Gluten Free RN

'With our technology, every time a woman dies, it's a medical error.'

Recent reports have uncovered some alarming statistics regarding maternal mortality rates in the United States. While these numbers are on the decline in every other developed nation, pregnant women in the US are at greater risk of dying than they were in recent years. We know that undiagnosed celiac disease has a significant impact on maternal health and fetal development, and we must identify expectant mothers (and fathers) who have the potential to reap remarkable benefits from a simple diet change.

This issue is especially important to the Gluten Free RN as a mother herself – as well as an emergency ER nurse certified in PALS, NLS and pediatric emergency nursing. She shares the stories of women who had difficulty getting pregnant or maintaining pregnancies as a result of undiagnosed celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, and explains how a mass screening could work to prevent such intense suffering.

Listen to learn how adopting a gluten-free or Paleo diet can help women carry their babies to full-term and deliver healthy, thriving children!

What's Discussed:

Nadine's mission to get women tested for celiac disease prior to pregnancy

• Allows to absorb nutrients during pregnancy (including prenatal vitamins)
• Can deliver healthy, thriving child

The story of Alice Bast

• Suffered miscarriage and still births
• Multiple doctors couldn't provide answers
• Vet gave idea to test for celiac disease
• Founded the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness

The necessity for a mass screening of men and women

• Identify HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 gene carriers
• Genes of both parents affect fetal health
• Ratio of women to men with celiac disease is 1:1
• Ratio of women to men diagnosed with celiac disease is 3:1

The increased risks for pregnant women with undiagnosed celiac disease

• Miscarriage
• Still birth
• Low birth weight
• Failure to thrive in children
• Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure)

The role men play in infertility

• ED, low sperm count and low libido may be attributed to undiagnosed celiac disease
• Symptoms include deficiencies in zinc, magnesium and B vitamins as well as anemia and osteoporosis

The argument that a mass screening for celiac disease is too expensive

• The cost associated with undiagnosed celiac disease is much higher
• Consists of medical costs from complications
• Also includes decreased productivity and morbidity/mortality
• Study published in Science Digest found that 42,000 children may die annually due to undiagnosed celiac disease

Conditions that indicate high risk for celiac disease

• Chronic GI issues
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Weight loss/gain
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Vitamin/mineral deficiencies
• Secondary hyperparathyroidism
• Unexplained elevations in liver function
• Down, Turner or Williams syndrome
• Type 1 diabetes
• Lupus
• Autoimmune thyroid disease

Sam's story

• Delayed puberty (didn't get period until 17-years-old)
• Diagnosed with celiac disease at 19
• Doctors warned she would probably never have children
• Raising two healthy boys

Why Nadine is concerned about the current generation of children

• Higher rates of autoimmune diseases, cancer and learning disabilities

The appropriate diet to promote maternal health and proper fetal development

• Gluten- and dairy-free
• Paleo is best
• Humans have enzymes to break down meat proteins
• Humans do not have enzymes to break down grain proteins
• Avoid wheat, barley, rye and oats
• Embrace meat, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds

Deficiencies that can be corrected to promote healthy pregnancy

• B6 and B12
• A, D, E and K (the fat-soluble vitamins)
• Magnesium RBC
• Zinc

The US maternal mortality rate compared to other developed nations

• Rising in the US, declining in other developed nations
• 28 deaths for every 100,000 births in 2013, up from 23 in 2005

Resources:

"Maternal Mortality Rate in US Rises, Defying Global Trend, Study Finds" in The New York Times

"Focus on Infants During Childbirth Leaves US Moms in Danger" on NPR

Beyond Celiac: Alice Bast

"Reproductive Changes Associated with Celiac Disease" from the World Journal of Gastroenterology

"Celiac Disease and Reproductive Health" from Celiac Disease: A Comprehensive Review and Update

Connect with Nadine:

Instagram

Facebook

Contact via Email

'Your Skin on Gluten' on YouTube

Books by Nadine:

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

Given the choice between a heart transplant and a gluten-free diet, the vast majority – if not all – of us would quickly opt for the diet! Yet the medical community continues to ignore celiac disease as a potential cause of cardiac complications, despite documented connections between the two conditions.

The Gluten Free RN is sharing her experience with heart attack and stroke victims in the ER, and discussing the necessity of screening cardiac patients for celiac disease. She gets into the nitty gritty of how intestinal damage leads to nutrient deficiencies that affect the cardiac system, and reveals the cardiac symptoms that may resolve on a gluten-free diet.

