestive tract. But there is another disease that wreaks havoc on the GI tract as well, a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis or EoE.

The Gluten Free RN is explaining the fundamentals of eosinophilic esophagitis, from its characteristic inflammation of the esophagus and elevated eosinophils in the blood to the common symptoms of vomiting and upper abdominal pain. She walks us through the treatment for EoE, an elimination diet or steroid therapy.

Nadine speaks to the research exploring a possible connection between eosinophilic esophagitis and celiac disease, citing a paper that found a higher prevalence of EoE in children with celiac disease than the general population as well as the case study of a woman with both celiac disease and elevated eosinophils in her blood. Listen in for the Gluten Free RN’s insight on the best EoE clinics and physicians in the country and learn why further study is needed around EoE and celiac disease!

What’s Discussed: 

The fundamentals of eosinophilic esophagitis

• Allergic response to dietary antigens
• Causes inflammation of esophagus, increased eosinophils in blood

The benefits of unsedated transnasal endoscopy for children with EoE

• Monitors esophageal mucosa without sedation
• Safer, faster and less costly

Some common symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis

• Vomiting, difficulty swallowing, food stuck in throat
• Chest pain, heartburn, upper abdominal pain

The condition of achalasia

• Muscles of esophagus don’t work appropriately
• Causes spasms or constriction

The treatment for EoE

• Elimination diet (remove wheat, eggs, milk, soy, shellfish and seafood, peanuts and tree nuts)
• Topical or systemic steroids

The potential increased prevalence of EoE in children with celiac disease

• 2015 paper found prevalence of 10.7% (much higher than general population)
• Other research articles argue no increased prevalence of EoE in CD

The case study of a 30-year-old woman with celiac disease and elevated eosinophils

• Presented with abdominal pain and distension, vomiting and frequent bowel movement
• Treated with IV hydrocortisone, but developed steroid induced psychosis

Nadine’s insight on the best specialty clinics for EoE in the US

• University of Colorado (Denver School of Medicine)
• Pennsylvania

Dr. Glenn Furuta’s insight on the difficulty of diagnosing EoE

• Relatively new disease, tendency to diagnose based on pathology report alone
• Elevated eosinophils also found in GERD, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease

Special considerations for pediatric patients with EoE

1. Consultation with dietician
2. Limited exposure to corticosteroids
3. Attention to development of feeding skills
4. Potential psychosocial, behavioral problems

Resources:

‘Unsedated Transnasal Esophagoscopy for Monitoring Therapy in Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis’ in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

‘Eosinophilic Esophagitis Associated with Celiac Disease in Children’ in BMC Research Notes

‘Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorder in Coeliac Disease: A Case Report and Review’ in Case Reports in Gastrointestinal Medicine

‘Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children and Adults’ in Gastroenterology and Hepatology

‘The Association Between Celiac Disease and Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children and Adults’ in BMC Gastroenterology

‘Eosinophils in Gastrointestinal Disorders’ in Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America

‘2013 Update on Celiac Disease and Eosinophilic Esophagitis’ in Nutrients

‘Eosinophilic Esophagitis: New Insights in Pathogenesis and Therapy’  in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics

‘Incidence and Prevalence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children’ in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

‘Management of Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Celiac Disease’ in Current Opinion in Pharmacology

‘Increased Risk of Esophageal Eosinophilia and Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Patients with Active Celiac Disease on Biopsy’ in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

‘Individuals Affected by Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders Have Complex Unmet Needs and Frequently Experience Unique Barriers to Care’ in Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology

‘Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Celiac Disease: A True Association or Coincidence?’ in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

Connect with Nadine:

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‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube

Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine

Books by Nadine:

Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal

If you’re just getting used to eliminating gluten from your diet, it may feel like a burden to remove dairy as well—especially if you’re a fan of comfort foods like cheese and ice cream. Why exactly do many practitioners recommend a gluten- AND dairy-free diet to patients diagnosed with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity?

The Gluten Free RN is walking us through the similarities between gliadin and casein, explaining how the proteins found in gluten, milk and cheese impact our brains. She discusses how Marsh 1 damage from celiac disease leads to an inability to break down the sugar in milk and why we crave the very foods that are making us sick.

Nadine shares the story of a young man with autism whose health improved once his family went gluten-free, describing the well-documented gut-brain connection and how the right high-fat diet can repair the neurological system. Listen in for the Gluten Free RN’s insight around dairy replacement options and get empowered to reclaim your health with a gluten- and diary-free diet!

