Monthly Archives: July 2010
Gluten-free Cupcakes Win National Cupcake Contest
A Scottsdale, Arizona baker wins Food Network’s Cupcake Wars with gluten-free, dairy-free cupcakes…
Red Lobster Moves to Help Wheat Intolerance Sufferers
Red Lobster restaurants in Orlando are unveiling a new menu which not only lists common allergens in each dish, but warns customers which dishes are at risk of cross-contamination during the preparation process. It’s hoped that the new food-allergy-friendly menus will gradually spread nationwide.
While it’s extremely anecdotal and certainly doesn’t apply to all Red Lobster locations, I recently had a lovely eating experience at a Red Lobster in Missouri. After years of not going because of the limited selections available for someone who can’t have dairy or wheat (and, oh, how I miss those cheesy biscuits!), I found myself there with my dairy-allergic mother for an informal family affair. The waitress, whose sister has wheat allergy symptoms, took as good care of us as she would have done for her sister, and we had a delicious, enjoyable, and stress-free meal.
For these reasons, I’m going to recommend that readers patronize Red Lobster (with the caveat that any new restaurant should be approached cautiously), because any national chain who is at least trying to help its customers stay safe and healthy deserves all the encouragement we can give it.
Just don’t be tempted into indiscretion by the biscuits!
No More Biopsies?
For many, the prospect of having an intestinal biopsy performed for the diagnosis of suspected celiac disease is a daunting one. Just possibly, it’s daunting enough to dissuade them from getting a proper diagnosis in the first place.
Now, a team in Argentina is working on a methodology which will largely eliminate the need for biopsies in celiac diagnosis. They hope to prove that a simple serology test (using a small blood sample from the patient) is sufficient in the vast majority of cases to provide a definitive diagnosis of celiac disease.
Want to read more about the proposed new testing procedures? Click here…
Enzyme Supplements for Wheat Intolerance
Loose stools are one of the more unpleasant and embarrassing wheat intolerance symptoms. Many people who suffer from celiac disease also have concurrent pancreatic problems which can make it difficult for them to digest foods properly, leading to persistent diarrhea. Now, a study is underway to determine whether supplementation with lipase (available from many health food stores in pill form) can help to control those unpleasant symptoms… and results look promising so far.
A simple fecal test for an enzyme called fecal elastase can give your doctor a good idea of whether your pancreas is functioning well, and might be a good idea for people with celiac disease or wheat intolerance who also suffer from frequent diarrhea. Lipase supplements are available over the counter and online; just make sure to do your homework and choose a reputable brand, since nutritional supplements are not regulated in the same way as drugs and food.