Listen in and learn about the actual cause of heart attack and stroke (spoiler alert – it's not high cholesterol) and how Nadine has achieved a lipid panel akin to that of a '23-year-old marathon runner'!

What's Discussed:

The connection between cardiac issues and celiac disease

• Study linked celiac disease to almost doubled risk of CAD
• Documented connection between gluten and cardiomyopathy

The real cause of heart attack and stroke

• Thought to be high cholesterol
• Actual cause is inflammation/malabsorption

How a gluten-free diet can resolve cardiomyopathy

• Medical community claims cardiomyopathy can be treated with meds, but not cured
• Patient eventually needs heart transplant
• Anecdotal evidence proves that removing gluten may cure profound heart failure

Nadine's experience in treating cardiac patients as a critical care nurse in the ER

• ER staff does not take a magnesium panel
• Deficiencies in magnesium or calcium can cause arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
• Even when patient tested for 'everything,' celiac disease and nutritional panels often omitted

How to correct a magnesium deficiency

• Food (pumpkin seeds, molasses, etc.)
• Magnesium supplements (including calcium, zinc and vitamin D)

How intestinal damage leads to nutrient deficiencies that affect the cardiac system

• Thiamine deficiency may lead to wet beriberi or acute pernicious beriberi
• Low electrolytes may lead to arrhythmia
• Low iron, B vitamin may lead to anemia (less oxygen in blood)
• Low vitamin K levels affects protein S and protein C levels (involved in clotting)

Cardiac symptoms that may resolve on a gluten-free or Paleo diet

• Arrhythmias
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing

The myth that fat is bad for us

• Nadine consumes a super-good high fat diet
• Her lipid panel 'looks like a 23-year-old marathon runners'
• Cardiac risk factor very low

Nadine's call for a worldwide mass screening for celiac disease

• Find undiagnosed
• Prevent cardiac disease, stroke

Resources:

"Celiac Disease Linked to Almost Doubled Risk of CAD" by Marlene Busko

PubMed

Gluten Toxicity: The Mysterious Symptoms of Celiac Disease, Dermatitis Herpetiformis, and Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance by Shelly L. Stuart

Connect with Nadine:

Instagram

Facebook

Contact via Email

'Your Skin on Gluten' on YouTube

Books by Nadine:

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

We all know how it feels to struggle through the day when you didn't get enough sleep the night before. Your brain feels fuzzy, it's tough to focus, and you simply aren't the best version of yourself! The good news is, there may be a simple explanation for your sleep disorder – and there are steps you can take to eliminate the potential celiac symptoms that are keeping you up at night.

Today the Gluten Free RN shares her struggle with sleep deprivation as an undiagnosed celiac patient who also worked the night shift in the ER. Find out how she leveraged a Paleo diet and went from having a contentious relationship with sleep to becoming a champion 'Olympic Sleeper' who enjoys at least eight hours of rest every night!

She also covers the components of an ideal sleep space, suggestions for implementing an evening routine, and the benefits of a good night's rest. Listen and learn about the connection between sleep disorders and undiagnosed celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

What's Discussed:

Nadine's struggle with sleep working the night shift

• 10 years as ER nurse working 12-hour night shifts
• Difficult to shift into normal sleep pattern on days off
• Circadian rhythm thrown off, felt fuzzy-brained
• Needed extra sleep
• Struggle to block out distractions

The correlation between undiagnosed celiac disease and sleep disorders

• Celiac symptoms can keep you awake at night
• May experience joint pain, muscle pain, DH, eczema, headaches, muscle twitches, restless leg syndrome

How a Paleo lifestyle can alleviate symptoms preventing sleep

How many hours of sleep you should be getting each night

• Nadine recommends 8-10 hours of good quality sleep
• Provides the energy for your body to carry out the tasks of daily living

The components of an ideal sleep space

• Comfortable mattress
• Quality sheets
• Plenty of supportive pillows
• Appropriate temperature
• Fresh air, if possible
• No electronic equipment in the room (i.e.: phones, televisions, computers)
• Source of white noise (e.g.: fan, music)

The model evening routine

• Limit screen time in the hours before bed
• Try relaxing activities like reading or knitting instead
• Take a warm bath with Epsom salt (muscle relaxer, source of magnesium)
• Consider magnesium supplements

