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	<title>gluten Archives - MI Gluten Free Gal</title>
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	<description>Gluten-Free Living and Celiac Disease Awareness</description>
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		<title>Gluten Reaction: How to Handle Restaurant Mixups</title>
		<link>https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-reaction-restaurant-mixups/</link>
					<comments>https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-reaction-restaurant-mixups/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Margaret Clegg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 13:33:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Living Gluten Free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten free restaurant review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[restaurant mishap]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://miglutenfreegal.com/?p=1924</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Sometimes restaurants get our orders terribly wrong. Sometimes they catch things before we eat our meal. Too many times the truth doesn&#8217;t come until the damage has been done. For someone with Celiac Disease, a gluten reaction&#160;is more than just a physical experience. Our emotions are wrapped up in the process too. &#8220;I Accidentally Gave...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-reaction-restaurant-mixups/">Gluten Reaction: How to Handle Restaurant Mixups</a> appeared first on <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com">MI Gluten Free Gal</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sometimes restaurants get our orders terribly wrong. Sometimes they catch things before we eat our meal. Too many times the truth doesn&#8217;t come until the damage has been done. For someone with Celiac Disease, a gluten reaction&nbsp;is more than just a physical experience. Our emotions are wrapped up in the process too.</p>




<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="700" height="525" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Wrong-Burrito.jpg" alt="Gluten Reaction Flour Tortilla Burrito" class="wp-image-1977" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Wrong-Burrito.jpg 700w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Wrong-Burrito-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure>
</div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8220;I Accidentally Gave You a Wheat Tortilla&#8221;</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I had arranged to visit a restaurant for a gluten-free review, a restaurant I&#8217;ve been wanting to try for over a year. This restaurant is known by many to be meticulous in taking care of food allergy needs. I asked many questions about their menu and their process before going. They offer gluten-free burgers, fries, wraps and more. I was stoked.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So imagine my shock when halfway through my meal. the owner realized I had been served a burrito made with a regular flour tortilla. I was speechless. I quickly pushed the plate away from me. How does one respond to a situation like this?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5 Things&nbsp;to Remember When A Restaurant Has Served You Gluten</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Speak-Up-But-Speak-Kindly-Instagram-1-600x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10187" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Speak-Up-But-Speak-Kindly-Instagram-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Speak-Up-But-Speak-Kindly-Instagram-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Speak-Up-But-Speak-Kindly-Instagram-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Speak-Up-But-Speak-Kindly-Instagram-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Speak-Up-But-Speak-Kindly-Instagram-1-200x200.jpg 200w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Speak-Up-But-Speak-Kindly-Instagram-1.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Be firm in addressing the issue, but don&#8217;t be nasty.</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The owner of the restaurant&nbsp;was horrified. Here I was, specifically to write about her restaurant. I had the power to destroy her restaurant&#8217;s image with one strike of a key. In that moment, I chose to simply forgive her.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Truth is, a friend of mine joined me for lunch that day. She has multiple allergens on top of Celiac Disease, some of which cause anaphylaxis. The owner of this restaurant did a fantastic job of keeping my friend safe that day.&nbsp;The owner&nbsp;showed sincerity in her apology and explained&nbsp;how she would make it right next time.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My friend Brianna Hobbs of <a href="https://flippindelicious.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Flippin&#8217; Delicious</a> shared how she handled a similar experience. &#8220;An important thing is to politely and calmly communicate what went wrong. Use it as an opportunity to educate them so that they can do better with their next diner.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I discovered a regular pasta noodle half way through eating my gluten-free meal. I was with family celebrating an occasion, so I only briefly discussed the problem with them that night. The gluten reaction in my body was horrible. Later I called the restaurant and talked to the manager. He needed to&nbsp;understand the seriousness of this issue and I talked to him about their procedures. I even offered to come in to help educate their staff. Remember, if we can prevent one person from having a reaction, it&#8217;s worth it.&#8221;</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Educate-not-Humiliate-Updated-600x600.png" alt="" class="wp-image-11207" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Educate-not-Humiliate-Updated-600x600.png 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Educate-not-Humiliate-Updated-300x300.png 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Educate-not-Humiliate-Updated-150x150.png 150w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Educate-not-Humiliate-Updated-768x768.png 768w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Educate-not-Humiliate-Updated-200x200.png 200w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Educate-not-Humiliate-Updated.