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!
How Bobby presented with celiac disease at six months of age
The dramatic change in Bobby’s behavior after a diet change
The new pediatrician’s approach when Bobby’s progress stalled
The relationship between irritable behavior and the inability to digest foods
Bobby’s growth and development before and after diagnosis
How Bobby’s mother dealt with social pressure to eat with others
The chronic nature of celiac disease
Nadine’s insight around what we knew about celiac disease in 1953
‘Bobby Has Celiac Disease’ in the American Journal of Nursing
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal
‘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!
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with 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!
The 2006 Columbia University study of celiac disease in African Americans
Why patients in the Columbia study demonstrated poor dietary compliance
Nadine’s prediction around the number of celiac patients in Africa
The statistics regarding the mortality burden of celiac disease
The overlap between diabetes and celiac disease
The health issues that may indicate undiagnosed celiac disease
How to prevent celiac disease among the African American population
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
‘HLA Typing and Celiac Disease in Moroccans’ in Medical Sciences
University of Chicago: Celiac Disease Facts and Figures
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with 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!
The statistics around ER visits and abdominal pain
The most common abdominal pain diagnoses
How patients are treated for idiopathic abdominal pain
The testing to find the cause of chronic abdominal pain
How many children suffer from belly pain
Nadine’s patient who received a misdiagnosis of appendicitis
A research study around abdominal surgery and celiac disease
Nadine’s advice for patients diagnosed with idiopathic abdominal pain
‘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
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with 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!
The hematologic manifestations of celiac disease
Why iron supplements didn’t solve Nadine’s anemia
The connection between anemia, osteoporosis and celiac disease
The danger of taking H2 blockers and PPIs long-term
How to uncover potential nutrient deficiencies in your blood
The conclusions of the 2007 study in Blood
The fat-soluble vitamins
The connection between DH and celiac disease
‘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
‘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
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with 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!
The fundamentals of eosinophilic esophagitis
The benefits of unsedated transnasal endoscopy for children with EoE
Some common symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis
The condition of achalasia
The treatment for EoE
The potential increased prevalence of EoE in children with celiac disease
The case study of a 30-year-old woman with celiac disease and elevated eosinophils
Nadine’s insight on the best specialty clinics for EoE in the US
Dr. Glenn Furuta’s insight on the difficulty of diagnosing EoE
Special considerations for pediatric patients with EoE
‘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
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with 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!
The similarities between the gluten and casein proteins
How the casein protein impacts the brain
The effect of Marsh 1 damage due to celiac disease
How gluten and casein proteins act as exorphins
Nadine’s recommendations for dairy replacements
How a gluten-free diet helped a young man with autism
The story of Dr. Terry Wahls
The Wahls Protocol by Dr. Terry Wahls
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with 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!
The global indigenous population
The health status of indigenous populations
Why indigenous populations have more health issues
The lack of information around indigenous populations and celiac disease
The impact of grains on the native population
The prevalence of celiac disease in indigenous populations
Why eating healthy is a challenge for the indigenous population
The conclusions of the Prairie Nymph blog on Canada’s Food Guide
Why it’s important to educate indigenous people around celiac disease
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 Life-Changing Diagnosis’ in Indian Country Today
‘Government Food Boxes? It’s Nothing New for Native Americans’ on WDET
UN Indigenous Peoples Fact Sheet
Summary of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
WHO Health of Indigenous Peoples
WHO Indigenous Peoples and Substance Abuse
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with 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!
The value in recognizing how you feel
Nadine’s response to excuses for not going gluten-free
How to avoid non-food with empty calories
The difference between organic and conventional food
Nadine’s suggestions around where to go for gluten-free food
Nadine’s advice for going gluten-free or Paleo
How to get started on a gluten-free or Paleo diet
Nadine’s shopping list for a gluten-free diet
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with 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.
General information about the country of Russia
Russia’s thriving wheat production industry
The first diagnoses of celiac disease in Russia
How celiac diagnoses changed in the 2000’s
The Eastern European countries that have done mass screenings
Why the data around celiac disease in Russia is unreliable
The problems associated with celiac disease in Russia
The overview presented in the Journal of Immunology Research
‘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
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal
When faced with new information, it’s important to consider the source. Stop for a moment and examine whether the material is coming from someone with YOUR best interests at heart. The Gluten Free RN has just returned from the Colombia University Celiac Disease Conference, and she is breaking down the information presented to determine what’s useful—and what might be tainted by the pharmaceutical or food industry agenda.
