Celiac Disease and Gluten Free Diet | Celiac Corner

Attend the 3rd Annual Gluten Free Living Now Expo: Carmel, Indiana – October 5, 2013

Paula — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:39:02 +0000

Gluten Free Living Now Expo 2013

Carmel, Indiana

When: Saturday, 5 October 2013 – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Where: The Fountains, 502 E. Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032

Cost: $10 Adults $5 for children age 12 & older, children younger than 12 are free

The 3rd annual Gluten Free Living Now Expo will be held on October 5th, 2013 at The Fountains in Carmel, Indiana. Meet leading experts from around the country who will be lecturing and educating attendees on the topics of Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity and living a gluten-free lifestyle.

Speakers to include:

Charles P.B. Vanderpool, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health

Craig Pinto, President, Kicking 4 Celiac Foundation

Brandy M.H. Wendler, RN, MSN, ACNP-BC (Mrs. Northwest International 2013)

Anne Roland Lee, MSEd, RD, LD, Director of Nutritional Services for Schar USA

Dr. Ellen Antoine, Vine Healthcare

(from expo flyer) “These experts will provide gluten-free cooking demonstrations, recipes and taste tests from our demo stage, as well as informative lectures and question/answer sessions in our lecture hall.

The 2013 Expo will be hosting over 100 gluten-free vendors this year from around the U.S and Canada. Vendors will be showcasing and selling their gluten-free foods and products. Free sampling is encouraged and offered to all Expo attendees.

For our younger attendees, Schar is sponsoring a “Kid’s Corner.” Children of all ages can come and color Schar t-shirts; play with Schar’s equivalent of gluten-free play dough; and sample Schar’s gluten-free snacks.

For our adult crowd, this year we are adding a special addition…a gluten-free Beer Garden. Gluten-free beer along with Udi’s delicious gluten-free pizza and Glutino’s gluten-free pretzels will be provided for your sampling and enjoyment.”

You may pre-register HERE:

Questions:

Sheila 317.771.6506 email: shelia@glutenfreelivingnow.org

Tina 317.379.2350 email: tina@glutenfreelivingnow.org

Visit website for registration updates and additional information.

AbbVie and Alvine Pharmaceuticals Collaborate on Oral Therapeutic Treatment (ALV003) for Celiac Patients

Paula — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:52:16 +0000

(copied in its entirety from www.marketwatch.com)

PRESS RELEASE

May 14, 2013, 9:15 a.m. EDT

AbbVie and Alvine to Collaborate on Investigational Oral Therapy for Celiac Disease

- AbbVie secures exclusive option to acquire global rights to ALV003

– ALV003 has the potential to be the first therapy to treat celiac disease

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. and SAN CARLOS, Calif., May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — AbbVie ABBV +1.73%and Alvine Pharmaceuticals, a leader in celiac disease therapeutics development, announced today that they have entered into a global collaboration to develop a novel oral treatment for patients with celiac disease, currently in Phase 2 development. This collaboration builds on AbbVie’s expertise and leadership in the field of gastroenterology with its on-market products to treat Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and diseases associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

ALV003 is an investigational oral therapy composed of two recombinant, gluten specific enzymes (a cysteine protease (EP-B2) and a prolyl endopeptidase (PEP)), that degrade gluten in-vitro and in human clinical testing, and may reduce the symptoms and intestinal injury associated with celiac disease in patients attempting to adhere to a gluten-free diet. Data from a Phase 2a study reported at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2012, showed reduction of intestinal inflammation in patients exposed to gluten and treated with ALV003 compared to patients treated with placebo.

“Celiac disease is an area with significant unmet medical need,” said Scott Brun, M.D., vice president, pharmaceutical development, AbbVie. “Patients who currently are unable to completely avoid gluten in their diets could potentially benefit from this promising investigational treatment. AbbVie has significant experience within immunology and gastroenterology and the exclusive option to acquire this asset complements AbbVie’s broad mid-stage pipeline.”

