Gluten-Free Expert: Rachel Begun, RD
Rachel Begun, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and accomplished food and nutrition communications professional. She provides food and nutrition consulting and communications services to health and education organizations and the food industry, and educates the public and other food and nutrition professionals via speaking opportunities, webinars and writing for publications, including her own blog, The Gluten Free RD. Learn more about Rachel by visiting her website and blog. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
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Posted by Jessica R. on January 3, 2013
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Nutrient Database is a good place to start.
In addition, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has reviewed popular apps in three categories:
Click on the links to access the reviews, which have links to the site of the apps.
Be well,
Rachel Begun, MS, RD, registered dietitianPosted by Jessica R. on December 13, 2012A
There is evidence suggesting women with celiac disease may have a slightly higher risk for infertility and miscarriage. Celiac disease has also been linked to premature and low-birth-weight babies. Some health experts recommend screening for celiac disease in couples experiencing unexplained fertility, but not all are on board yet.
However, most experts agree that reproductive physicians should be aware of the symptoms of celiac disease and consider the option of screening for those with unexplained infertility. The National Foundation for Celiac Disease has a page dedicated to the connection between infertility and celiac disease, which shares the research done in this area, as well as resources for celiac disease and women's health.
Be well,
Rachel Begun, MS, RD, registered dietitian
Posted by Jessica R. on November 29, 2012A
While celiac disease requires strict adherence to a 100 percent gluten-free diet, we're not quite sure yet about non-celiac gluten sensitivity. What we do know is that gluten sensitivity is a unique and distinct immune response from celiac disease. We also know that people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity do not produce antibodies after eating gluten nor experience damage to their intestines, like we see in those with celiac.
However, gluten sensitivity is a real condition and the severity of symptoms varies greatly from person to person. Because we don't know yet what kind of damage, if any, happens to the body, it is to the discretion of the patient and his or her doctor to what level they choose to avoid gluten. Some experience terrible symptoms from a small amount of gluten and choose to avoid it completely, while others may experience milder symptoms and choose to be more lenient with their gluten consumption.
As we learn more about gluten sensitivity, we'll know how it affects the body and whether complete avoidance of gluten is recommended or if small amounts can be tolerated. The scientific community is working hard to better understand non-celiac gluten sensitivity and we'll start to see the results of their efforts in coming years.
Be well,
Rachel Begun, MS, RD, registered dietitianPosted by Jessica R. on November 19, 2012A
There is a connection between celiac disease and type 1 diabetes but not between celiac disease and type 2 diabetes. The reason is because like celiac disease, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder.
To clarify, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body's immune system to attack and destroy the cells in the pancreas that release insulin so that no insulin is produced at all. Type 2 diabetes is when insulin resistance sets in due to the body's inability to respond to insulin. Insulin resistance develops for many reasons, including obesity and having high blood sugar for a long time.
We're seeing that people with autoimmune disorders are more likely to have a second autoimmune condition, and this is the case with celiac disease and type 1 diabetes. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 3 percent to 8 percent of people with type 1 diabetes will have biopsy-confirmed celiac disease.
It is critically important that patients with either condition work with their doctor to screen for symptoms of the other disease. Check out this article to learn more about recognizing the symptoms and dietary treatment of these two conditions.
Be well,
Rachel Begun, MS, RD, registered dietitian
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