These past two weeks have been crazy, and stressful, to say the least. Following Hurricane Sandy the Northeast got smacked again by a Nor’easter that the Weather Channel dubbed Athena and was were left under a blanket of about 9 inches in my town on Long Island. It took down more powerlines and trees, and shut down the public transportation for a period of time. Total craziness… BUT, I am so ready for things to get back to normal so without further a due:
Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity Less Common than Celiac Disease
This article discusses a recent epidemiologic study completed which looked at the national rates, and patterns of Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) with in the population. Among other things, the study found that NCGS is less common than previously thought. Read on for more results.
New Treatment Possible for Peanut Allergies
Those of us facing food illnesses, especially severe allergies, are always keeping our eyes on the horizon for the latest news regarding a possible cure. This article discusses the findings in a mouse model that may shed some light on peanut allergies specifically. As the article states “In a mouse model of food allergy, the researchers found that Pim1 kinase levels increased in the intestines of allergic mice that had been fed peanuts. Levels of Runx3 mRNA, a partnering protein, dropped significantly in the allergic mice, however. When researchers inhibited Pim 1 kinase, the mice no longer experienced diarrhea and other symptoms associated with their peanut allergy.” This could shed some new light on human treatment for the condition.
Possible Link Between TG6 Autoantibodies and Celiac Disease with Epilepsy and Cerebral Calcifications
I found this article very interesting because it mentioned a type of Celiac Disease I was not familiar with, Celiac Disese with Epilepsy and Cerebral Calcifications (CEC). Although this article discusses a case study, it shows a possible twist in the past explanation that CEC was associated with Folate deficiencies. Instead, this case study suggested that the neurological symptoms are associated directly with the autoimmune response of an individual with Celiac Disease to ingesting gluten.
Really? Celiac Disease is Influenced by Season of Birth
I know I’ve shared research and articles similar to this before, but I find the topic too intriguing not to share. The two studies discussed here suggest that Celiac Disease is higher for those born in the spring and summer. This article suggests an interesting rationale behind this though: “Babies usually begin eating foods containing gluten around 6 months of age, so those born in the warmer months would initially be exposed to gluten in the winter, when infections like cold and flu are common. Could early exposure to viral infections play a role in the autoimmune response to gluten?”. Could be the case, but I agree that more research is needed!
Gluten Free Glutton: Tips for Dealing with Holiday Gatherings
Let’s wrap up this round-up by starting to discuss the holiday season. This article provides some very general and simple steps for enjoying, and making it through, those pesky holiday gatherings we all love. Take a look!