“A collaboration between Alvine and AbbVie combines our respective strengths and expertise in the development of what could become the first therapeutic option for this major unmet medical need,” said Abhay Joshi, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, Alvine. “We are pleased to have an industry leader in gastroenterology as a collaborator, whose considerable global development reach can be focused on getting this novel therapy to more patients.”

Under the terms of the agreement, AbbVie will make an initial upfront payment of $70 million for an exclusive option to either acquire the assets relating to ALV003, or the equity of the company. Alvine will maintain responsibility for Phase 2 clinical development, and upon successful completion of the approximately 500 patient Phase 2b study, AbbVie may exercise its option for the agreed upon additional consideration. Alvine will also be entitled to receive a milestone payment upon AbbVie’s initiation of Phase 3 development. In collaboration with AbbVie Biotech Ventures, Inc., a subsidiary of AbbVie dedicated to making early investments in emerging biotech and pharmaceutical companies, AbbVie was an early investor in Alvine Pharmaceuticals.

About Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is the most common autoimmune disease, affecting approximately 6 million people in the U.S. and E.U. Celiac disease is an acquired autoimmune disorder that develops in genetically susceptible individuals after exposure to dietary gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye and barley that humans cannot fully digest. Celiac disease is a systemic illness that can affect many organ systems, causing chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, and can potentially cause serious medical consequences, including malabsorption, osteoporosis, anemia, infections and malignancies. Currently there is no approved therapy for celiac disease and the only option for patients is to attempt to follow a strict, life-long gluten-free diet.

About Alvine Pharmaceuticals

Alvine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a private, clinical-stage, specialty biopharmaceutical company located in San Carlos, CA, focused on the development of biologics targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including celiac disease. Alvine is focusing clinical development efforts on ALV003, an investigational drug in Phase 2 trials that could potentially be the first approved therapeutic treatment for patients with celiac disease. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.alvinepharma.com.

AbbVie Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project” and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, and changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie’s operations is set forth in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AbbVie undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott. The company’s mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world’s most complex and serious diseases. In 2013, AbbVie employs approximately 21,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 170 countries. For further information on the company and its people, portfolio and commitments, please visit www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

SOURCE AbbVie

http://rt.prnewswire.com/rt.gif?NewsItemId=CG13365&Transmission_Id=201305140915PR_NEWS_USPR_____CG13365&DateId=20130514

Gluten-free Beer Brewing Made Easy

Paula — Sun, 05 May 2013 00:05:05 +0000

by Joe Walker, MS, RD, guest author

Joe Walker MS, RD, is a registered dietitian, a homebrewer, and a woodworker with many more diverse interests. He holds a bachelor of science degree in nutrition and dietetics, a graduate certificate in dietetics, and a master of science degree in human development and leadership. His wife has multiple food allergies that have inspired him to specialize in food allergies as a means of helping her as well as others. He is the owner of Thinking Tree LLC, which provides a number of informative websites, such as GlutenFreeBeerBrew.com

If the only beer you can enjoy has to be gluten-free, home brewing will allow you to enjoy a variety of options and flavors that aren’t commercially available. Plus, home brewing gluten-free beer can be empowering for a person with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance. It provides a means by which to overcome some of the dietary restrictions faced on a daily basis.

The hobby of home brewing isn’t something pursued by only a few select rebels in dimly lit basements. This is a hobby that has grown exponentially in popularity over the last decade among many diverse segments of the U.S. population. There is no “typical” homebrewer and there simply isn’t an accurate stereotype for those who brew beer at home. For example, I’m a Registered Dietitian, and I brew beer at home.

My background in nutrition gives me a unique perspective on this hobby, and my wife’s gluten intolerance has inspired me to experiment with gluten-free beer brewing. Can you really make beer that contains no gluten? The answer depends on how you define beer, but regardless of how beer is defined, you can absolutely make a beverage with carbonation, malty flavors, hop aromas and bitterness, and alcohol. There are some people that claim that beer must be made from barley and/or wheat, but very beer-like beverages can be made without the use of such gluten-rich grains.