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading"> 2. Refrain from immediately using social media.</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Immediately after leaving I called a trusted friend. I had to vent to someone. I made sure that it was someone I could trust, who cares about me but could also be objective. If a situation like this happens to you, you&#8217;re going to want to talk to someone. Do so, but do it privately. &nbsp;I could write a scathing review on their Facebook page, but all of that external anger won&#8217;t change what happened. &nbsp;Too many times people with Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity are seen as whiners. While we need people to take our disease seriously, lashing out in anger on business pages doesn&#8217;t always help our cause.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you were to write about it on social media, I would use a forum that those with Celiac Disease or food allergies are likely to see. For example, I shared about the experience in a private gluten-free Facebook forum. You could also bring up&nbsp;the issue at a local Celiac Support group meeting. Write a brief post on an app like Find Me Gluten Free or Allergy Eats.&nbsp;Make sure the story of the restaurant and your gluten reaction will reach those who need the most warning.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/mistakes-grow-600x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10189" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/mistakes-grow-600x600.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/mistakes-grow-300x300.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/mistakes-grow-150x150.jpg 150w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/mistakes-grow-768x768.jpg 768w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/mistakes-grow-200x200.jpg 200w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/mistakes-grow.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Evaluate to see if you can do something differently next time.</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Mistakes happen, sometimes on both ends. There were a few other distractions in the restaurant kitchen that day. That doesn&#8217;t excuse what happened, but it becomes a lesson learned. One thing that I failed to do that day was to verify that what was brought to me was truly gluten-free. Prior to eating it. You better believe that when I went out with my family that following weekend, I verified what I received prior to sticking it in my mouth was actually gluten-free. Never feel bad about asking questions about your meal.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My friend <a href="https://www.keeleymcguire.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Keeley McGuire</a> also had this good bit of advice. &#8220;It&#8217;s also important to remember you are the one with the power to keep yourself safe. While in Utah, a friend&nbsp;and I walked out of a restaurant. This was &nbsp;after asking questions to our server and then the manager and still not feeling safe.&#8221;</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Your-Brain-on-Gluten-600x600.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8372" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Your-Brain-on-Gluten-600x600.png 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Your-Brain-on-Gluten-300x300.png 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Your-Brain-on-Gluten-150x150.png 150w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Your-Brain-on-Gluten-768x768.png 768w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Your-Brain-on-Gluten-200x200.png 200w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Your-Brain-on-Gluten.png 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. A Gluten Reaction Can Be Emotional &#8211; Don&#8217;t make any major decisions</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">By some major miracle, I didn&#8217;t have major gastrointestinal distress that day. I still don&#8217;t know how I escaped that. The gluten reaction&nbsp;I didn&#8217;t escape was the brain fog and panic attacks. For at least a week. If you accidentally ingest gluten, I&#8217;d try to refrain from making major life decisions. Don&#8217;t all of a sudden decide to quit your job, your marriage, or pick a fight with your neighbor.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The neurological and emotional connections to Celiac Disease are real. Please know that if you have these type of reactions, you&#8217;re not alone. I still remember the article Chandice of Gluten Free Frenzy wrote after a similar experience. She was so honest and transparent, and I appreciate that about her. Celiac Disease is real and serious, and we need to be here to support one another.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/After-Gluten-Ingestion-600x600.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-10188" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/After-Gluten-Ingestion-600x600.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/After-Gluten-Ingestion-300x300.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/After-Gluten-Ingestion-150x150.jpg 150w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/After-Gluten-Ingestion-768x768.jpg 768w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/After-Gluten-Ingestion-200x200.jpg 200w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/After-Gluten-Ingestion.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Rest</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition to the panic attacks, &nbsp;I was exhausted. The next day I skipped my workout and kept the day as simple as possible. We have a lot on our plates in life today. You may not be able to call in sick or cancel all of your appointments. Do allow yourself the grace to not complete your to-do list.