Celiac symptoms that can cause sleep apnea

How your body heals neurological damage in the absence of gluten

The repercussions of vitamin C deficiency

Signs of sleep disorders in children that may be caused by undiagnosed celiac disease

• Can't or don't want to go to sleep, crying
• Cranky and fatigued during the day
• Decreased productivity
• Learning disabilities
• Difficulty with focus

Signs of celiac disease in children

• Short stature
• Anemia
• Falling off growth chart
• Learning disabilities
• Seizure disorders

Why anyone with sleep disorders should get tested for celiac disease

How Nadine's sleep issues went away on a gluten-free diet

• Eliminated back pain, joint pain, skin discomfort, muscle pain, muscle spasms and leg cramps
• Now she qualifies as an 'Olympic Sleeper'

The unhealthy approach to compensating for lack of sleep

• Take in stimulants to make it through the day (e.g.: coffee, sugar)
• Take depressants at night to help fall asleep (e.g.: alcohol, prescription meds)
• Everything you consume impacts your health and ability to sleep

A healthy option that functions as a sleep aid

The benefits of a good night's rest

When to take multivitamins

• In the morning with food
• At night before bed (absorbed differently)

The risks associated with prescription medications

Connect with Nadine:

Instagram

Facebook

Contact via Email

'Your Skin on Gluten' on YouTube

Books by Nadine:

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

A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is devastating, and the associated symptoms – difficulty walking, tremors, memory issues – are debilitating. But what if those symptoms aren't necessarily indicative of Parkinson's after all? What if a simple diet change could improve or even eliminate those symptoms?

Today Nadine explores anecdotal evidence suggesting that the symptoms of Parkinson's and other demyelination syndromes might be actually be caused by celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. She argues that as Parkinson's diagnoses become more and more common, it is imperative that we explore the potential connection between Parkinson's and celiac disease.

Listen in to understand how gluten can affect the neurological system, why Parkinson's patients should be tested for celiac disease, and how a gluten-free diet can heal neurological damage.

What's Discussed:

Nadine's Parkinson's patient

• Diagnosed with celiac disease as a child in the 1940's
• Recently diagnosed with Parkinson's
• Symptoms included difficulty walking, falling, stooped gait, masked appearance, tremors, memory issues and confusion
• Discovered unintentional gluten exposure in the home
• Moved to adult foster home to ensure gluten-free diet
• Many symptoms went away
• Working with neurologist to wean off Parkinson's meds

Why patients diagnosed with Parkinson's, ALS and MS should get test for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity

• Every nerve in the body is insulated with myelin
• Myelin is made of fat
• Gluten prevents the absorption of fats
• Parkinson's, ALS and MS are all demyelination syndromes

The need for research regarding the potential connection between Parkinson's and celiac disease

• The University of Chicago asserts there is 'no published evidence of a connection between Parkinson's and celiac disease'
• Nadine argues that enough anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that a connection should be investigated

Nadine's recommendation for a comprehensive celiac lab test

• Cyrex Labs tests for 25 of the gluten intolerant antibodies, including tTG-2, tTG-3 and tTG-6
• Ask for a total IgA and IgG in addition to the Cyrex Array 3
• Insurance should cover the tests
• Can be ordered by any practitioner

Celiac diagnoses in patients over 60

• 30% of newly diagnosed celiac patients are over 60
• Many have neurological issues
• Neuropathy
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Seizure disorders
• Difficulty walking
• Falling
• Balance issues
• MS
• Nadine's patients improve on a Paleo diet

The Stanford idiopathic familial narcolepsy study

• Entire family diagnosed with narcolepsy
• Found that family members had celiac disease
• Adopting a gluten-free diet eliminated the narcolepsy
• Family now runs organic farm

The increasing number of Parkinson's diagnoses

• More and more common
• UK neurological expert routinely tests for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity

How your body heals neurological damage in the absence of gluten

• Heal intestines
• Eliminate inflammation
• Repair immune system
• Replete nutrient deficiencies

Vitamin D

• Cancer preventative
• Level should be between 60-80
• Indicator of all fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K)
• 'Sunshine' vitamin synthesized through skin
• Must also be taken in dietarily
• Little chance of overdosing on D3

What your nails can tell you about your health

• Look for white spots, cracked nails, hangnails
• May indicate lack of zinc, D3, or B vitamins