This is great news for people with Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance that previously appreciated the rich variety of craft beers available today. This is also great news for traditional homebrewers who might otherwise quit brewing beer when they learn that they, or a loved one, must avoid gluten. Sure, a person could just switch to drinking or brewing wine, but for a true beer lover, wine simply isn’t an equivalent substitute.

Why even bother with beer brewing at home anyway? After all, beer and gluten-free beers can be quickly and easily purchased in many liquor stores. Well, you can buy a cake in a store too, but people still bake cakes at home. Wooden tables, chairs, and other furniture items can be purchased in a store too, yet many people find joy in woodworking.

What draws a person to beer brewing at home can be very different among a group of homebrewers. Often there is an underling appreciation for beer and a do it yourself attitude that blends with curiosity, which compels a person to brew beer. Some people are also intrigued by the chemistry, biology/microbiology, historical significance, or food science of beer brewing. Are you? I’ll assume that since you’re still reading you must be at least a little curious. Let me feed your curiosity with a simple introduction to gluten-free beer brewing.

Home brewing any beer requires just a few equipment items that are often found in convenient home brew kits. A 5 gallon pot and a 5 gallon food-grade bucket often form the core of such kits. Other items, such as an air lock, specific gravity meter, thermometer, and bottle caper are usually found in such starter kits too. For a more in depth look at the equipment needed to start brewing your own beer, check out this link.

Along with a home brewing starter equipment kit, an aspiring gluten-free homebrewer needs ingredients and a recipe. For someone with no beer brewing experience, I’d recommend starting with a gluten-free beer ingredient kit before attempting to follow a special recipe or crafting a new recipe. Some very easy and affordable ingredient kits can be found at http://glutenfreebeerbrew.com/3-easy-gluten-free-beer-homebrewing-kits. Also, I’m providing a simple gluten-free beer recipe below. This is a good, yet very easy recipe to help new brewers get their feet wet.

Recipe for Gluten-Free Pale Ale: (5 Gallon Batch)

Ingredients:

6 lb. Briess White Sorghum Syrup

1 oz. Cascade hops** (boil for 60 minutes)

1 oz. Cascade hops** (boil 2 minutes)

1 oz. Cascade hops** (dry hop 3-7 days)

1 pkg. Fermentis US-05 dry yeast (gluten-free)

1 cup Honey (for bottling)

**Also, try this recipe with other American hops like Ahtanum, Amarillo, Glacier, Palisade, etc. If using high-alpha varieties, such as Columbus, use only 0.5 oz. for the bittering addition.

The process is super simple and you just need to follow a few steps, just as you would for any recipe. The sorghum syrup is dissolved in hot water which is then brought to a boil. Hops are added, and later in the boil more hops can be added to suite a person’s taste. Additional sugars can be added to provide more food for the yeast to later convert into carbon dioxide and alcohol. Honey, brown rice syrup, agave nectar, corn sugar (dextrose) and granulated sugar are some of the options regularly used.

At the end of the boiling process, which is typically 30 to 60 minutes long, you might add more hops for aroma and then let the whole pot of “wort” (unfermented beer) cool to under 80 degrees F. Then you dump it into a sanitized fermenting bucket, stir vigorously to add oxygen to the wort. Then toss in some dry yeast, seal up the bucket, and add the airlock. After allowing the bucket to sit in a cool dark place for anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, a batch of beer will be born. Praise Ninkasi (the Sumerian goddess of beer)!

There are a few more steps involved, such as letting the beer “bottle condition”, which allows the yeast to make carbonation in the bottled beer. However, that is extract home brewing in a nutshell. It really is simple, and the process allows for a wide range of flavor and ingredient experimentation such as the addition of orange peel during the boil or even herbs and spices. Go ahead, give it a try. You might never buy beer from a store again!