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Treat this gluten reaction as you would any other illness. Drink plenty of fluids. Eat healthy foods that are gentle on the stomach.&nbsp; I take Gas-Ex for the painful gas I experience. Taking a bath often helps me with the cramping. I tend to get constipated instead of having diarrhea. Therefore, I keep Colace on hand. Some people take activated charcoal pills, but I don&#8217;t like the idea of using those or other &#8220;gluten relief&#8221; pills on the market. I try to use as little additional medications as possible and let things just take their course.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In Conclusion</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Unfortunately, eating out can be risky when you have Celiac Disease. When a restaurant makes a terrible mistake,&nbsp;it can seem overwhelming. Try to stay calm. Tell the management what happened. Take steps to insure it doesn&#8217;t happen again to you or others. Most of all,&nbsp;take care of yourself. Vent to a trusted friend. Get some rest and don&#8217;t feel guilty about needing to take care of yourself. You&#8217;re pretty important.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Gluten Free Restaurant Related Topics</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Planning to visit a restaurant you&#8217;ve never been to? Consider my<a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/dining-out-gluten-free-questions/"> list of questions to ask</a>, prior to ordering your gluten free meal. Searching for safe places for a gluten free meal in Michigan? I offer a <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/michigan-gluten-free-dining/">list of restaurants</a> I have visited and interviewed, which includes a Google Map! </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Traveling outside of Michigan? Check out my <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/usa-gluten-free-bloggers/">Gluten Free Bloggers of the USA</a> to find recommendations for almost every state in the country. I also have blog posts about eating gluten free in <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/sioux-falls-gluten-free-adventure/">South Dakota</a>, <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/why-chicago-has-my-gluten-free-hear/">Chicago</a>, <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/columbus-gluten-free-dining-options/">Columbus Ohio</a> and <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-free-houston/">Houston Texas</a>. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em><strong>Have you had a bad restaurant experience? How did you handle the situation? How did you take care of your physical needs during a gluten reaction? Leave a note in the comments and we can learn from each other!</strong></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/gluten-reaction-restaurant-mixups/">Gluten Reaction: How to Handle Restaurant Mixups</a> appeared first on <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com">MI Gluten Free Gal</a>.</p>
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			<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
		
		
		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1924</post-id>	</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Get Tested for Celiac Disease, Accurately</title>
		<link>https://miglutenfreegal.com/how-to-get-tested-right-for-celiac/</link>
					<comments>https://miglutenfreegal.com/how-to-get-tested-right-for-celiac/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Margaret Clegg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:43:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Living Gluten Free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antibodies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[biopsy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blood test]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[celiac disease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[endoscopy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[genetic testing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ttg]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://miglutenfreegal.com/2016/02/26/how-to-get-tested-right-for-celiac/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>You&#8217;re not feeling well. You wonder if your&#8217;re a hypochondriac After all you&#8217;ve talked to &#8220;Dr Google&#8221; a hundred times, looking for possibilities and answers.&#160;Are you a candidate to be tested for Celiac Disease? Has a family member  been diagnosed, and they&#8217;re urging you to get checked out? The idea of having an autoimmune disease is...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/how-to-get-tested-right-for-celiac/">How to Get Tested for Celiac Disease, Accurately</a> appeared first on <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com">MI Gluten Free Gal</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">You&#8217;re not feeling well. You wonder if your&#8217;re a hypochondriac After all you&#8217;ve talked to &#8220;Dr Google&#8221; a hundred times, looking for possibilities and answers.&nbsp;Are you a candidate to be tested for Celiac Disease?</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="300" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HOw-to-Get-tested-for-Celiac-Disease-accurately-twitter-600x300.png" alt="HOw to Get tested for Celiac Disease, accurately twitter" class="wp-image-6742" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HOw-to-Get-tested-for-Celiac-Disease-accurately-twitter-600x300.png 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HOw-to-Get-tested-for-Celiac-Disease-accurately-twitter-300x150.png 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HOw-to-Get-tested-for-Celiac-Disease-accurately-twitter-768x384.png 768w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/HOw-to-Get-tested-for-Celiac-Disease-accurately-twitter.png 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>