What’s Discussed: 

The similarities between the gluten and casein proteins

• Molecularly very similar, bodies read as toxins
• Both capable of crossing blood-brain barrier

How the casein protein impacts the brain

• Causes inflammation, hypoxia (decrease flow of oxygen)
• Brain fog, anxiety, depression, irritability and fatigue

The effect of Marsh 1 damage due to celiac disease

• Microvilli damaged or destroyed
• Can’t produce enzymes that break down sugar in milk

How gluten and casein proteins act as exorphins

• Bind with opium receptors in brain
• Crave foods that make us sick

Nadine’s recommendations for dairy replacements

• Coconut, hemp, almond or hazelnut milk
• Kite Hill and NuCulture cheese options

How a gluten-free diet helped a young man with autism

• More interaction with family, fewer GI issues
• High-fat diet repairs neurological system

The story of Dr. Terry Wahls

• Diagnosed with MS, healed on gluten-free diet

Resources:

Aroy’d Coconut Milk

Kite Hill

NuCulture Foods

Mary’s Gone Crackers

Jilz Crackers

Dr. Terry Wahls’ TED Talk

The Wahls Protocol  by Dr. Terry Wahls

Dr. Terry Wahls’ Website

Connect with Nadine:

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‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube

Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine

Books by Nadine:

Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal

‘Globally, indigenous peoples suffer from poorer health, are more likely to experience disability and reduced quality of life, and ultimately die younger than their non-indigenous counterparts.’

A UN Report on the health of indigenous peoples points to a significant problem, but the question is WHY? Why are native populations more prone to autoimmune disorders and type 1 diabetes? Why do they have a higher incidence of alcoholism and drug addiction? And why the lower life expectancy?

The Gluten Free RN is exploring the role of food in health outcomes for indigenous populations around the world. She begins with an explanation of the dietary differences between hunter-gatherer and agricultural societies, discussing how native populations were exposed to the gluten in grains only when European conquerors came to occupy their lands.

Nadine shares her challenge in finding information about indigenous populations and celiac disease, explaining why further study is necessary. She speaks to the highly processed nature of the commodity foods provided to Native Americans in the US and the shortcomings of Canada’s Food Guide when it comes to the health of First Nations people. Listen in and learn the significance of educating indigenous populations around celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, empowering those groups to make choices that will improve their health and quality of life!

What’s Discussed: 

The global indigenous population

• 370M in 70-plus countries
• Rich diversity of cultures

The health status of indigenous populations

• Higher incidence of autoimmune disorders, T1D
• Higher prevalence of addictive disorders, cardiovascular disease
• Lower life expectancy, increased morbidity/mortality

Why indigenous populations have more health issues

• Access to health care, isolation and lifestyle
• Food (hunter-gatherer vs. agricultural society)

The lack of information around indigenous populations and celiac disease

• Very few studies available

The impact of grains on the native population

• Significant change in health care outcomes, quality of life

The prevalence of celiac disease in indigenous populations

• At least 1%, likely 3% or higher
• No way to know without mass screening

Why eating healthy is a challenge for the indigenous population

• Food scarcity, desserts
• Reliance on commodity foods provided by government

The conclusions of the Prairie Nymph blog on Canada’s Food Guide

• Based on diet of European origins, doesn’t mention celiac disease
• Ignores health benefits of traditional diet for First Nations people

Why it’s important to educate indigenous people around celiac disease

• Empower to make food choices with better health outcomes

Resources:

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jaren M. Diamond

Dough Nation by Nadine Grzeskowiak

USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program

‘Canada’s Food Guide and Native Women’ by Prairie Nymph

The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen by Sean Sherman

American Indian and Alaska Native Health

‘Celiac Disease: A Disorder Emerging from Antiquity, Its Evolving Classification and Risk, and Potential New Treatment Paradigms’ in Gut Liver

‘Celiac Disease: A Life-Changing Diagnosis’ in Indian Country Today

‘Government Food Boxes? It’s Nothing New for Native Americans’ on WDET

UN Indigenous Peoples Fact Sheet

‘Many Native Americans Lack Access to Healthy Food, But There’s a Growing Movement to Change That’ in Grist

‘Characteristics and Factors Related to Quality of Life in Mexican Mestizo Patients with Celiac Disease’ in BMC Gastroenterology

Summary of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

WHO Health of Indigenous Peoples

WHO Indigenous Peoples and Substance Abuse

Connect with Nadine:

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‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube

Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine

Books by Nadine:

Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal

‘It’s too hard.’ ‘It’s too expensive.’ ‘It’s time-consuming.’ ‘My family won’t support me.’

There are lots of excuses why you can’t go gluten-free or Paleo, but the Gluten Free RN argues that if it’s hard, you’re doing it wrong. And today, she’s prepared to explain how to easily go gluten-free or Paleo and either maintain or regain your health.

