The symptoms of celiac disease cover a wide range and are variable from person to person, but according to the Canadian Celiac Association, there are some symptoms that seem to be particularly common among celiac children.

These are: vomiting, irritability, behavioral changes, delayed growth or puberty, short stature, and dental enamel abnormalities.

According to Celiacs, Inc., the symptoms of celiac disease usually manifest in children after three to five months after they first ingest gluten, but this period of time may be shorter (“as short as one month”).  Their website lists additional celiac symptoms commonly found in children, such as a large abdomen, abnormal stools (large, pale, or floating), flattened buttocks, and acute diarrhea and dehydration.  Older children will experience “more subtle” symptoms such as: poor appetite, poor growth, and anemia.

Tina Turbin
http://www.GlutenFreeHelp.info
b.a.

Celaic disease, which has a wide variety of symptoms in itself, often is attended by other health conditions. According to the Canadian Celiac Association, for this reason, it’s recommended that people with celiac disease symptoms or a family history of celiac disease get tested for the following associated conditions:

-Osteoporosis
-Type 1 diabetes mellitus
-Other autoimmune disease (such as autoimmune hepatitis or autoimmune thyroid disease)
-Down syndrome
-Turner syndrome
-Lymphoma

Tina Turbin
http://www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

b.a.

Over recent years, avoiding gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, has become increasingly popular among Americans. Many people on the gluten-free diet have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten that can affect the entire body, in particular the small intestine, causing serious health problems. A study is suggesting that people who are at risk for celiac disease (because they are related to a celiac patient) should undergo antibody testing and that those with positive results, showing antibodies which are specific to the disease, can benefit from a gluten-free diet.

Celiac disease (CD) has a wide range of symptoms including headaches, chronic fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, although some celiacs have been known to not exhibit any symptoms. Untreated, celiac disease can lead to severe complications such as infertility, liver disease, and certain cancers. While an estimated 1% of Americans have celiac disease, it’s supposed by experts that an even greater percentage of Americans are sensitive to gluten, meaning blood tests can confirm certain anti-gluten antibodies, while intestinal damage doesn’t exist.

In the study, headed by Dr. Katri Kaukinen of the gastroenterology department at Tampere University Hospital and School of Medicine in Finland, 3,031 healthy people who were related to a celiac patient but exhibited no symptoms were administered antibody blood tests. 40 of these people with positive results, who had anti-gluten antibodies, which are found in people with celiac disease, were divided randomly into two groups—a group of people told to switch to a gluten-free diet and a group supposed to maintain their regular gluten-containing diet.

The results? Those who went on the gluten-free diet experienced improved health, including gastrointestinal health. When the study was over, 85 percent of the participants opted to maintain a gluten-free diet. The researchers concluded that screening for at-risk individuals should be stepped up.

The gluten-free diet may also help aging baby boomers with age-related health problems and diseases, many of which can be tied to gluten sensitivity and can be alleviated on the gluten-free diet, such as depression, obesity and weight gain, skin disorders, dibromyalgia, memory loss, diabetes, thyroid problems, arthtritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and osteoporosis.

In fact, the gluten-free diet may be an optimum diet for humans. According Drs. Vikki and Richard Petersen, D.C., C.C.N. in The Gluten Effect, grains are fairly new to our diets in the history of humankind and have been shown to be negatively affecting our health.

If you’re at risk for celiac disease but not showing symptoms, it’s recommended that you should get screened as soon as possible. Even if you aren’t at risk for CD, switching to a gluten-free diet under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner may be a responsible choice.

Tina Turbin

www.GlutenFreeHelp.Info

k.m.

     We review a lot of gluten-free companies and products, but it isn’t very often that we come across a body product line that is gluten-free.

Green Beaver is a Canada-based company that truly believes in being gluten-free. From kids’ products to women’s lip products, this company is sure to have something for everyone. This company takes pride in making sure their products are certified organic as well. Green Beaver understands that pesticides accumulate in fatty tissue (bioaccumulation) and are endocrine disruptors. As many of us know, repeated contact with even small doses of pesticides can cause build up in the body which possibly can cause immune and nervous system disorders years after exposure. Using certified organic products can be very beneficial for those with celiac or gluten-sensitivity due to our weaker immune systems.