Nadine begins with a workshop led by General Mills that offered some questionable information about how grains are processed at their factories and a talk led by University of Chicago faculty on the topic of a gluten challenge. She also speaks to the differences between celiac management in the US and countries with universal healthcare like Italy and Australia.
Nadine covers new testing that detects gluten exposure in stool or urine and what that reveals about the systemic nature of gluten damage as well as her take on practitioners who perpetuate the myth that grains are necessary and nutritious. Listen in for the Gluten Free RN’s insight around pharmaceutical treatments for celiac disease and the danger in volunteering for studies backed by drug companies.
The two programs available at Colombia’s 2018 conference
How celiac disease is managed in Italy
Nadine’s frustration with the General Mills presentation
Nadine’s take on gluten-free Cheerios
Nadine’s confusion around Dr. Bana Jabri’s comments
Why the biopsy for celiac disease is problematic
Nadine’s insight on a gluten-free challenge
The systemic nature of gluten damage
Nadine’s stance on pharmaceutical treatments for celiac disease
The myth that grains are necessary and nutritious
Why it’s important to understand the source of your information
Australia’s requirements for gluten-free food
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Heal
To pierogi or not to pierogi…
If you have celiac disease, there is no question that you should avoid anything made with flour or grains, no matter how delicious the dish may be. Although the Gluten Free RN has fond memories of her Polish grandmothers making traditional pastries, she contends that you don’t have to eat customary Polish food to celebrate your Polish heritage.
In preparation for her upcoming trip to Warsaw in July, Nadine is taking a closer look at celiac disease in Poland. She discusses a 2009 study assessing the prevalence of celiac disease in Polish children, highlighting the asymptomatic and oligosymptomatic nature of the disease and explaining her own false negative test. Listen in for the Gluten Free RN’s insight around preparing for a trip to Poland, including research on the available gluten-free food and adult beverages!
Why Nadine is concerned about her upcoming trip to Poland
Nadine’s Polish heritage
The 2009 study of celiac disease in Poland
Nadine’s genetic predisposition for celiac disease
How Nadine is preparing for travel in Poland
The prevalence of celiac disease in Poland
The gluten-free alcoholic beverages available in Poland
Nadine’s caution against eating bread in Europe
The overlap between autoimmune and celiac disease
Nadine’s suggested diet for celiac patients
NIH Consensus Development Conference on Celiac Disease
‘Screening for Celiac Disease in Poland’ in the Medical Science Monitor
Gluten-Free Globetrotter Blog on Poland
Gluten-Free Travel in Poland—Coeliac Youth of Europe
Poland Travel Guide—Coeliac UK
‘Graves’ Disease, Celiac Disease and Liver Function Abnormalities in a Patient—Clinical Manifestation and Diagnostic Difficulties’ in ACTA Biochimica Polonica
‘Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Celiac Disease’ in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment
‘Evaluation of HLA-DQ2/DQ8 Genotype in Patients with Celiac Disease Hospitalised in 2012 at the Department of Paediatrics’ in Przeglad Gastroenterologiczny
For Visitors with Coeliac Disease—Polskie Stowarzyszenie Osob z Celiakia i na Diecie Bezglutenowej
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
The Irish are known for being lucky… But does that luck hold out when it comes to celiac disease?
The prevalence of celiac disease among the Iris is 1:100, about the same as the rest of the world. And if you are a redhead of Irish descent, there is a good chance that you are an HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 gene carrier.
Today, the Gluten Free RN explores Irish ancestry and celiac disease, discussing how the Potato Famine led to a change in diet for much of the surviving population. She walks us through a paper published by Irish College of General Practitioners explaining the clinical presentations and complications of celiac disease.
Nadine shares her experience running the Dublin marathon and the health consequences she suffered after touring the Guinness brewery. Listen in to understand the work of the Coeliac Society of Ireland and learn about the trends in celiac disease among the Irish.