Nadine begins with a discussion of the connection between food and pain or discomfort. She explains how the processed, non-food that most people consume causes damage that prevents us from absorbing the nutrients our bodies need. She offers insight around where to go for gluten-free, organic food and how to jump-start a gluten-free or Paleo diet.

The Gluten Free RN provides tips on taking control of your food choices, trying new foods, and gluten-free cooking—minus the cheap fillers. She also outlines a shopping list for nutrient-dense foods that will heal your leaky gut and feed your neurologic system. Listen in and learn the easy way to go gluten-free or Paleo and optimize your health!

What’s Discussed: 

The value in recognizing how you feel

• Shouldn’t have pain, discomfort daily
• Underlying cause traced back to food

Nadine’s response to excuses for not going gluten-free

• No more expensive, must buy food anyway
• Food is medicine, good choices can improve health

How to avoid non-food with empty calories

• Stay away from soda, sugary coffees
• Pass up highly processed and fast non-food

The difference between organic and conventional food

• Conventional food—herbicides, pesticides, genetically modified
• Roundup causes leaky gut, even in absence of celiac disease

Nadine’s suggestions around where to go for gluten-free food

• Grocery stores that cater to gluten-free population
• Local food co-ops, farmers

Nadine’s advice for going gluten-free or Paleo

• Try new foods in the produce section
• Learn to pack simple breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Consider putting in garden
• Get re-educated, take control of food choices
• Replace cutting boards, toasters, etc.

How to get started on a gluten-free or Paleo diet

• Whole30 Program (eliminate grains, sugar and dairy)

Nadine’s shopping list for a gluten-free diet

• Fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds
• Meat, fish and eggs

Resources:

Whole Foods

Natural Grocers

Whole30

Midway Farms

Whole30 Cookbooks

Paleo Magazine

Connect with Nadine:

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Contact via Email

‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube

Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine

Books by Nadine:

Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal

As stories about Russia continue to dominate the news cycle, you are probably familiar with the recent sanctions against the country, Vladimir Putin’s reelection, and even the expulsion of Russian diplomats from the EU and US. But what do you know about celiac disease in Russia?

The Gluten Free RN is taking a closer look at the limited information about celiac disease in Russia, giving us an overview of the country’s size and population and the likely number of celiac cases based on the global tendency. She discusses the thriving wheat production industry in Russia as well as the gluten-containing traditional Russian diet.

Nadine walks us through a presentation created by Dr. Elena Roslavtseva at the Scientific Center for Children’s Health in Moscow, sharing how the diagnoses of celiac disease changed from the 1970’s through the 2000’s, the inconsistencies with testing for celiac disease around the nation, and the challenges of maintaining a gluten-free diet in Russia. Listen in as the Gluten Free RN covers the Journal of Immunology Research’s overview of celiac disease in Russia, explaining why the reported frequency probably doesn’t reflect the true prevalence and the necessity of a mass screening.

What’s Discussed: 

General information about the country of Russia

• Population of 144.3M
• Dual nation state, 185 ethnic groups
• Largest country by land mass

Russia’s thriving wheat production industry

• Very high, exported to Middle East and Africa
• Ban on genetically modified wheat

The first diagnoses of celiac disease in Russia

• Late 1970’s—1980’s
• Cases of severe malabsorption
• No gluten-free foods available

How celiac diagnoses changed in the 2000’s

• Diagnosed more often, well-known in most regions
• Research done in many universities, med centers

The Eastern European countries that have done mass screenings

• Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia

Why the data around celiac disease in Russia is unreliable

• Variation in how practitioners test for celiac disease
• Belarus—HLA-typing not available in most cases
• Latvia—mandatory screening for patients with IDDM and AIT

The problems associated with celiac disease in Russia

• Unreliable data in absence of mass screening
• Gluten-containing traditional Russian food

The overview presented in the Journal of Immunology Research

• Diagnostic tools for celiac disease in Russia vary significantly
• Reported frequency of 0.2-0.6%, but real rate unknown

Resources:

‘Coeliac Disease and Gluten Related Disorders in Russia and Former Soviet Republics’ by Dr. Elena Roslavtseva

‘Overview of Celiac Disease in Russia: Regional Data and Estimated Prevalence’ in the Journal of Immunology Research

‘Russia, Argentina and Canada Displace US, Europe in Global Wheat Trade’ in agriCENSUS

‘Russian Wheat Sales Expand Global Reach with Surge in Sudan’ in Bloomberg

‘Russia’s Wheat Industry: Implications for Australia’ from the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre

‘Growing Importance of Russian Milling Wheat Worldwide’ from Solaris Commodities

‘How an Oil Giant (Russia) Came to Dominate Wheat’ in Bloomberg

‘Celiac Disease in Russia and the Former Soviet Republics’ in The Celiac Scene

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‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube

Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine

Books by Nadine:

Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal