I missed last week so I would rather be late than never with this week, especially since there are some interesting articles that I’d like to share with you. First and foremost however, be sure to check out my most recent giveaway, where you will have a chance to win a Rudi’s sponsored Summer BBQ Picnic Set (completed with two free product coupons, a picnic basket set for two, a picnic blanket, and a travel grill) if you enter! And now, for your news:
Gluten-Free Certifications: 3 Different Kinds and What They Mean
CeliACT Blog has some great resource posts in their blog, and this is one of them. Decribing the three organizations which certify food as gluten free, and their guidelines, this is a very helpful guide to understanding GF Certification. I love simply state information.
Blue Ice Vodka’s Certification As ‘Gluten Free’ Revives Debate Over Distilled Spirits, Celiac Disease
This week Blue Ice Vodka became the first liquor to don a gluten free designation on it’s label, and in this Huffington Post article the real reason behind this is discussed. Put bluntly, it was a business move which improves their sales. Either way, it’s a good read to get your update on gluten free and liquor.
Four Reasons Not to Pursue A Diagnosis of Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity
This article discusses something a bit interesting, the 4 reasons NOT to get a Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity Diagnosis. Their reasons? It can be pricey and frustrating, if you are already gluten free this might give a false negative so you should start eating gluten again, if you are diagnosed the cost of insurance could go up, and you don’t need a diagnosis to be gluten free. Honestly, I don’t really agree with this post. For those who are under or uninsured I can understand these reasons holding back a diagnosis but given the number of conditions associated with Celiac Disease, especially if you continue to eat gluten, I think that the costs and risks associated with not getting a diagnosis far outweigh any pain of getting one.
Which leads us to this post…
Four Reasons to Pursue a Diagnosis of Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity
I love a good balance, and this article counters the above articles points, and discusses my main issue with the reasons not to get a diagnosis.
Pregnant Women With High Celiac Disease Antibodies Are at Risk for Low Birth Weight Babies
The study discussed here looks at anti-tTG levels in a cohort of pregnant mothers, and found that those with positive or intermediate levels of anti-tTG had babies with lower birth weights than those with negative anti-tTG. Although further research is needed to determine why this is, it is another interesting find that links pregnancy and potential Celiac Disease.
Increasing Incidence of Celiac Disease in a North American Population
Using a population cohort, the discussed study found that Celiac Disease cases are on the rise in a particular US county, thus suggesting that rates are on the rise nationally. This is important research, as it indicates a need for further disease understanding, and diagnostic discussion. After all, a disease with such a high incidence has an impact on public health, and insurance, nationally.
Gluten free doesn’t always mean healthy
I am one to always kindly remind folks that gluten-free doesn’t always mean healthy, and therefore I can’t help but share articles that discuss this when I come across them. This one is simple and straight to the point, reminding both the reader of the reasons why and why not one might want to/need to eat gluten free.