Please Note: Always drink alcohol containing beverages in a responsible manner and in moderation. Joe Walker MS, RD does not advocate or promote binge drinking or excessive drinking that leads to altered mental status or physical/mental impairment. Simply put, be smart, be safe, and be responsible. If you don’t consume alcohol containing beverages, don’t start. GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.

Thanks Joe!

Follow Joe:

GlutenFreeBeerBrew.com

Facebook Twitter YouTube

To read more CeliacCorner guest author articles click here.

Lavender & Coconut Scones (Gluten-free)

Paula — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:18:55 +0000

Recipe from Kristen Hedges, CHHC, RYT

of Live Nourished Blog & Live Nourished Coaching

CeliacCorner’s Featured Food (& health) Blogger for the month of May!

Kristen Hedges is a collector of nutritional knowledge & certificates. She studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where she became a Board Certified Holistic Health Coach in 2012. She is also a registered Yoga Instructor, and has studied at the California College of Ayurveda. Because of her own gluten intolerance, she works with folks from all over the globe to ditch the wheat & regain their natural bliss & balance. You can discover more about her & her many wellness services at livenourished.org.

makes 6 little triangles

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cold butter (1 stick) or coconut oil

2 cups of almond flour

3/4 cup arrowroot powder

3/4 cup coconut flour

2 eggs

3 tbsp raw honey

1/4 cup coconut milk

A bit of vanilla

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1 tbsp dried lavender

1/2 cup coconut flakes or chips (optional)

A pinch of sea salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350.

Sift together the coconut flour, salt, arrowroot flour, baking powder, and almond flour.

In the food processor or blender, pulse the flour mix and butter until it’s crumbly. Add the eggs, honey, vanilla, and milk. Transfer this mixture into a bowl, and fold in the coconut shreds & lavender. Wet your hands, and form the dough into a smooth ball. Press it onto a greased baking sheet, and flatten until it’s about an inch and a half thick. Brush the top with a bit of coconut milk, and sprinkle with lavender.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is a bit golden. Allow to cool, and slice into 6 pieces. Enjoy with tea and good friends.

Thanks Kristen!

To follow Kristen:

Live Nourished Blog (recipes, articles & more)

Facebook & Twitter

Kristen provides holistic nutrition, health coaching and preventive health services. Visit her website Live Nourished Coaching to learn more on the services she offers. Be sure to check out her wellness events & classes! She offers a wonderful “going grain-free” program that also involves meditation + mindfulness exercises! Check out her upcoming virtual “Blissful Belly” workshop on May 11th!

To see all CeliacCorner recipes click HERE.

Attention Gluten-Free Campers! Enter ‘Happy Camper’ Scholarship Contest by Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery (plus a Giveaway)!

Paula — Thu, 02 May 2013 00:40:33 +0000

We are thrilled to be a part of this Happy Camper contest being offered by the very generous folks at

Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery

in celebration of Celiac Awareness Month (May)!

Rudi’s will provide ten (10) lucky children between the ages of 8 – 17, a one-week scholarship to a gluten-free camp of choice … and they will cover travel related expenses! W.O.W.

Here is what you need to do to enter: Rudi’s Gluten-Free fans are encouraged to submit a 200-word essay from their child explaining what attending a gluten-free summer camp would mean to them (parents can help enter the essay, but it should be in the child’s words. Rudi’s will read over all the essays and will select 10 eligible and very lucky kids to win a week long gluten-free camp adventure! What a wonderful opportunity for your celiac or gluten-sensitive child!

Rudi’s Gluten-Free also promises to give the first 250 eligible fans that enter an official Rudi’s Gluten-Free Happy Camper water bottle … so head on over to their Facebook page to be one of the first 250!

Enter contest here: Rudi’s Gluten-Free Facebook Page

For more information on Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery, visit their website!

xx CAMPING PACKAGE GIVEAWAY xx

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED – THANKS FOR ENTERING!