Dr. Terry Wahls' MS misdiagnosis

• Diagnosed with MS and required wheelchair
• Healed with a gluten-free diet
• Can ride her bike and walk without a cane

Nadine's story

• At 40, her symptoms suggested MS
• Issues with clumsiness (falling, dragging feet, dropping things, difficulty with balance)
• Problems went away on a gluten-free diet
• Nutrient deficiencies were causing neurological issues

Celiac cerebellar ataxia

• Caused by lesions on or inflammation of the brain
• Results in inability to walk straight
• Tissue can be healed on a gluten free diet

Resources:

Cyrex Laboratories

Midway Farms

La Mancha Ranch and Orchard

Dr. Wahls' TED Talk

Dr. Wahls' YouTube Channel

The Wahls Protocol: A Radical New Way to Treat All Chronic Autoimmune Conditions Using Paleo Principles - by Terry Wahls, MD and Eve Adamson

Connect with Nadine:

Instagram

Facebook

Contact via Email

'Your Skin on Gluten' on YouTube

Books by Nadine:

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

Forget everything you thought you knew about obesity.

68% of the population of the US is overweight, and we know that there are a number of health risks associated with the issue. But did you know that people are overweight because their bodies are actually starving?

Today the Gluten Free RN is challenging your assumptions about weight gain and celiac disease, revealing the surprising way your body compensates for malnourishment, the necessity of fat in nutrient absorption, and the healing power of a whole food gluten-free diet.

Listen and learn why more people are overweight when diagnosed with celiac disease than underweight, more have constipation than diarrhea, and more have neurological disorders than gastrointestinal issues. Nadine is prepared to shake up your idea of what it means to have celiac disease and offer guidance regarding the food we should be eating in order to heal, and lose – or gain – weight in the process!

What's Discussed:

The classic symptoms of celiac disease

• Used to be identified by weight loss and chronic diarrhea
• We now know there are well over 300 signs and symptoms

The obesity epidemic in the US

• 68% of the population is overweight
• Obesity increases morbidity and mortality
• The majority of celiac patients are overweight

Why celiac patients are overweight

• Damage to intestines prevents absorption of nutrients
• Body is starving, so it compensates by storing fat as cheap energy

The health risks associated with obesity

The failings of fast food

• Little to no nutritional value
• 'Bad' fat
• Little use as energy

The whole food diet Nadine recommends for celiac and gluten sensitive patients

The rapid weight loss of overweight celiac patients once they adopt a gluten-free diet

Why wounds may not heal appropriately in celiac patients

• Body is malnourished and cannot absorb nutrients
• Nutrients are necessary to heal tissue

How to heal your body with food

• Choose fermented foods
• Regenerate villi in intestines
• Build diverse microbiome

Nadine's patient with tunneling wound in sacral area

• Wound would not heal, required daily dressing changes
• Patient was HLA-DQ2 gene carrier
• Wound healed after 10 days on a gluten-free diet

How a gluten-free diet affects underweight celiac patients

• Muscle and tissue build appropriately
• Weight increases as nutrients are absorbed

The necessity of a high-fat diet for celiac patients

• Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble
• The brain is made of fat

'Good' fats that Nadine recommends incorporating into your diet

• Listen in for the full list!!

Connect with Nadine:

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Facebook

Contact via Email

Books by Nadine:

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

In Italy, it takes only two to three weeks to get diagnosed with celiac disease. In the United States, however, it typically takes nine to 15 years. Why is there such a huge discrepancy? And what are the legal ramifications for practitioners who overlook celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, causing patients unnecessary pain and suffering?

On this episode, Nadine explores the legal issues surrounding celiac disease as well as the potential reasons for delayed diagnosis in the US. She also explains the differences between universal healthcare and the for-profit system and how each appears to influence celiac diagnosis.

Listen and learn what medical practitioners need to know about celiac disease and gluten sensitivity in order to avoid being sued for malpractice, the value of standardization in celiac testing and follow-up care, and how you can get involved in advocating for universal coverage.

