A number of people couldn't attend the meeting last night and asked me to take notes and write this blog to let them know what happened.
We had an excellent meeting last night. We had a guest speaker, Dr Melissa, Garrett who is a gastroenterologist at Duke University. She was very knowledgeable and gave us some information that none of us had known before. I will do this as bullet points or this blog will go on forever.
- They used to think Celiac Disease was a North European disease but they are finding it more and more across all ethnic backgrounds. Asians are the ethnic group with the least number of cases at present.
- Celiac Disease is diagnosed by its effect on the digestive system. Gluten Intolerance is diagnosed usually by its effect on all parts of the body, exhaustion, aching joints, etc. Even though celiacs suffer from these symptoms too, they must have the digestive issues to be diagnosed as Celiac.
- Many people who suffer from Diabetes 1 develop celiac disease and thyroid problems can complete the triad. Celiac disease sufferers are not at a higher rate for suffering from Diabetes, only the reverse.
- After being diagnosed as Celiac, usually by the tTG-IGA blood test, and going on the gluten free diet, the digestive system will usually heal itself with 6-12 months.
- If you are on a gluten free diet and still feel a little unwell, Dr Garrett recommended that you try the FODMAPS diet. This diet takes out foods that contain fructose that can cause bloating and discomfort in the digestive system. Many of the attendees are planning on trying this. The FODMAPS diet sheet can be found online, just google it.
- Dr Garrett recommended that Celiac Disease sufferers and their offspring (either symptomatic or not) should have blood test annually to ensure that good health is maintained.
After Dr. Garrett presentation and the many questions that we fired at her, Hadassah Patterson spoke to let us know about the NC Triangle Gluten Intolerance Fair being held in September. I will put a picture of the flyer she gave us at the bottom of this blog.
Then we had a discussion regarding the annual Gluten Free Expo that is being held in Raleigh on August 9th (check the calendar in www.raleighceliac.org for details) and Pat let us know that if you want to attend the Whole Food Gluten Free Facility tour being held on August 28th, please let her know via email (her email is on the website). This is always a good evening with lots of good samples to be tasted.
We heard about another excellent Italian restaurant that is doing gluten free food. Vivos Italian Restaurant on Six Forks Road. The owners son is celiac so they have a separate area in the kitchen for gluten free meals. Details on website.
Really a very informative meeting. I recommend that if you can, attend these meetings, they do keep us up to date on the latest news on Celiac Disease.
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