We tested many of Green Beaver’s products. One of our testers fell in love with the Star Anis toothpaste. He said that he had tried other anis(anise)-flavored toothpastes, and they always tasted very artificial to him. Green Beavers Star Anis toothpaste tasted like real licorice!

     Most important, we always want to protect our children. Green Beaver has a wonderful children’s line complete with a bubble bath. It is gentle enough to use on your kids but still gets the job done. The products are all naturally scented so you don’t have to worry about overwhelming scents. We found them to be very light and pleasing.

Some people who are celiac or gluten-sensitive don’t see a reaction from gluten touching the skin, but why take the risk? With your pores opened from the heat of your shower, whatever you use on your hair or body is sure to get into your system. Green Beavers line of body products for adults is no ordinary organic gluten-free line. It also works! I find that most of the body products at my local health food store just don’t get the job done. My hair is left feeling dry and my skin isn’t moisturized well enough.

     One of our testers said that the lavender shampoo and conditioner were just what she has been looking for. The shampoo really cleaned her hair, and the conditioner gave her that deep-conditioned feel that she normally only gets from salon conditioner. She also thought the body lotion was excellent. It is very thick so she wanted me to warn you that “a little bit goes a long way!”

My favorite product of Green Beaver would have to be their lip shimmers. They moisturize your lips so well and leave them with just the right tint of color. Having a gluten-free product to put on your lips is a must. We all lick our lips and eat food throughout the day. We are bound to get any lip product into our mouth.

When it comes down to it, if you are going to be on a gluten-free diet, remember that everything that touches your body can get into your system. Green Beaver has taken the initiative to ensure these healthy choices are readily available to us.

Green Beaver is truly at the top of our list now.

Miranda Jade

www.Glutenfreehelp.info

Riega Foods has four new amazing cheese sauces I had to share with you. Kids and adults alike love them. Not only are they tested to ensure they contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, but they come in four flavors and in easy-to-make packs: Yellow Cheddar, White Cheddar, Pepper Jack, and Alfredo.

Each individual pack makes a delicious cheese sauce for your meal. A delicious sauce, as we all know, depends on its thickness and flavor. To make a thick, creamy cheese sauce without lumps, without it tasting dry, and without it tasting like rice flour can be a challenge for many gluten-free cooks. Most good cheese sauces have wheat thickeners in them. For us celiacs, those days of gluten-containing sauces are long gone, but taste and texture are NOT, thanks to Riega Foods. They make cheese sauces that taste amazing and with a thickness that coats your dishes perfectly. We really love them.

One of my testers made a unique chicken alfredo dish with blackened chicken using the Alfredo Cheese Sauce. She followed the easy directions and was thrilled with the outcome. She reported that although the pack looked small, it yielded a lot of sauce. Just one pack of the Alfredo Cheese Sauce covered enough to feed herself, her husband, and their two hungry, grown boys.

Another test was to sprinkle the White Cheddar Cheese Sauce on top of popcorn. It was gobbled up quickly before we even had a chance to take notes. We all loved the light flavor, and it complemented the popcorn perfectly.

Gluten-free “cheese-oholics,” this is the product you’ve been waiting for. The Yellow Cheddar is perfect for homemade macaroni and cheese. Each cheese sauce is packaged individually for one meal so it makes for easy storage.

I have to admit, I was skeptical. Is this going to be another pack we add water to with a “compromised” flavor for us celiacs? I wondered. NO, it was not. It truly went beyond our expectations, and we are highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys a true cheesy flavor.

One last note: there are a number of ways to use these packs. I always welcome your ideas to share with my readers. So do try them out and send in your recipes too.

Tina Turbin

www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

Studies have shown that one of the main reasons why some celiac patients can’t stay gluten-free is that they don’t have a support group to encourage and help them; on Gling.com, users can build a network of supportive friends. After setting up a profile, users connect with gluten-free restaurants, bakeries, and companies as well as with GF friends they’ve already known or with brand-new ones. Don’t have any gluten-free friends? You can make some on Gling.com; soon enough, you’ll have plenty of GF friends you can even connect with in real life, say, at your favorite local GF bakery that you also found on Gling.com. The other three tools comprise comprehensive listings of gluten-free recipes, food product information, and locations, such as bakeries and stores which sell gluten-free fare.