Why red hair is associated with celiac disease
The prevalence of celiac disease in Irish Setters
The Irish Potato Famine
The myth that celiac disease is more prevalent in Europe than the US
The myth that women are more susceptible to celiac disease
The Irish College of General Practitioners paper on celiac disease
The prevalence of celiac disease in Ireland
The appropriate testing for celiac disease and NCGS
Nadine’s experience running the Dublin marathon in 1998
The information provided by the Coeliac Society of Ireland
‘Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy in a Family of Irish Setters’ in The Canadian Veterinary Journal
‘Diagnosis and Management of Adult Coeliac Disease’ in ICGP
‘Prevalence and Incidence of Celiac Disease in Edinburgh and the Lothian Region of Scotland’ in Gastroenterology
‘Prevalence and Diagnosis’ by the Coeliac Society of Ireland
‘Coeliac Disease in Europe’ in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
‘Escalation in the Amount of Adults Diagnosed with Coeliac Disease’ in Lifestyle Health
‘Gluten-Free Foods’ by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland
‘How Irish Diets of the Past Affect the Present’ in The Irish Times
‘Changes in Presentation of Celiac Disease in Ireland from the 1960s to 2015’ in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
‘Coeliac Disease: A Personal Perspective’ in Irish Health
‘Coeliac Disease: More Common Than You Think in Irish Health
‘Pathology and Management of Coeliac Disease’ by the Dublin Academic Medical Centre & UCD
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
It goes without saying that anyone who serves in the military needs to be healthy and strong—and that military leaders have an obligation to keep enlisted servicemen and women as safe and healthy as possible. So, it makes sense that people with food allergies (including celiac patients) are disqualified from military service, but it is less clear why celiac testing is not a part of the medical exam to qualify for enlistment.
Today, the Gluten Free RN addresses the issue of celiac disease in the military. She explains the challenges of preparing gluten-free food in a mess hall setting and describes the consequences for an active duty soldier who is found to have celiac disease.
Nadine shares a research study exploring celiac trends among active duty military as well as a case study around veterans and celiac disease. Listen in for insight on what’s behind the increased prevalence of celiac disease among military personnel and the confirmed association between celiac disease and other complex health issues.
Why celiac patients are disqualified from enlisting in any branch of service
What happens to military personnel who are found to have celiac disease
The US military policy around food allergies and intolerances
Countries that allow celiac patients to serve
The Mayo Clinic study of celiac trends among active duty military
The challenge of preparing gluten-free food in a military setting
A case study involving military veterans and celiac disease
The benefits of a gluten-free diet
Nadine’s argument for celiac testing prior to enlistment
Military Standards of Medical Fitness
‘The Incidence and Risk of Celiac Disease in a Healthy US Adult Population’ in the American Journal of Gastroenterology
‘Celiac Sprue Among US Military Veterans: Associated Disorders and Clinical Manifestations’ in Digestive Diseases and Sciences
‘Gluten-Free Soldier in Afghanistan’ in Gluten-Free Living
‘Medical Mix-Up Sidelines Army Sergeant’s Career’ in Military Times
Celiac Disease-Related Veterans Affairs Case
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
We get vaccinated to protect ourselves, to gain an immunity to a particular disease. But in the case of hepatitis B, celiac patients may come to find out that we are NOT immune—despite having done the right thing in getting a hepatitis B vaccination.
Today, the Gluten Free RN is walking us through the latest research around vaccination and celiac disease. She explores the fact that celiac patients are more likely to be non-responsive to HBV than the general population, explaining the fundamentals of hepatitis B and the two main theories as to why the vaccine doesn’t work for some celiac patients.
Nadine shares her take on immunizations, explaining why she is a proponent of an alternate vaccination schedule for infants who may be immunocompromised. Listen in and learn how to determine whether you are truly immune to hepatitis B and protect yourself from potentially life-threatening disease!
The basics of hepatitis B (HBV)
The prevalence of hepatitis B
The 2013 Italian study around celiac disease and the hepatitis B vaccine
Nadine’s experience with vaccination as a child
Nadine’s take on vaccination
The conclusion of a 2017 Italian study
The value of a hepatitis B titer
‘Vaccinations in Celiac Disease’ in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
‘Immune Response to Vaccines in Children with Celiac Disease’ in the World Journal of Gastroenterology
‘Immune Response to Hepatitis B Vaccine in Patients with Celiac Disease: A Systematic Review and Met-Analysis’ in Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics
‘Early Vaccinations are Not Risk Factors for Celiac Disease’ in Pediatrics
‘Gluten Intake Interferes with the Humoral Immune Response to Recombinant Hepatitis B Vaccine in Patients with Celiac Disease’ in Pediatrics
‘Effect of Pentavac and Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Vaccination on the Intestine’ in Gut
‘Normal of Defective Immune Response to Hepatitis B Vaccine in Patients with Diabetes and Celiac Disease’ in Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
When the Gluten Free RN went on a gluten-free diet 11 years ago, her thyroid settled down and the associated symptoms and disorders—Graves’ disease, weight gain and hair loss—resolved.
