Ep 137 September 202 Roundup
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
On this episode I have my monthly chat with Ellen Bayens of theceliacscene.com. Ellen publishes a variety of articles on celiac disease, gluten free foods and the gluten free lifestyle. At the beginning of every month, she sends out a newsletter calling attention to some of her content from the past month. That’s were we start our conversation. This week we talk about a change in labelling from the FDC (US) regarding fermented as well as distilled foods. We talk about a breakthrough in agriculture that is producing ultra low gluten barley called “kebari”. Developing the grain is a challenge, but the next challenge is to have the grain designated gluten free. We talk about Scientists in Saskatchewan who have examined wheat grown over more than 100 years to debunk the myth that it’s the “new” wheat that is causing more digestive problems linked to gluten. Ellen and I are joined on the podcast by Cinde Little, The Everyday Gluten Free Gourmet to chat about her development of a one-on-one course to teach you all the practicalities of a gluten free lifestyle. Ellen brings us up to date on the latest Musings by Mia – a recurring article about living gluten free as a 20-something. Mia looks at eating gluten free at university and college. Ellen also mentions Mia’s recent article that includes a scone recipe, which I will be trying in the next few days. Ellen shares with us some exciting news about Portofino Bakery in Victoria. The bakery has been carefully baking gluten free along with their gluten products for a few years, but recently they decided to establish a dedicated gluten free facility. We look at how they had been making gluten safe products and what will change. Lastly, Ellen shares some comments from an article she posted on facebook which originally came from Celiac.com entitled – “22 Diseases or Conditions that Require Celiac Screening”. This is similar to the “Could It Be Celiac?” list of symptoms promoted by the CCA during Celiac Awareness Month in May. Ellen and I discuss hindsight as a diagnostic tool and how delays of diagnosis are almost inevitable when a condition like celiac has so many symptoms. Below are links to the articles from theceliacscene.com.
scone recipe – https://theceliacscene.com/musings-mia-staycation-celiac-afternoon-tea/
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 –
Ellen and I spoke about “other” conditions that should require a screening test for celiac disease. I don’t often get reminded of the two miscarriages I had between the births of my two daughters. It was a difficult time. When I was again pregnant with my second daughter, I was quite ill, not pregnancy nausea, I was reacting to gluten. I did not yet know I was celiac, but although I was happy to be having a full pregnancy, I knew something was wrong with my eating and nutrition. I was always a heavier-type person, so when I gained less than 10 lbs during my pregnancy, my doctor thought I was amazing (red flag!).
I had been suffering digestive issues for almost 20 years, but once I was finally diagnosed three years after the birth of my second daughter, I was awash with emotions. Most of us are, when we get diagnosed. I was happy to finally have a diagnosis, but confused as to why it took so many years. There was a small part of me that was angry about all the discomfort, tests, recurring issues and lastly the miscarriages.
I understood that celiac was only thought to be then about 1 in 100, but it certainly felt like I’d been through so many doctors and so many tests that it should have occurred to one of the doctors along with way. Then I would get into the “what if’s”, which in truth are no help to anyone. I won’t go through my thought process here, but I think you can well imagine it.
I resolved to only look forward, which some days, at the beginning was very difficult. It was only with my older daughter Deanna’s diagnosis that I was able to pivot to a positive attitude towards my health, the gluten free diet and the future. I realize now, my diagnosis was the best thing that ever happened to me. It explained everything. It wasn’t in my head and now there was something I could do about it. When we found out about Deanna, I had purpose in my gluten free lifestyle. I never lost that purpose, and I’m so glad for it, it has given me a path to my own health and to help others.