Durham's Gluten Free Network

The Celiac Disease screening test most commonly used is IgA-anti-tTG , and it should be used with an IgA deficiency test, both together.  If IgA is high enough, it means the anti-tTG (tissue transglutaminase) test is valid.  Yet in some cases it is too low and then an IgG-anti-tTG may be used (again with a check for deficiency in IgG). But what does it mean, in general, if IgA is low?  IgA deficiency (or at least functional deficiency) is a possible explanation, for some of the complications of Celiac Disease, including the development of certain cancers like Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  The mechanism would be that a lowered IgA leads to chronic immune insufficiency and erratic immune activation.  After a period of time, it could lead to a disordered immune response that looks a lot like autoimmune disease.  It's so simple, it's almost simplistic.  But we must begin at the beginning, at aflatoxins.   This post is long and very dense.  I...

Here's something you can make to speed up busy mornings or to wow your family on a Sunday at brunch-time.  if you have eggs but are tired of the quick scramble, you can make an egg bake.  There are many recipes for them, from savory to sweet to themed .  But of course you must convert them to gluten free if they aren't. Today I just took what fruits I had, combined fruits and bread, and poured some well beaten egg over it.  I often do this at the beginning of a week and refrigerate portions to eat on other days.  Each week I just use what I have.  It's a great strategy if you don't know what your energy level will be like on any given day.   -- Dates and Cinnamon Sweet Egg Bake -- Into a frying pan or baking pan, place: Two slices of gluten free bread you like. Four dates, pitted and cut into 4-8 pieces. A few cubes of a neutral vegetable like zucchini. In a bowl blend together: 8 eggs (I used 5 chicken, and 2 duck eggs) 1 tab...

There are so many instances where someone is in need of shopping help.  An accident, an illness or old age can make someone reach out and ask for help, sometimes temporarily.  It's important that we all know how to do that if we have a loved one with gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease. A dietary restriction like gluten free or allergen free can be very taxing on a family.  It's expensive and very inconvenient.  Sometimes families leave the person in question to fend for themselves, buy their own food, prepare however they want, and keep their own utensils separate.  That's fine while you're young and not injured.  It's better if the whole family knows how to do this, so that people can support each other in times of crisis.  Just think of it as an interesting talent.   In this presentation, I talk about how to shop at the grocery store for gluten free items.  It's not as simple as just looking for the words gluten free or a certif...