What's Discussed:

How the US health insurance system works

• Usually purchased through employer
• Loss of job often means loss of coverage
• ACA provides coverage for many who were uninsured
• For-profit system

Why Nadine is an advocate for a single-payer system

• People treated in ER with or without insurance (we pay regardless)
• US healthcare is very expensive, yet outcomes poor

Celiac disease diagnoses around the world

• Italy: 2-3 weeks; standardized follow-up care
• US: 9-15 years; patients endure numerous other tests, misdiagnoses, unnecessary medications
• Canada: effective early diagnosis, but follow-up care lacking

The excuses practitioners use to avoid diagnosing celiac disease

• Don't believe in it, despite research and documentation
• Don't want to learn about another illness
• Gluten-free diet is too difficult for patients

Symptoms Nadine encountered as an ER nurse that may have signaled celiac disease

• Migraine headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Neurological disorders (headaches, difficulty with balance)
• Fever

Why practitioners should be concerned about malpractice suits if celiac disease goes undiagnosed

• Ignorance is not a defense
• Michael Marsh contends that failure to do appropriate screening signals liability
• Avoid by learning the basics of celiac disease, how to diagnose and follow-up

Why celiac disease needs to be part of differential diagnosis for every patient

Indicators of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity

• HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 gene denotes predisposition for celiac proper
• AGA antibody suggests gluten sensitivity

Maladies suffered by patients whose celiac disease went undiagnosed

• Mental health issues
• Neurological disorders
• Seizures
• Balance issues
• Abdominal pain
• Incorrect diagnosis of Crohn's or colitis
• Hemorrhoids
• GERD
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Cancer

Why standardization of testing and follow-up care is a necessity

• Screenings are often misinterpreted
• Celiac patients who follow a gluten-free diet are often told that they have been cured or that the initial test was a false positive when follow-up shows antibodies in normal range

The story of Nadine's 70-year-old celiac patient

• Diagnosed with celiac disease by biopsy, but received no follow-up care
• Suffered from significant neurological issues (e.g.: gluten ataxia, falling)
• Nadine recommended standard lab tests
• Primary care doctor refused
• Patient returned to Nadine in distress
• Doctor culpable for patient's neurological damage

Why celiac patients should consider advocating for universal coverage

The differences between celiac diagnoses under universal vs. for-profit insurance systems

• Financial benefit to early diagnosis under universal system (i.e.: UK, Canada, Italy)
• No benefit to early diagnosis for insurers under for-profit structure

Resources Mentioned:

Physicians for a National Health Program

Health Care for All Oregon

Mid-Valley Health Care Advocates

Additional Resources:

"Economic Benefits of Increased Diagnosis of Celiac Disease in a National Managed Care Population in the United States" from the Journal of Insurance Medicine

Connect with Nadine:

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Books by Nadine:

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

The medical community has an obligation to protect vulnerable populations, speaking up for any group that may not be able to advocate for themselves, and patients with Down, Turner, and Williams syndrome certainly fall into this category. Yet one facet of their health – one that could vastly improve quality of life – often goes overlooked.

There is a high prevalence of celiac disease among individuals with Down, Turner, and Williams syndrome, and it is recommended that these patients get tested annually. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms of celiac disease are attributed to the syndrome instead, and gluten sensitivity goes undiagnosed.

Today Nadine shares several case studies as well as her own experience working with patients with developmental delays. She covers the high incidence of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity in Down, Turner, and Williams syndrome patients, the signs and symptoms of gluten damage, and the importance of annual screening in this population.

What's Discussed:

The prevalence of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity in individuals with Down, Tuner and Williams syndrome

• Annual testing is recommended
• Signs and symptoms can be eliminated with a gluten-free diet

Tiffany's story

• Williams syndrome patient
• Suffered from stage 4 liver failure and diabetes
• Endured cracked, bleeding skin and fluid in the abdomen
• Tested positive for celiac disease
• Gluten-free diet resolved most of her symptoms

Alternatives to the standard blood test that could reveal non-celiac gluten sensitivity in Down syndrome patients

• The anti-gliadin antibody (AGA) is an excellent biomarker
• In a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, 41% of Down syndrome patients had AGA antibodies

The importance of testing family members

• A mother who is malnourished during pregnancy may have a child with Down, Turner or Williams syndrome
• Celiac disease may disrupt fetal development

The overlap of celiac disease and Down syndrome

• Study found that 18 of 284 subjects ages two to 15 tested positive for celiac disease
• In another study, 11 of 47 had positive blood tests

Symptoms of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Gas
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Short stature
• Brittle bones
• Osteoporosis
• Osteopenia
• Thyroid issues
• Anemia
• Type 1 diabetes
• Skin rash
• Decreased appetite
• Yeast overgrowth
• Lichen planus
• Difficulty swallowing