<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Has a family member  been diagnosed, and they&#8217;re urging you to get checked out? The idea of having an autoimmune disease is distressing enough. The thought of taking the steps to found out for sure may seem daunting. It&#8217;s not a surprise. There are a lot of competing voices out there.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Take a deep breath. I&#8217;ll share a bit of my own journey, facts from trustworthy organizations, and try to help you figure out how to best navigate your concerns on being tested for Celiac Disease.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Don&#8217;t Change Your Diet Before Antibody Testing</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="400" height="267" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/MooCluckMooBurgerwithlogoinbackground.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-344" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/MooCluckMooBurgerwithlogoinbackground.jpg 400w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/MooCluckMooBurgerwithlogoinbackground-300x200.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/MooCluckMooBurgerwithlogoinbackground-350x233.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></figure>
</div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I&#8217;ve heard so many heart breaking stories of people who&#8217;ve stopped eating gluten prior to being tested for Celiac Disease. Maybe they did it on their own because they wanted to feel better. Maybe a doctor told them to stop prior to testing. DON&#8217;T DO IT! All of the accurate testing methods we have to date require the consumption of <a href="https://celiac.org/live-gluten-free/glutenfreediet/what-is-gluten/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">gluten</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wheat Allergy vs. Celiac Disease. Vs. Gluten Sensitivity</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Maybe you&#8217;re thinking, &#8220;If I feel better eating gluten-free, what&#8217;s the difference?&#8221; <a href="https://www.cureceliacdisease.org/archives/faq/why-do-you-insist-i-eat-gluten-for-a-diagnosis-when-i-feel-better-on-a-gluten-free-diet" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">There&#8217;s a lot of difference</a>, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. There are three medical issues linked to wheat (wheat allergy, Celiac Disease, and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) that are distinctly different and require different treatments. Celiac Disease has many associated health issues, such as thyroid disease, osteoporosis, and other intestinal issues. It is important to have an accurate diagnosis to make sure you are getting proper follow-up care. Also, the term &#8220;<a href="https://www.celiacandthebeast.com/2017/07/no-you-dont-have-a-gluten-allergy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">gluten allergy</a>&#8221; isn&#8217;t accurate.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="334" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/out-of-order-stomach.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8645" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/out-of-order-stomach.jpeg 500w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/out-of-order-stomach-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/out-of-order-stomach-350x233.jpeg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What If It&#8217;s Actually Chron&#8217;s Disease?</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition, Crohn&#8217;s Disease and Celiac Disease have many overlapping symptoms, and again require different treatments. (I actually know of a young man who was misdiagnosed for years with Celiac Disease when in fact he had Crohn&#8217;s. Not fun.) There are over 300 symptoms that are associated with Celiac Disease, which can make it difficult to diagnose. You owe it to yourself to know for certain!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">My Doctor is Worthless / Refuses to Test Me</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I know that there are plenty of not-so-great doctors out there. I&#8217;ve had my fair share. For those living in Michigan, I highly recommend the doctors at <a title="Michigan Medicine Celiac Disease Program" href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/2020/05/29/michigan-medicine-celiac-disease-program/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Michigan Medicine Celiac Disease Program</a>. The Celiac Disease Foundation also provides a <a href="https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/find-a-healthcare-practitioner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">list on their website of doctors, dietitians and other medical professionals that they trust</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Ask Your Doctor to Run Some Blood Tests</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" height="333" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/blood-draw.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8642" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/blood-draw.jpeg 500w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/blood-draw-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/blood-draw-350x233.jpeg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A. Celiac Disease Antibody Panel</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Doctors have&nbsp;tested for Celiac Disease through the years with a variety of blood work tests. As medical science gets better, so do the tests. As of today, the best test is &#8220;tTg-IgA&#8221;. This is short for <a href="https://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/82587" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies.</a> It is highly accurate and is positive in 98% of those with Celiac Disease. It is also low in what we call &#8220;false positives.&#8221; This means that it will accurately come back negative in 95% of those who do NOT have Celiac Disease.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What About False Positives and False Negatives?</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;<i>There is a risk of a false positive especially for people with associated autoimmune disorders like Type 1 diabetes, chronic liver disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis and heart failure, who do not have celiac disease.