How to Interpret Confusing Celiac Research

Image: Dr. Vikki Petersen
Vikki Petersen, D.C., C.C.N.

I try to stay on the cutting edge of research as it relates to celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Occasionally a study emerges that just doesn’t seem to ‘add up’ when compared to other studies and just good common sense.

Often it turns out that the study is perfectly valid, but the problem lies in the conclusions others are drawing from the study. In other words, it’s the interpretation that is at fault. My reason for bringing this up is that there is much data available on the Internet Continue reading “How to Interpret Confusing Celiac Research”

Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Forum 2012

Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity 2012 Forum Banner

If you haven’t attended one of the annual Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Forums yet, you’re in for an adventure. This unique event is where people gather to learn information about gluten sensitivity/intolerance and celiac disease. You’ll have the chance to speak to international experts in the field, and just like at trade shows, sample a variety of gluten-free foods. There’s nothing like the feeling of being around 300 or so people who all have the same thing in common. Continue reading “Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Forum 2012”

Gluten Intolerance: Preventing Schizophrenia and Mental Disorders in Pregnancy

Image: Dr. Vikki Petersen
Dr. Vikki Petersen, D.C., C.C.N.

Preventing Schizophrenia & Mental Disorders – A “Must Know” Before Pregnancy

By Dr. Vikki Petersen

Babies are in a bath inside their mothers’ wombs for 9 months. The ‘water’ can be nourishing or toxic. A recent study in June from the American Journal of Psychiatry discovered that women who have a gluten intolerance and continue to consume gluten during their pregnancy put their babies at risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders later in life. Continue reading “Gluten Intolerance: Preventing Schizophrenia and Mental Disorders in Pregnancy”

Is Organic Brown Rice Syrup Gluten Free? Does it Contain Arsenic?

Image: Organic Brown Rice Syrup

Because brown rice syrup is listed on so many gluten free product labels, you may have come to the conclusion that all rice syrup brands are gluten free. However, some contain barley. The fermentation process often removes the barley, per some manufacturers. If you are gluten intolerant always contact the manufacturer before consumption to check, and for cross-contamination issues. Continue reading “Is Organic Brown Rice Syrup Gluten Free? Does it Contain Arsenic?”

Celiac Alert: Quinoa Causes Gluten Cross-Reactivity in some Celiacs

Image: Dr. Vikki Petersen Celiac Alert: Quinoa Causes Problems in some Celiacs

By Dr. Vikki Petersen

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain. No one is arguing that point. In fact a study in 2011 tested quinoa, along with teff, millet and amaranth and found all to be safe for the diet of a celiac patient. (Reference: Bergamo, P, et al. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research (2011) 8:1266-1270. “Immunological evaluation of the alcohol-soluble protein fraction from gluten-free grains in relation to celiac disease”) Continue reading “Celiac Alert: Quinoa Causes Gluten Cross-Reactivity in some Celiacs”

Actual Cause of Non-Responsive Celiac Disease

Image: Dr. Vikki Petersen
Dr. Vikki Petersen

By Dr. Vikki Petersen

It’s bad enough to receive a diagnosis of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, but you really don’t want to fall into the category of non-responsive celiac, a condition where symptoms continue despite a gluten-free diet.

While that is the definition of ‘non-responsive celiac disease’, personally I haven’t run across it with my patients. What I have seen are patients with celiac disease who: Continue reading “Actual Cause of Non-Responsive Celiac Disease”

Gluten Intolerance, Celiac Disease and Breastfeeding – Good and Bad

Gluten Intolerant Woman Breastfeeding

Whether you are gluten intolerant or not, this is a must read article on how you may prevent gluten intolerance in your child. Dr. Vikki Petersen provides scientific evidence on gluten intolerance, celiac disease and breastfeeding for all future mothers or mother’s of infants.

Gluten Intolerance and the Benefits of Breast Milk – Good and Bad?

By: Dr. Vikki Petersen

Dr. Vikki Petersen

I have always been a big proponent of breast feeding. Children who are breastfed are found to have higher IQs and a better overall health status. The benefits that Mother Nature packs in mother’s milk has not been successfully mimicked by any man-made product. Far from it, in fact –the formulas on the market are quite atrocious when it comes to nutritional standards for health. Continue reading “Gluten Intolerance, Celiac Disease and Breastfeeding – Good and Bad”

Have a Gluten Intolerance? Consuming Gluten in Moderation?

Dr. Vikki Petersen provides us with an editorial on a Huffington Post article and some very smart advice that you won’t want to miss, especially if you have a gluten intolerance. Learn how eating gluten may effect you, even just cheating once a month. Read on to learn more.

Gluten Intolerant? Be Careful of ‘Everything in Moderation’ Advice

By: Dr. Vikki Petersen

Vikki Petersen
Dr. Vikki Petersen

We’ve all probably heard ‘everything in moderation’ as a good rule of thumb to follow. Whether we are talking about diet or exercise it seems to ring true, for the most part. But all rules have exceptions and this one is no different.

If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity moderate consumption of gluten is a death sentence. Is that an exaggeration? No, it isn’t. Gluten is known to increase the incidence of dying from all causes when it is untreated and the treatment is the total and complete elimination of gluten. Continue reading “Have a Gluten Intolerance? Consuming Gluten in Moderation?”