Gluten-free websites, such as Gling.com and my own GlutenFreeHelp.info, make the gluten-free lifestyle less of a challenge. For those who don’t belong to a support group, an online community such as the one on Gling.com can offer similar benefits. It can be tough living gluten-free in a gluten-filled world, but with these websites, you feel instead that you’re part of an exciting adventure.

Tina Turbin

http://www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

I am celiac. Let me clarify,  I am a highly (and I mean highly) sensitive to “greens”celiac- such as barley grass and wheat grass, so please do read on and get a new take on this very topic and my new view as of this recent testing.

First of all I have a wonderful team in Los Angeles and Florida that assisted me through this particular testing. I wanted feedback and I wanted it from all people, with all sorts of particular body needs or not.  So, this was quite a unique company to review as we elicited a number of kids and athletes to really put it to the test.

Let’s dive a little into Macro Life first. A caring mom, Sylvia Ortiz wanted to help her son loose some weight and out of this desire resulted in the original Macro Greens.  Her son lost 35 pounds, dropped down to 12 % body fat and then Sylvia lost 60 pounds as well.  Since that time Macro Greens® was named the most successful product ever in retail sales over a five-week period at Whole Foods chain markets. Wow!

The owners profess that Macro Greens is non-allergenic, nutrient-rich and will optimize the body’s pH and  surpasses the nutrition of five servings of fruits and vegetables. They also state that if used daily one will experience increased energy, weight loss, increased mental clarity, balanced blood sugar, strengthened immune system and improved digestion. So that was worth testing out for sure. Read on and let’s see what we discovered on a one on one basis here in LA and FL.

Miracle Reds® (a delicious red powder) is stated as being the a superfruit anti-aging blend providing immense antioxidant protection. They go on to share that it will locate and diminish unstable free radicals that damage healthy cells and cause premature aging. Now I am all for that! It has some of my favorite fruits: Goji, Pomegranate, Acai, and Mangosteen.

They also had us test their 3 bars: Macro Green Chocolate and Cinnamon Bar, Miracle Reds Berri Berri Bar and Macro Green Apple Lemon Ginger Bar. Let me just say now that everyone (yes everyone) who tested these found them to be absolutely scrumptious. Of course there are always those that prefer chocolate over fruit or fruit over chocolate (me) but that was the only side comment was, if they had to choose. But they don’t so they loved them all. They are a quick boost of energy, loaded with the greens or the reds, great fiber (which we celiacs NEED) and some protein to top it off. Kids of all ages loved the bars. The athletes (I am speaking triathletes and marathon runners) felt they were a  perfect after train smack or even a mid day snack. Two of the men said they would start buying them now without a doubt.

Ok, so now let’s look at the Macro Green testing:

“Tina, this was the best before training boost of anti oxidants I have ever had.” – One of my athlete testers

“ I can not say enough positive things about both the powders, Macro Greens and Miracle Reds. My husband drank it before heading off to work and he felt much better all day long. I gave it to my kids after school with their snack and they “DRANK IT” and I actually noticed they fell asleep better each eve. I used it  in my water during my work-out and I did not get the wiped out feeling I always get after heavy cardio”- Mother of two celiac kids

I can say that I loved the taste and did not get the terrible troubles I usually get from Barley. I loved knowing I was getting a load of nutrients without having to pop a load of pills. I actually cut down on my minerals. I can overall say it felt like CLEAN food. I can say that if I drank the Macro Greens every day I started to get tummy distress but as I initially said I am HIGHLY sensitive to barley grass. Some celiacs are. So I cut back. I also made some grain-free, gluten-free cookies with the greens. We call them Macro Cookies. I am not sure if heating them destroys any or All of the benefits so I made them in the dehydrator as another test. We call these Raw Macro Cookies

Now let’s discuss these delicious Miracle Reds. Let me share a very special story. One lady was just out of the hospital and was under a lot of stress and lacked decent nutrition before entering. She had little money and little after care. We delivered the reds in single serving packets to her for her ease in taking them. She was told she would be in bed a good 2 weeks healing. After 8 days on the Miracle reds she called me to tell me she felt life like again, for the first time in ages.

I also had several moms and dads call me with all sorts of stories exclaiming how pleased they were with the flavor, the benefits and ease in taking them etc. It was a winner!

The Miracle Reds and Macro Greens come in single serving packs as well as canisters of 30, 10 and a 2 ounce container to test without a big commitment.