</i>&#8220;<br>Because there is some wiggle room, doctors SHOULD run these additional blood antibody tests-</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Endomysial Antibodies (EMA), total serum IgA, and Deamidated Gliadin Protein (DGP)</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Also please know, that as great as science is, it is still possible for lab tests to come back with a false negative. If you still feel awful, and especially if you have a family history of Celiac Disease, continue to consult with your doctor. Share this guide from the <a href="https://celiac.org/celiac-disease/diagnosing-celiac-disease/screening/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Celiac Disease Foundation</a> if they seem unsure of what tests to run.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Antibody Testing in the Black Community</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Recent research has shown that antibody testing in the Black community is not always accurate. <a href="https://www.beyondceliac.org/research-news/black-people-biopsy-confirmed-negative-blood-test-results/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A 2022 study showed</a> that &#8220;Eighty percent of Black patients with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease in the registry had TTG test results that were less than the upper limit of normal, compared to about 9 percent of non-Hispanic white patients in the registry.&#8221; I urge my Black friends to test for an upper endoscopy, even if antibody testing doesn&#8217;t suggest Celiac Disease. </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/How-to-Test-Celiac-IG-600x600.png" alt="" class="wp-image-83274" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/How-to-Test-Celiac-IG-600x600.png 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/How-to-Test-Celiac-IG-300x300.png 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/How-to-Test-Celiac-IG-150x150.png 150w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/How-to-Test-Celiac-IG-768x768.png 768w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/How-to-Test-Celiac-IG.png 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">B. Genetic Testing</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Scientists have now been able to decipher where the sequences of Celiac Disease reside on our genetic makeup. At this point, genetic testing can only be used to <b>rule out</b> Celiac Disease. <a href="https://www.cureceliacdisease.org/archives/faq/can-you-have-celiac-disease-without-having-the-genes-for-it" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Doctors state</a> that if you do not test positive for HLA DQ-2 or HLA DQ-8, you cannot have Celiac Disease.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Unfortunately, simply having those genes don&#8217;t mean that you DO have Celiac Disease. A large portion of the population (30%) has those genes, but only 1% of the population develop the disease. Because of this, <strong>genetic testing CANNOT be used to diagnose Celiac Disease in those who have already stopped consuming gluten.&nbsp;</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Meet with a Skilled Gastroenterologist for an Upper Endoscopy</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/maggie-endoscopy-square-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8643" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/maggie-endoscopy-square-2.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/maggie-endoscopy-square-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/maggie-endoscopy-square-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/maggie-endoscopy-square-2-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is me getting ready for a follow-up endoscopy with my new gastroenterologist. A small bowel biopsy, via endoscopy, is the gold standard for being tested for Celiac Disease. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2001. Fast forward to 2017. My original gastroenterologist followed up only ONCE. He never scheduled follow-up antibody tests to make sure my body was healing. Neither did he check me for osteoporosis, thyroid or other issues. After a move 60 miles away, I decided it was time for a change.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My endoscopy was pretty easy. I didn&#8217;t need to drink any junk (that&#8217;s for a colonoscopy), and I had to not eat anything for about 10 hours prior to my procedure. Once I was in the procedure room, they were finished in less than 15 minutes. I was under complete anesthesia the whole time. I hear stories by some that weren&#8217;t under anesthesia, either because they didn&#8217;t want to be or their doctor was foolish.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What Exactly is an Endoscopy?</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I&#8217;ll explain what an endoscopy is, as that seems it is what makes most people most anxious in being tested for Celiac Disease. During an endoscopy, they stick a small tube with a camera in it to visibly inspect your esophagus, stomach and the duodenum (top part of the intestines.) They also take small bits of tissue, called a biopsy. Tiny, tiny bits of tissue. Small, barely there bits that go under a microscope. These bits are tested and inspected for damaged villi, which are responsible for absorbing our nutrients. <a href="https://youtu.be/Ce5igE6Mkiw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">This video is great for children</a> who are anxious about underoing an endoscopy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How Many Samples Should My Doctor Take?