Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –

Ellen Bayens and I have our monthly chat to catch up on all things new in the celiac/gluten free world.  This week, we try and understand some complicated scientific studies, to the best of our limited ability.  As well, we discuss the “quality of life” for newly diagnosed children.  An article by Selena De Vries enlightens us as to the reasons you might feel fatigued on the gluten free diet.  Lots of research and lots of good news!

You can find Ellen at theceliacscene.com

Celiac Disease Research – The Good News Continues
https://theceliacscene.com/celiac-disease-research-good-news/

3 Reasons You May Feel Tired on the Gluten-Free Diet by Selena De Vries, RD
https://theceliacscene.com/tired-on-gluten-free-selena-de-vries-rd/

Kids with Celiac Disease Report Lower Health-Related Quality of Life (reminds me of your interview with your daughter)
https://theceliacscene.com/kids-with-celiac-disease-report-lower-health-related-quality-of-life/

Bacteria May Trick Autoimmune System Into Targeting Gluten
https://theceliacscene.com/bacteria-may-trick-autoimmune-system-into-targeting-gluten/

Researchers Uncover Unique Biomarkers for Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity
https://theceliacscene.com/researchers-discover-biomarkers-for-non-celiac-wheat-sensitivity/

I will be away from my home office for next couple of weeks and will do my best to prepare podcasts, but I fear that there will some down time.  Rest assured, on my arrival back home, I will continue to supply you with interesting interviews about all things celiac and gluten free.

Sue’s Websites and Social Media –

Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com

Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast

Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA

Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com

Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com

Instagram – @suesgfbaking

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL

Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com

Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com

My Thoughts –

The study regarding newly diagnosed children got my brain working.  One of the first things I did when I became involved with my local chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association was to sign up as a peer counsellor.  The information and training program has evolved over the years, but is still a strong branch of available support for the newly diagnosed.

We all remember how scary it was to be told you must not have any gluten ever again.  How could this be, how would I know, how can I live my normal life under such restrictions?  It’s the job of the peer counsellor to calm those fears, educate the uninformed, and be there to answer questions, from simple to complicated.  The peer counsellor is the crutch the newly diagnosed need to become established on the diet and begin their journey to wellness.

I remember when I was first diagnosed, I spoke with a nurse who was celiac, I spoke with a knowledgeable dietitian, and I spoke with a fellow young mother.  They all had words of wisdom that I still remember and use to council others.  Anyone can glean information from the internet, from a textbook, or from a brochure, even from a YouTube video, but the one-on-one interaction with a peer counsellor is special.  They each taught me different things that helped me then and still help me now, as I navigate this not so normal life.

Peer counselling identifies problems people have in common and provides real-life solutions.  Thanks, CCA for your ongoing Peer Counsellor program.  If you would like to become a Peer Counsellor, contact the office of the CCA and get involved.  Together we can help the newly diagnosed make it through, and hopefully improve the results in upcoming studies.