(You are not required to enter the Scholarship Contest to enter our Giveaway)

To help spread the word of Rudi’s Happy Camping contest, we are excited to offer one lucky CeliacCorner winner a Summer Fun Camping Package!

(courtesy of Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery .. thanks Rudi’s!)

One lucky “camper” will receive a Coleman Sundome 7′x5′ Tent for 2, Chair & Mat (see photo above)

Giveaway begins Thursday, May 2 at 10:00 am (est) and ends Friday, May 10th at 10:00 pm (est)

Giveaway Rules:

1. Campers (or parents of campers) tell us why (in the comment section below) you would love to win this camping package and where you will use it (tell us your favorite place to camp!).

2. LIKE Rudi’s and CeliacCorner on Facebook (leave a message on CC’s Facebook that you have entered).

3. FOLLOW Rudi’s and CeliacCorner on Twitter (if you are a tweeter).

4. SHARE via your Facebook Page and Tweet about Giveaway.

Open to US residents only.

One winner will be notified by email and will have up to 3 days to claim prize, which will be mailed out directly from Rudi’s. If winner does not claim prize within 3 days, another winner will be chosen.

Good Luck!

You Can Make A Difference During Celiac Awareness Month (May 2013)

Paula — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:51:20 +0000

” … CD remains undiagnosed in most of the nearly 2 million Americans

estimated to have it” … Dr. Joseph Murray, Mayo Clinic.

Although more people than ever are being diagnosed with celiac or a gluten-sensitivity, many from all corners of the world continue to suffer due to lack of awareness.

As you see by the statistic above, spreading awareness needs to be a 365 day a year event! It’s wonderful though that during Celiac Awareness Month awareness is stepped up a bit, which surely must contribute to more people being diagnosed. How do I spread awareness? Fortunately I have CeliacCorner which I am 100% dedicated to (though I don’t always have 100% of my time to devote to it, I give my best effort when I do!). I would also like to thank the many, wonderful bloggers out there who also selflessly contribute their time and efforts to spread awareness … well done! So you don’t have a blog to spread awareness? No problem – all you need is a voice, and you can use that voice to make a difference in someone’s life. There are many ways to spread awareness, but I think it is best to start at home, with your family members. Continue to speak with parents, children, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins who have been reluctant to get tested. Here is a very moving video from the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness that you may want to share with your family members. This “Family Talk” sheet will help you with your dialog. Move on to friends, people you meet in the grocery aisle and in your doctor’s office. Share your symptoms, explain the seriousness of this auto-immune disease. The other day I was in Panera (not enjoying one of their fresh baked croissants, of course!), and was chatting with the manager about celiac. She asked about my symptoms, and as I was describing them she was continuously nodding because she was experiencing many of them. By the end of the conversation she was convinced she had celiac and planned to make an appointment with her doctor the following week. A simple conversation … but one that can be life changing for the listener. This is one way of spreading awareness!

What else can you do? Visit the pages of all your favorite national celiac organizations to see what they have lined up for the month. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness has a wonderful (free) TOOL KIT detailing how they will be “celebrating and educating” that you can download! Be sure to also check out NFCA’s “Blogger Campaign” featuring personal family stories from a few bloggers throughout May .. read my story HERE!

We have a few great Giveaways coming your way! Our (April) Featured Guest Author, Stasie John, generously donated 5 of her children’s book “The Gluten Glitch”. We will be giving away one (signed copy) per week! Click HERE for more details and to enter!

Also, Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery is beginning a fantastic Gluten-Free Camp Scholarship Contest over on their Facebook Page, and we will have a really fun Giveaway (courtesy of Rudi’s) to coincide with that! (our Giveaway is now closed, but you can still enter Rudi’s Scholarship Contest!)

So, during May, educate as many people on celiac disease (including your health care professionals if needed), as you can, but remember even if you have reached out to one person, you deserve to celebrate!

Thank you for checking in with CeliacCorner and for all your continued support.

Paula

If you have a suggestion for how to spread awareness, feel free to leave your comment below!

