Ep 133 August 2020 Roundup

Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
This week I catch up with Ellen Bayens of theceliacscene.com. Ellen prepares a newsletter for many of the articles she has recently posted, and we discuss some of these topics. Ellen and I chat about a new celiac testing protocol in the UK, decisions restaurants must make before going gluten free and a new book about one family’s gluten free journey. We also discuss some very informative posts from Selena De Vries RD on Instagram, as well as some recipes perfectly suited to summer.

News from The Celiac Scene
• COVID-19 Prompts Interim Diagnosis Shortcut for Celiac Disease
• Celiac Food Writer Reads Restaurants the Riot Act
• Celiac Lost: A Family Guide to Finding a Gluten-Free Life

Selena De Vries, RD on Instagram
• 3 Reasons Why Your Celiac Antibodies Are Still High
• Understanding Alcohol Labelling
• How to Reduce Bloating & Improve Bowel Movements
Our Favourite Gluten-Free Products and Services
• Stella’s Gluten-Free Perogies are Preservative-Free, Too!

Gluten-Free Recipes
• 29 Great Grilling Recipes by Everyday Gluten Free Gourmet
• Home-Made Pita Bread by Mia Kennedy
• Light & Airy Summer Pavlova by KOB Online Classes

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 –
During this time of the Covid-19 pandemic we hear so much about testing; and that’s a good thing. I find it particularly interesting how testing has evolved over these last few months. First, science had to develop an accurate test, then public health departments had to set up the infrastructure to administer it to the public and get the results back. After this hurdle, the challenge was to get a better, faster test, and be able to accurately test to see if someone had the virus and has recovered.
Science is wonderful. The very smart researchers and doctors were all in to make a difference in how the world handled this pandemic.
In my celiac world, the pandemic spawned the innovation to relax the requirement for biopsies for celiac disease in the UK. I wonder if, over time, the standard will change to make the diagnosis, at least in a preliminary stage, more streamlined.
As I listen to the news (and I do that a great deal lately), I hear about the advanced technology that will allow someone to spit on a specially treated piece of paper-like material, that will be able to give a result for covid-19 within minutes. Wow, that would be an advancement. Apparently, as far as the science goes, we’re not that far away from the “spit” test, but as we’ve seen, the application of the new technology is a completely different challenge.
Here’s hoping that some day, a simple spit test, or a simple urine test will allow science to detect celiac disease. In my perfect world, everyone with CD would know, early in life, starting their gluten free journey before damage was done. I know it’s a long shot, but there’s comfort in science, and these days we take any comfort we can get.