But when Nadine was inadvertently hit with gluten two years ago, several of those symptoms returned, along with a few new ones. She was losing hair and gaining water weight again. On top of that, her sinuses were congested. She developed asthma, a rash on her lower right leg and a scary case of pulmonary edema (excess fluid in the lungs).
Hindsight being 20/20, Nadine realizes that her recent diagnosis of hypothyroidism is associated with that accidental gluten ingestion. Further study made it clear that there is a potential connection between her thyroid problems and pulmonary edema, as the leaky gut that comes with celiac disease can cause fluid shifts into body tissues.
Today the Gluten Free RN explores the links among celiac disease, thyroid disorders and pulmonary edema. She explains the function of the endocrine system, the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, and the diet she recommends for patients with thyroid issues. Listen in for Nadine’s insight around how gluten affects the thyroid gland and why the resulting low sodium levels might trigger edema in celiac patients.
The function of the endocrine system
The connection between celiac disease and thyroid disorders
Nadine’s symptoms of hypothyroidism
How damp rash lotion resolved Nadine’s symptoms
Nadine’s thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels
The relationship between thyroid issues and edema
The research around thyroid disorders and celiac disease in Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
The diet Nadine recommends for celiac patients with potential thyroid issues
Why patients with unexplained pulmonary edema should be tested for celiac disease AND thyroid disorders
The symptoms associated with hypothyroidism
‘Pregnancy Complicated with Pulmonary Edema Due to Hyperthyroidism’ in the Journal of the Chinese Medical Association
‘Sleep Apnea, Hypothyroidism and Pulmonary Edema’ in CHEST Journal Letters to the Editor
‘Thyroid and Fluid Retention’ on the Wilson’s Syndrome Site
‘Acute Pulmonary Edema as a First Manifestation of Hyperthyroidism in a Pregnant Woman’ in Revista Medica de Chile
‘Hypothyroidism and Non-Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema: Are We Missing Something Here?’ in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports
‘Celiac Disease and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease’ in Clinical Medicine & Research
‘Celiac Disease and Autoimmunity: Review and Controversies’ in Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
‘An Unusual Cause of Flash Pulmonary Oedema’ in BMJ Case Reports
‘Challenges in the Management of a Patient with Myxoedema Coma in Ghana: A Case Report’ in Ghana Medical Journal
‘Hyponatremia and the Thyroid: Causality or Association?’ in the Journal of Clinical Medicine
‘Interactions Between Thyroid Disorders and Kidney Disease’ in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
An estimated 50% of Americans are on some type of psychotropic drug. Half of the US population!
What is causing such widespread prevalence of mental health disorders? Prescription anti-depressants and sedatives don’t solve the underlying problem… So how do we get to the bottom of this?
The Gluten Free RN contends that there may be a connection between mental health and undiagnosed celiac disease. Today she explains how several disorders (anxiety, depression and paranoia, among others) have been linked to gluten, discussing how a leaky blood-brain barrier can lead to hypoxia, an inflammation of the brain.
Nadine walks us through the best research in mental health disorders and gluten sensitivity, sharing two landmark studies that emphasize the gut/brain connection and characterize celiac disease as primarily a neurological disorder. Nadine offers her insight around working with schizophrenic patients and the increasing number of children suffering from anxiety. Listen in to understand how gluten impacts your mental health, and learn how to eliminate brain fog, get off prescription meds, and enjoy a higher quality of life!
The connection between gluten and hypoxia
The shocking statistics around Americans and psychotropic drugs
The potential relationship between mental health disorders and undiagnosed celiac disease
The health consequences of undiagnosed celiac disease
The findings of the landmark Cooke study in 1966
The conclusion of an editorial published in Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
How a gluten-free diet can resolve gastrointestinal and psychiatric symptoms
Nadine’s experience with schizophrenia patients
The increasing number of children diagnosed with anxiety disorder
The concept of food as medicine
Resources:
‘Psychiatric Complications of Celiac Disease’ in the International Journal of Celiac Disease
‘Genetic Hypothesis of Idiopathic Schizophrenia: Its Exorphin Connection’ in Schizophrenia Bulletin
‘Markers of Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease in Bipolar Disorder’ in Bipolar Disorders
‘Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Celiac Disease’ in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
Two and a half years ago, Nadine was inadvertently hit with gluten—three times in a row. In the past, it had taken about ten weeks for her symptoms to resolve after an accidental exposure, but this time they stuck around. It started with feeling cold. Then she began experiencing abdominal distention and pain. Her dermatitis herpetiformis returned, she was plagued with sinus congestion, and she was gaining weight. Most concerning of all, she developed pulmonary edema, a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs.