</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Make sure that your gastroenterologist is taking at least 6 samples from various places in the duodenum. One sample is not enough to make a definitive diagnosis. Celiac Disease can affect one patch of the intestines and not another. More samples are always better. This medical standard in Celiac Disease testing is better explained in the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center&#8217;s <a href="https://www.cureceliacdisease.org/archives/faq/what-is-an-endoscopic-biopsy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">explanation of an endoscopsic biopsy</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There may be a day in the future when we will  have less invasive <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20670718" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ways to diagnose</a> Celiac Disease. But until then, I will personally still advocate for an biopsy via endoscopy. During the biopsy, doctors might notice items of additional concern. For example, my follow-up endoscopy revealed a hiatal hernia.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Meet with an Educated Dietitian and Other Resources</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/black-doctor-square.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8644" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/black-doctor-square.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/black-doctor-square-300x300.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/black-doctor-square-150x150.jpg 150w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/black-doctor-square-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So you&#8217;ve been poked, prodded, tested and inspected. You&#8217;ve been tested for Celiac Disease and the results are positive. Now what on earth do you do? It&#8217;s not as simple as &#8220;just take gluten out of your diet.&#8221; I mean, that&#8217;s what we need to do, but it&#8217;s a big learning process. What is gluten? Where does it hide? What other nutritional deficiencies should I be concerned about? Can I ever eat pizza again?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Step 1 After Diagnosis &#8211; Find a Knowledgeable Dietitian</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is where a good dietitian who is versed in Celiac Disease is a good place to start. I would again use the CDF <a href="https://nationalceliac.org/celiac-disease-support-groups/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">provider directory</a> to find one a knowledgeable dietitian. Remember, dietitians have to learn A LOT in school, and some may not be well versed in Celiac Disease. I know <a href="https://www.glutenfreewatchdog.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gluten Free Watchdog</a> has offered, in the past, to help people find a good dietitian.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Step 2 &#8211; Develop a Support System</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I always recommend finding a local Celiac Disease support group. You can find some in <a title="Celiac Disease Resources in Michigan and Beyond" href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/2012/11/27/links-for-newly-diagnosed-with-celiac-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">my list of local and national resources</a>.&nbsp; Many groups have a dietitian who advises their group as well. They are also the people who have been navigating and living with this disease everyday They are the ones who have walked in the shoes that you now find yourself in. They know the emotional side of Celiac Disease.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/support-group-diverse-1-1.jpg" alt="celiac support group" class="wp-image-8647" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/support-group-diverse-1-1.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/support-group-diverse-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/support-group-diverse-1-1-350x233.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are lots of good online resources for those of us who are newly diagnosed. The <a href="https://gluten.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gluten Intolerance Group</a>, the <a href="https://celiac.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Celiac Disease Foundation</a>, and <a href="https://www.beyondceliac.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beyond Celiac</a> are all organizations devoted to helping those with Celiac Disease. They all excel at certain aspects of Celiac Disease management. <a href="https://www.cureceliacdisease.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center</a> is an excellent resource as well. Their &#8220;FAQ&#8221; section is the biggest searchable question database I&#8217;ve ever seen.&nbsp;The offer a free <a href="https://www.cureceliacdisease.org/ebook/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">E-book</a> to help you &#8220;Jump Start&#8221; your gluten-free lifestyle.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Be Careful of Who You Follow Online</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are lots of self proclaimed experts online. Make sure that whomever you are following is providing sound medical advice. While I usually don&#8217;t &#8220;call out&#8221; pages I disagree with, I have reservations about Celiac.com and the Gluten Free Society. The first, <a href="https://glutendude.com/media/celiac-com-cannot-be-trusted/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">as explained by Gluten Dude</a>, has lost its credibilty. The second has always been about making money, and promotes unsound medical advice. Just remember, if someone is spouting something too good to be true, it likely is.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Hopefully I&#8217;ve given you some information that&#8217;s been helpful in regards to being tested for Celiac Disease. I will state clearly that I&#8217;m not a doctor, dietitian, nurse or &#8220;certified&#8221; medical professional. I am a previous Celiac Disease support group chair and a Celiac Disease advocate. I&#8217;m a fellow &#8220;gluten free gal,&#8221; whose been diagnosed with Celiac Disease for over 20 years.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I&#8217;m walking this journey with you, every step of the way.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>How were you diagnosed with Celiac Disease? What part was most concerning for you? What insights can you share with those who are about to be tested for Celiac Disease? Please share your thoughts below!</strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Originally published 2018</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/how-to-get-tested-right-for-celiac/">How to Get Tested for Celiac Disease, Accurately</a> appeared first on <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com">MI Gluten Free Gal</a>.</p>