Nadine's story of an autistic patient

• Sweet gentleman who lived in group home
• Suffered from diabetes, repeated infections and self-harm
• Paleo diet made him calmer, didn't irritate his throat
• He enjoyed an improved quality of life

Cases of asymptomatic celiac disease in children with Down syndrome

• Study published in the International Journal of Pediatrics
• Toddlers screened at around 24 months
• Biopsy proven celiac disease identified in 3-9% of children with Down syndrome
• Not all patients with positive screens receive a biopsy if asymptomatic
• One child in the study gained weight and energy on a gluten-free diet
• A second child had less constipation and diarrhea
• Follow-up study reported that 66% had health improvement

Resources Mentioned:

"Screening for Celiac Disease in Down's Syndrome Patients Revealed Cases of Subtotal Villous Atrophy Without Typical for Celiac Disease HLA-DQ and Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies" from the World Journal of Gastroenterology

"Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Down's Syndrome" from the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology

"Asymptomatic Celiac Disease in Children with Trisomy 21 at 26 Months of Age or Less" from the International Journal of Pediatrics

Other Resources:

"Celiac Disease" from the Pediatric Gastroenterology Board Review Manual

"The Coexistence of Down Syndrome and a Triad Consisting of: Coeliac Disease, Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Congenital Hypothyroidism" from Down Syndrome Research and Practice

"Coeliac Disease in Williams Syndrome" from the Journal of Medical Genetics

"Turner Syndrome and Celiac Disease: A Case-Control Study" from Pediatrics

Connect with Nadine:

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Books by Nadine:

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

"Cheap food is an illusion. There is no such thing as cheap food. The real cost of the food is paid somewhere. And if it isn't paid at the cash register, it's charged to the environment or to the public purse in the form of subsidies. And it's charged to your health."

–Michael Pollan

Adopting a gluten-free lifestyle can be incredibly overwhelming, and many are resistant to the idea. Maybe you don't want to give up the foods you love, or you don't think you can do without pizza and beer. But the truth is that in order to heal, coping is your only option.

Nadine is here to tell you that going gluten-free is not as difficult as you think. In fact, if it's hard – you're doing it wrong! She recommends a number of healthy gluten-free and Paleo-friendly food options, explains how your taste buds will change as you rid your body of addictive proteins, and discusses how to approach your grocer to request gluten-free alternatives. It's time to stop eating for convenience and begin eating to enjoy high-quality food!

What's Discussed:

Why going gluten-free can be challenging

• Emotional attachment to food
• Function as reward/comfort

How to change your mindset to embrace the gluten-free lifestyle

• Remember that there is plenty of other food to eat
• Create a new 'country'

Why celiac patients should avoid eating meat from cattle fed on grass treated with glyphosate

• Celiac patients are trying to heal increased permeability of the intestinal wall
• Chemical in Roundup can cause 'leaky gut'

Nadine's tips for realizing a healthy gluten-free diet

• Don't simply replace gluten-containing with gluten-free products
• Focus on nutrient dense, whole foods high in good fat
• Choose organic fruits and vegetables
• Select 100% grass-fed, antibiotic free meat
• Avoid dairy (proteins are molecularly similar to gluten)
• Use almond, coconut or hemp milk and Kite Hill cheese/yogurt
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with molasses, honey and occasionally maple syrup
• Pick foods that have been processed very little or not at all
• Explore new vegetables
• Try bars when you are on the go (e.g.: Lärabar, EPIC, KIND)
• Freeze fruits and vegetables to savor year round
• Consider going Paleo (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, meat, fish and eggs)

The benefits of turning your lawn into a garden

• 'Growing food is like planting money'
• Allows you to enjoy kale, tomatoes, beans, peas, peppers, squash, etc.

How to tailgate on a gluten-free diet

• Explore gluten-free alcohol options (i.e.: Ground Breaker, 2 Towns, honey mead)
• Try gluten free snack foods like Kettle Brand or Jackson's Honest chips and Jilz Crackers
• Enjoy guacamole, salsa, hummus and pesto dips
• Sample desserts like Hail Merry Miracle Tarts

Nadine's guidelines for selecting healthy foods

• No more than five ingredients
• Should be able to picture each ingredient

Quality sources of fat

• Bacon
• Pumpkin seed and nut butters
• Olive oil
• Avocados
• Eggs

Resources Mentioned:

Kite Hill

Ground Breaker Brewing

2 Towns Ciderhouse

Kettle Brand Chips

Jackson's Honest Chips

Jilz Crackers

Hail Merry Miracle Tarts

Lärabar

EPIC Bar

KIND Snacks

Connect with Nadine:

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Contact via Email

Books by Nadine:

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

Wherever there is wheat, there is susceptibility to celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Gluten is a growing global problem, exacerbated by the popularity of the western diet around the world. This issue has personal, social and political implications as it places a significant economic burden on individuals, communities, and even entire nations.