During Celiac Awareness Month (May), CeliacCorner is Giving Away 5 Children’s Books signed by Author

Paula — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:03:05 +0000

We are pleased to announce that due to the generosity of our current Featured Guest Author Stasie John, we will proudly be offering five (5) lucky CeliacCorner winners one FREE signed copy of Stasie’s wonderful children’s book The Gluten Glitch (Beaver’s Pond Press, $16.95). The book, beautifully illustrated by Kevin Cannon, is great for the younger child who is struggling with eating differently from everyone else. The book’s message of seeing the bright side of living with a gluten allergy/intolerance comes shining through!

Please follow these simple Giveaway Rules to be entered to win:

1. Tell us below the name of your special celiac or gluten-sensitive child(ren) that you would love to read this book to/with! (be sure to enter CAPTCHA Code first, then hit Submit .. comment awaits moderation)

2. Consider liking CeliacCorner’s Facebook page and visit Stasie John’s Blog I Eat Different

3. Please Share this Giveaway with anyone you know who has a child with a gluten allergy/intolerance

You may enter Giveaway from May 1st through May 31st (5:00 pm EST)

5 winners will be announced at the end of May.

(Open to US & Canadian Residents only)

Learn More about The Gluten Glitch – click on image

Stasie John, Author

Read Stasie’s article: The Emotional Side of Eating Differently

NUWI Quinoa Smoothie: all natural, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, organic, non-GMO (Review & Giveaway)

Paula — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:04:50 +0000

We enjoy introducing new gluten-free products to the celiac and gluten-sensitive community, particularly when they consist of all natural, organic, non-GMO ingredients. Meet NUWI Quinoa Smoothie! NUWI (acronym for Nutritional Wisdom) was founded by two friends who left behind the corporate world, to realize their dream of creating healthy, organic products. “Fearlessly determined to make pure, organic food products in a responsible and sustainable way, we decided to create a nutritious gluten free, vegan healthy snack for people like ourselves who continually seek balance in mind, body and spirit .. from NUWI website”

By now most everyone in our community has heard of Quinoa (keen-whah), known as “The Ancient Grain” (actually it is a seed from a plant), and touted for being super rich in protein. Now you can conveniently drink it to receive all the healthy benefits!

xx Don’t miss Giveaway below xx

The NUWI Quinoa Smoothie contains organic Quinoa flour and is free of gluten, dairy, soy, cholesterol, preservatives, with no sugar added, and is chock full of vitamins and minerals including: fiber, iron, calcium, manganese and magnesium, E and B vitamins, and offers complete vegan protein. NUWI is also high in essential/non-essential amino acids Lysine, Cysteine, and Methionine, making it an exceptionally healthy beverage snack.

The founders spent a considerable amount of time developing the recipe and I’d say they got it just right! Available in a 10 oz glass bottle NUWI tastes best when chilled. Shake well before drinking as the consistency is thick, but once shaken is delightfully smooth … hence the “smoothie”! NUWI has a mild blueberry flavor and is sweetened with low glycemic, organic agave syrup. NUWI contains 160 calories and a low-cholesterol source of complex carbohydrates.

NUWI Quinoa Smoothie is a delicious option for the gluten-intolerant, lactose-intolerant, vegan & vegetarian, or anyone desiring a healthy, satisfying beverage snack whether it be at breakfast, lunch, post work-out or anytime.

Although the NUWI product is made in a shared facility, I was informed the company implements the best practices possible to avoid cross-contamination and each batch is tested to measure ppm (parts per million). NUWI tests at 5 ppm, well below 20 ppm, which is presently considered a safe level for those with celiac.

If you would like to order Nuwi Quinoa Smoothies,

head on over to the NUWI ST ORE

To receive a $2.00 discount, enter Code: CELIACCORNER at checkout

(thanks NUWI!)

xx Giveaway xx

Courtesy of the kind folks at NUWI one lucky CeliacCorner will win a NUWI Quinoa Smoothie 6-pack, and gorgeous teal colored T-shirt (see above) with “Ancient Grains NUWI” logo (winner may chose from sizes: Women – small & medium; Men – medium & large). Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to sample these delicious gluten-free, dairy-free beverage snacks.