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">89</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Confessions of a Non-Adherent Celiac</title>
		<link>https://miglutenfreegal.com/confessions-of-former-celiac-cheater/</link>
					<comments>https://miglutenfreegal.com/confessions-of-former-celiac-cheater/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Margaret Clegg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Feb 2018 02:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[From the Heart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Living Gluten Free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[celiac disease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten-free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[honesty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[support group]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>If you have Celiac Disease, you must strictly adhere to a gluten free diet. However, for the first 2 years of my diagnosis, I still ate gluten. The key thing I lacked? Support. Compassion. I&#8217;m sharing my story to encourage others.  It All Started In a Facebook Group I found myself commenting in a Facebook...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/confessions-of-former-celiac-cheater/">Confessions of a Non-Adherent Celiac</a> appeared first on <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com">MI Gluten Free Gal</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you have Celiac Disease, you must strictly adhere to a gluten free diet. However, for the first 2 years of my diagnosis, I still ate gluten. The key thing I lacked? Support. Compassion. I&#8217;m sharing my story to encourage others. </p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="414" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-Bread-Table-2.jpg" alt="the loss of bread may tempt one to be a Celiac Cheater" class="wp-image-4455" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-Bread-Table-2.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-Bread-Table-2-300x207.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>




<h3 class="wp-block-heading">It All Started In a Facebook Group</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I found myself commenting in a Facebook group the other day. Someone was newly diagnosed and had questions. I offered answers. Another woman newly diagnosed with&nbsp; Celiac Disease admitted she still ate gluten every few days. I responded sharply to her.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But now I’m not sure that I handled it well. Later I was humbled as I remembered I too was once a Celiac cheater. Therefore, I want to share my story, explain why we need to discus this, and offer suggestions if you want to help someone who also wrestles with this.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">I Didn&#8217;t Always Stick to the Gluten Free Diet</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Maybe Celiac cheater isn’t quite the right term. Because “cheat” invokes feelings of shame, which isn’t my attempt. I’m trying to educate. See, like this young woman, I too ate gluten despite my Celiac Disease diagnosis. Those first two years of my diagnosis were rough. (In this other woman’s defense, she received her diagnosis less than a year prior of our Facebook discussion.)</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My dad and my grandmother, both diagnosed with Celiac Disease, also fell into the Celiac cheater category. My grandmother never followed the diet in my presence. Neither did my dad. (I share this and more in <a title="My Celiac Story – From Anemia to Recovery" href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/2013/05/07/my-celiac-story/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my Celiac story about my diagnosis</a>.)&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">It&#8217;s Tough To Eat Gluten Free When You Have Little Support</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition, my mother was in the medical industry and not the most helpful in making foods I could eat. My significant other at that time was a paramedic and told me that it was all in my head and that I had “more problems than a third world country.”</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To say that I did not have positive Celiac role models or health support at the time would be an understatement. At the same time, I started my student teaching. My classroom teacher was far from supportive. I distinctly remember leaving her room and hiding under a table after a stressful day. That time period was, in a word, <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">rough</span> hell.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-alone-1-e1519445084230.jpg" alt="Feeling unsupported may lead one to become a Celiac cheater" class="wp-image-4459" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-alone-1-e1519445084230.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-alone-1-e1519445084230-300x200.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-alone-1-e1519445084230-350x233.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Our Medical Community Fails to Address the Social Side of Celiac Disease</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When I was first diagnosed, my gastro passed me off to dietitian. She told me what I couldn’t eat. No discussion of social stigma.&nbsp; There was never a serious &#8220;sit down heart to heart” about the dire seriousness of Celiac Disease. In 2002, I met the man who is now my husband. That&#8217;s when things started to change.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Why? For once I had someone in my corner that was concerned about my health and needs. In addition, I finally had time to join a support group that gave me advice and helped me to not feel alone.