Today, the Gluten Free RN is getting real, revealing the health struggles she has been dealing with since 2015. She explains the circumstances that led to her accidental gluten exposure and recounts the ten scary nights she spent in a recliner, forced to sit up in order to breathe.
Nadine takes us along on her global search for the answers that began with a practitioner in Thailand and a tiny container of damp rash lotion, and ended with a diagnosis of myxedema from a naturopath here in the States. Nadine discusses how those three consecutive hits of gluten targeted her thyroid gland and how T3 is working to resolve her symptoms. Listen in and learn how the Gluten Free RN is reclaiming her Superwoman status and how you, too, can reach your full potential with good health and wellbeing!
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Nadine’s health struggle the past 30 months
Nadine’s search for the underlying cause
How Nadine is reclaiming her health
How a damaged thyroid gland impacted Nadine
The importance of support in getting your health back
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
Celiac disease is messy. It can develop at any age, in any ethnicity, in both men and women, with any symptom or no symptom at all. Every patient is different, and each one presents differently. There is nothing cut and dried about celiac disease, except that a 100% gluten-free diet is necessary for healing.
Nurses are in a unique position to make sense of this chaos and advocate for patients, recognizing possible celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity and recommending appropriate testing when necessary. Today, the Gluten Free RN covers the basics of celiac disease for nurses, explaining the frequency with which the disorder is misdiagnosed or goes undiagnosed for years. She walks us through the testing required for a diagnosis of celiac disease proper, who should undergo testing, and why one negative test doesn’t rule out the disease.
Nadine speaks to the 300-plus signs of celiac disease, reviewing the most common symptoms and the overlap between celiac disease and autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes. She also shares the discouraging statistics around the impact of undiagnosed celiac disease on fetal development and maternal health. Listen in to understand why Nadine encourages fellow nurses include celiac disease as part of their differential diagnosis, providing gluten-sensitive patients with a safe, gluten-free environment and a higher quality of life!
The frequency with which celiac disease is misdiagnosed or goes undiagnosed
The challenges around getting a diagnosis of celiac disease proper
The chronic nature of celiac disease
The 300-plus signs and symptoms of celiac disease
Why celiac patients must be tested for potential nutritional deficiencies
The detrimental impact of undiagnosed celiac disease on fetal development, maternal health
Where gluten is hiding
Who should be tested for celiac disease
Why one negative test doesn’t rule out celiac disease
How a gluten-free diet can benefit children with stunted growth
Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity for Nurses
Recognizing Celiac Disease: Signs, Symptoms, Associated Disorders & Complications by Cleo J. Libonati
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism
As we ring in the New Year, many of us take the time to jot down our aspirations for the next twelve months. What are your hopes and dreams for 2018? Health and happiness? An opportunity to travel? Stronger relationships?
Whether you have big plans to hike the Grand Canyon this year, or you simply resolve to get a little more sleep, it’s likely that aspects of health and wellness are a big part of your vision for 2018. The Gluten Free RN wants you to be happy and healthy in the coming year, and today she is sharing her hopes and wishes around celiac disease for 2018.
Nadine offers insight on taking control of what you can, including the food you eat. She shares her wish for widespread access to high-quality food and nutritional information that is NOT influenced by corporations. She explains the need for universal healthcare, better comprehensive testing for celiac disease (performed annually), and appropriate follow-up care for patients with a celiac diagnosis. Listen in to understand why Nadine advocates for a global celiac education campaign and learn how to evaluate new information about the disease with a critical ear. Let’s get happy and healthy in 2018 so that we can pursue all of our hopes and dreams!
Nadine’s wish for health, happiness and wellness
Why Nadine advocates for universal healthcare
The need for better comprehensive testing
Nadine’s hope for worldwide knowledge of celiac disease
The importance of accurate media coverage
Why friends and family should be tested every year
The value of nutritional information not influenced by food companies
Nadine’s aspiration for universal access to high-quality food
The need for appropriate follow-up care
Nadine’s insight around celiac education
Columbia University Celiac Disease Center
‘Your Skin on Gluten’ on YouTube
Melodies of the Danube Gluten-Free Cruise with Nadine
Dough Nation: A Nurse's Memoir of Celiac Disease from Missed Diagnosis to Food and Health Activism