Giveaway beings Friday, April 12th at 1:00 pm (est) and ends Friday, April 19th at 1:00 pm 2013

xx GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED xx

Giveaway Rules:

1. Leave a message below (don’t forget to complete captcha code, before hitting “submit”), telling us why you would love to win NUWI samples (comment awaits moderation & will not show up immediately).

2. LIKE NUWI and CeliacCorner on Facebook (if you have a FB account) … we check

3. Consider following CeliacCorner on Twitter (if you have an account).

4. Share Giveaway on your Facebook page, and Tweet about it (at least once).

One winner will be chosen, and contacted via email.

Winner will have up to 3 days to reply, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.

Open to US residents only.

Good Luck!

Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Coconut Crust (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free)

Paula — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:31:00 +0000

Pumpkin Pie with Pecan & Coconut Crust … this was my first attempt at preparing a flourless pie crust and I have to tell you it was a hit in our household.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of canned pumpkin (I used Libby’s)

1/2 cup of organic coconut sugar (substitute with sugar of choice)

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 tablespoon of vanilla flavoring

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon of ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups of whipping cream

5 tablespoons of grated coconut (unsweetened)

5 tablespoons of chopped pecans (I crushed them in a paper towel, so there were both fine and bulkier pieces)

Blackberries for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees

2. Add the pumpkin, salt, sugar and spices to bowl and stir. Add in whipping cream and the eggs and stir until blended (if you like a “crunch” in your pie, add in some crushed pecans!).

3. Sprinkle 3 (of the 5) tablespoons of the coconut and 3 (of the 5) tablespoons of the chopped pecans over the button of a 9-inch pie pan (be sure they mix well).

4. Pour pumpkin mixture into the pan and smooth out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans and coconut over the top.

5. Bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees then reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake for another 50 to 60 minutes (avoid overcooking). Stick a fork in and if it comes out clean, pie is done.

6. When pie cools, add blackberries (or berry of choice).

Serve with your favorite whipped topping or ice-cream.

I adapted this recipe from a cookbook called: The Gluten Free Bible

Celiac Disease Patients Struggling to Adhere to Gluten-free Diet Benefit From On-line Intervention

Paula — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:34:51 +0000

I recently came across an article posted on www.healio.com, reporting on a trial conducted by researchers in Australia. The objective of the randomized control trial was to determine the effectiveness of an On-line Intervention for Celiac Disease patients following a gluten-free diet.

Study Details

Methods: 189 adults with biopsy-proven celiac disease were assigned to either an interactive online intervention (n=101) or a waiting list, the “intention to treat” patients (n=88, controls). The participants in the trial had been following a gluten-free diet for an average of 4.6 years. The participants were given a “Dietary Adherence Test” to reflect how well they were adhering to the gluten-free diet. Results showed a mean basal score: Excellent to Very Good (12.2), with 58.9% of the participants in this category; Moderately Adherent (33.2%); and Fair to Poor (7.9%).

The Intervention consisted of six weekly online modules that included:

- gluten-free diet education

- providing behavior change techniques

- providing strategies for treating anxiety, depression and

improving coping behavior

The primary outcome measure was gluten-free diet adherence. Secondary outcomes were gluten-free diet knowledge, quality of life and psychological symptoms.

Healio reported, “After each module, participants answered questions about the program’s acceptability. Fifty patients completed intervention, with post-intervention data evaluated in 70 participants and 64 controls, plus follow-up data at 3 months from 46 recipients.”