The Gluten Free RN brings us a 'big picture' perspective of the celiac and gluten sensitive population around the world, as we learn about how other countries support these individuals. She also covers the industries that have begun to recognize the power of the gluten free population as a consumer group.

Nadine will be doing some globe-trotting herself come September for the International Celiac Disease Symposium in New Delhi, and she is currently soliciting advice regarding where and how to eat safely during her travels in India and Thailand. Feel free to message her with recommendations!

What's Discussed:

When and where wheat originated

• Fertile Crescent (Northern Africa and the Middle East)
• 10,000 years ago
• High prevalence of celiac disease in these regions now

The International Celiac Disease Symposium

• September 2017 in New Delhi
• Held every two years
• Scientists, medical professionals and other interested parties
• Share latest research

Where celiac disease is common

• Anywhere people are eating grains
• More widespread as other regions adopt a western diet
• Increased risk in Punjab population of India

The basics of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity

• Can present in many ways (300+ signs and symptoms)
• #1 autoimmune disease in the world
• More likely to recover the sooner identified
• 30-50% of the population carry the genes (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8) that indicate predisposition
• Body doesn't have enzymes to break down gluten proteins
• Gluten damages intestines
• Nadine recommends adopting a Paleo diet in order to heal

The World Health Organization's "burden of disease"

• Measures the impact of celiac disease
• Based on financial cost, mortality, morbidity, etc.

How Italy supports celiac patients

• Provide extra days off work for doctor's appointments, shopping
• Ship gluten free food

Potential symptoms of celiac disease affecting every ethnicity

• Odd gait (gluten ataxia)
• Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)

The power of celiac and gluten-sensitive patients as a group

• Largest untapped market in the world
• Some industries taking notice (pharmaceutical, food)
• Use influence to heal selves and educate others

Why some people are so resistant to eliminating grains

• Sometimes crave what is bad for you
• Nutritional deficiencies may cause addiction

Resources Mentioned:

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

Connect with Nadine:

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Facebook

Contact via Email

Books by Nadine:

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

It's not a matter of if, but rather when you will encounter an emergency situation. And if you suffer from celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it is incredibly important that you are prepared with the appropriate supplies you will need to endure a hurricane, earthquake, blizzard, or other disaster.

Nadine teaches you how to stock your cupboards with nutrient dense foods should you need to shelter in place for an extended period of time. She also outlines other essentials you will need to stay alive and assist others who may need help!

What's Discussed:

Nadine's experience responding to Hurricane Katrina

• People were unprepared
• FEMA provided only cheap filler foods

Why it's important to stock nutrient dense foods in case of emergency

• Alleviates stress
• Allows you to feed yourself for a period of time

Nadine's list of nutrient dense foods to stock

• Protein bars
• Gelatin
• Jerky (without soy, teriyaki sauce)
• Canned tuna, sardines
• Canned chicken, turkey
• Protein powder
• Seaweed
• Nuts
• Pumpkin seed butter
• Chocolate bars (80-100% cocoa, no milk)
• Many more! Listen for the full list!

How to cope with a loss of electricity

• Consume foods stored in freezer first
• Prioritize eating perishables

The importance of being self-reliant during a time of emergency

• Helps you avoid overburdened hospitals and clinics

Other essentials to have on hand in case of emergency

• Multi-vitamins
• Prescription medications (keep list in wallet/purse)
• Can opener
• Heat source (paper, wood)
• Sleeping bags, pillows and blankets
• Flashlights w/ working batteries
• Extra batteries
• Socks and shoes
• First aid kit
• Waterproof containers
• Gluten free shampoos, lotions
• Extra contact lenses and solution/glasses
• Cash
• Pet food

How to obtain water if forced to shelter in place

• Utilize water heater

Resources Mentioned:

Country Life Vitamins

Road ID

Connect with Nadine:

Instagram

Facebook

Contact via Email

Books by Nadine:

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