According to the owners Miracle Reds® and Macro Greens® are among the most popular whole food supplements currently sold at most supermarkets and specialty health food locations we all know and shop at. After conducting this test, I can see why!

I really am very pleased to have been able to have tested this company’s products and the extremely positive outcome. I am also more pleased to say that this company is one of the finest we have tested in the past two years as far as supplements. These products are top quality, care and consideration for the public’s health and well being.

Please do yourself a favor and try them out: http://www.macrolifenaturals.com/

Tina Turbin

www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

k.m.

Knowledge is power when it comes to celiac disease and gluten-free living. Lucky for us Shelley Case, RD, (pictured above) author of the Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide and acclaimed celiac and gluten-free nutrition expert offers a FREE newsletter and FREE handouts online.

Her newsletter offers timely news, recipes, great information, and special discounts. She offers many handouts on all sorts of topics like general information on celiac disease and the gluten-free diet, nutritional information, and a gluten-free diet guide for families. Check out the links below!

Get the handouts here: http://www.glutenfreediet.ca/handouts.php.
Sign up for the newsletter: http://www.glutenfreediet.ca/ezsignup.php.

Tina Turbin

http://www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

This stuffing is not only gluten-free, but it’s also casein-free, and no one will ever know it! It has a bit of a kick with just the right touch of spice to not overwhelm the sweet potato, and it’s not overly sweet either. This is a delicious gluten-free and casein-free filling for a unique meal. Add some candles, and you’re set for quite an evening. I use chipotle powder, which has a wonderfully smoky flavor combined with a spicy kick. I just love it, and I hope you do, too.

See my page with the ravioli recipe to make at home!

(Makes 12 full size homemade raviolis)

INGREDIENTS

2 cups fresh baked sweep potato

1-1/2 tsp Chipotle Powder

¾ cup Follow You Heart Vegan Gourmet Cream Cheese “alternative” (OR use real cream cheese if you prefer dairy)

¼ tsp salt or more to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Mash all this up with the back of your fork until well-blended and fairly smooth, not pureed. Do not be tempted to use a hand mixer.

2. Fill your ravioli shapes and seal edges.

3. Cook ravioli according to your own recipe or this one.

Tina Turbin

www.GlutenFreeHelp.info

     With celiac disease awareness on the rise, more and more companies, such as Hope Paige, are coming out with useful products for the celiac community.

     Hope Paige is not an ordinary medical bracelet company. Whether you want a waterproof bracelet, one with charms, one to wear to work, or one to go with your wedding dress, this is the company for you. Unlike most medial bracelets I have seen, Hope Paige bracelets are unique accessories offering a wide range of sizes and prices. They offer items for all ages.

     You may be thinking, “Why would I need a medical bracelet if I’m celiac, gluten-sensitive or have a dairy allergy?” You would be surprised at how many drugs these days have gluten, dairy, etc. in them. If something were to happen to you (or your child or other loved one) requiring immediate medical care, you most likely wouldn’t have the time or be in the condition to express your needs. This could be detrimental to any celiac’s health.

     On a lighter note, another beneficial purpose for these bracelets is keeping children gluten-free in non-emergency situations. When gluten-free children go on field trips, over to friends’ houses, etc., parents may rely on the additional backup from these bracelets to keep others properly informed. Allowing your kids to pick out their own style of bracelet is a lot of fun, and there is an easy engraving process on the site.

     Although GlutenFreeHelp.info is mainly for celiacs and those who live a gluten-free lifestyle, I know that many of our readers have other allergies or know people who do. Hope Paige can engrave any allergy on their medical bracelets. Whether you have an allergy to wheat, peanuts, penicillin or aspirin, Hope Paige will make you feel fashionable and safer “wearing your allergy.”

     Approximately 30,000 people a year in the U.S. are rushed to the hospital due to a food allergy. Spread the word of getting tested for celiac disease, and make sure if you or anyone you know has an intolerance or sensitivity to gluten that you order one of these medical bracelets. It’s amazing how something so small can save a life.

     With the holidays right around the corner these would make great gifts for your friends and loved ones. The variety of styles available enables these bracelets to be a fashion accessory for those with a more discriminating taste.

Check out the Hope Paige website to see all the fun designs here.

Miranda Jade

www.Glutenfreehelp.info