Results (based on intention-to-treat analyses): “Immediately after intervention, recipients indicated improved adherence (P<.001), with no change in controls (P=.674). The effect size was small to medium in the intention-to-treat population, and medium to large among those with inadequate adherence at baseline with available post-intervention data (n=26 in the intervention group, n=29 controls; P=.014). More intervention recipients improved their adherence category than controls (65.4% vs. 37.9%; P=.042). The difference in adherence between baseline and 3 months post-intervention was significant (P=.001), but the difference between adherence immediately after intervention and 3-month follow-up was not (P=.6).”

One of the researchers, Kirby Sainsbury, BA/Bed, psychologist at the University of Sydney, told Healio “This is the first study to demonstrate that gluten-free diet adherence can effectively be targeted using behavior change techniques and cognitive behavior therapy strategies that have been successfully applied in other areas of health and clinical psychology and across a wide range of illness populations. When combined with the online format of the program (which was well received), these results suggest that the dissemination of this evidence-based resource to individuals with celiac disease who are struggling to achieve or maintain adherence is likely to lead to meaningful improvements in adherence.”

An interactive On-line Intervention program could be just the resource for those struggling to follow a gluten-free diet, when their health depends on it. Surprisingly, I do come across people with celiac who tell me they don’t live the gluten-free lifestyle 100 percent. Perhaps some do not understand the seriousness of the need to eliminate gluten entirely to avoid further health complications, while others, despite their very best efforts, simply don’t possess the required discipline to remain 100% gluten-free. The diet can be challenging and because there is a learning curve at the beginning, education and re-education (on what is safe & unsafe to eat) is often necessary. Add feelings of anxiety and depression, common in the newly diagnosed celiac, to the mix and cheating may result. Having this resource available to provide education, behavior techniques and helpful strategies will help set patients up for success in reaching their overall goal of healing. I hope we will see this option become available sooner rather than later.

QUESTION: If you are having a difficult time adhering to the gluten-free diet/lifestyle, despite your best efforts, would you consider participating in an On-line Intervention Program, if/when one becomes available? Please share your thoughts below.

For more info:

Healio.com Article

Abstract listed on PubMed

Celiac Disease and Gluten Free Diet | Celiac Corner

Attend the 3rd Annual Gluten Free Living Now Expo: Carmel, Indiana – October 5, 2013

Gluten Free Living Now Expo 2013

Carmel, Indiana

AbbVie and Alvine Pharmaceuticals Collaborate on Oral Therapeutic Treatment (ALV003) for Celiac Patients

AbbVie and Alvine to Collaborate on Investigational Oral Therapy for Celiac Disease

- AbbVie secures exclusive option to acquire global rights to ALV003

– ALV003 has the potential to be the first therapy to treat celiac disease

Gluten-free Beer Brewing Made Easy

Lavender & Coconut Scones (Gluten-free)

Recipe from Kristen Hedges, CHHC, RYT

of Live Nourished Blog & Live Nourished Coaching

CeliacCorner’s Featured Food (& health) Blogger for the month of May!

Attention Gluten-Free Campers! Enter ‘Happy Camper’ Scholarship Contest by Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bakery (plus a Giveaway)!

xx CAMPING PACKAGE GIVEAWAY xx

You Can Make A Difference During Celiac Awareness Month (May 2013)

During Celiac Awareness Month (May), CeliacCorner is Giving Away 5 Children’s Books signed by Author

NUWI Quinoa Smoothie: all natural, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, organic, non-GMO (Review & Giveaway)

If you would like to order Nuwi Quinoa Smoothies,

head on over to the NUWI STORE

To receive a $2.00 discount, enter Code: CELIACCORNER at checkout

(thanks NUWI!)

xx Giveaway xx

Giveaway beings Friday, April 12th at 1:00 pm (est) and ends Friday, April 19th at 1:00 pm 2013

Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Coconut Crust (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free)

Celiac Disease Patients Struggling to Adhere to Gluten-free Diet Benefit From On-line Intervention

QUESTION: If you are having a difficult time adhering to the gluten-free diet/lifestyle, despite your best efforts, would you consider participating in an On-line Intervention Program, if/when one becomes available? Please share your thoughts below.

head on over to the NUWI ST ORE