&nbsp; (<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1btje_mY3xvj1XT_xSAt03ReY8Hl-XrERaoOIcmLEL8s/edit?usp=sharing">Click this link for a list for Michigan Celiac Disease Support organizations. )</a>&nbsp;Third, I was finally able to work consistently enough to buy my own Celiac-safe food!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How My Lack of Adherence Impacted My Body</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While I did take it more seriously, this gal was far from perfect. I ate regular cake at my wedding in 2003. As most with Celiac Disease do, I didn&#8217;t want to make a big deal about it. However not following this medically necessary diet has its consequences. We were <a title="Infertility, Celiac Disease, and My Mother’s Day Perspective" href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/2014/05/11/a-different-take-on-mothers-day/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">never able to conceive</a>. My teeth are discolored from years of calcium malabsorption.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To this day some of my extended family don’t take my needs as seriously now because I didn’t take them seriously then. I don’t know when I became strict with my diet. Maybe by the beginning of 2004. Two years of knowing, but wrestling. <strong>Knowing what I know now, I would NEVER CHEAT on this medically necessary diet. My hope is that you will not either.&nbsp;</strong></p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="360" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-Answering-Why.jpg" alt="I explain why i share my Celiac Cheater story" class="wp-image-4460" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-Answering-Why.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-Answering-Why-300x180.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why I Feel It&#8217;s Important to Tell You This Story</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So why am I sharing my Celiac cheater story with you? One, I wanted to be transparent. I want my readers to know that I struggled just like everyone else. We only build community through honesty. That was one thing I lacked in my new diagnosis. Community.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is not uncommon for those newly diagnosed. Family is unsupportive. Friends are unsupportive. Everything is new and scary and you just want things to go back to the way they were. So if you encounter another &#8220;Celiac cheater,&#8221; stop to learn their story. You may be the only one who has acted like they care. And you may be the one person to convince them that this is one diet they should never cheat on.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Compassion or Criticism?</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I realize that I may be opening myself up to criticism. “How dare a Celiac Disease advocate cheat on her diet?! Let’s grab our pitchforks and get to stompin’!” Which brings me to my second reason for this Celiac cheater post. I want to remind us to all be compassionate to those who are still learning.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Maybe even those who have been diagnosed for a long time. None of us are perfect. In addition, we accomplish more with compassion than with confrontational criticism. Especially in our own community. If we have infighting among us, how will those who are undiagnosed take us seriously?</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-compassion-1.jpg" alt="To convince someone to not be a Celiac cheater and to follow their diet, they need to know you care about them" class="wp-image-4463" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-compassion-1.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-compassion-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Celiac-Cheater-compassion-1-350x233.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Expressing Your Concern to a Someone Not Adhering to Their Gluten Free Diet</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lastly, I want to discuss some ways we can help move those we care about who have Celiac Disease to stop eating gluten. It took my dad seeing the change in me after my diet compliance to truly change how he ate. Especially in the older population, we know SO MUCH more now than we did even 20 years ago. It may help to use “I” statements to get them to understand your concern.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I love you and want you around. I care about you and want you to feel good and be happy.” Being diagnosed with Celiac Disease is a lifelong change and commitment. As my husband says “No one has ever been argued into Heaven.” Negativity and anger rarely become motivators in getting people to change.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Maybe Share These Consequences of Not Following The Diet</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Infertility<br>Osteoporosis<br>Cancer<br>Dental Defects<br>Anxiety / Depression<br>Fatigue<br>Joint Pain<br>Mouth Sores<br>Neuropathy<br>Developing other autoimmune diseases<br><a href="https://onedishcuisine.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/300-signs-and-symptoms-of-celiac-disease-adults-and-children/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">200+ more associated life-robbing symptoms</a></p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="524" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Dad-and-Me-1.jpg" alt="My dad, a former Celiac cheater, now suffers from a long list of health issues" class="wp-image-4456" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Dad-and-Me-1.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Dad-and-Me-1-300x262.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sharing My Father&#8217;s Story</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Can I share some of my dad’s story? He ate a non gluten-free diet for 10-20 years. For years he struggled with an autoimmune lung disease they couldn&#8217;t cure. They put him on autoimmune suppressants. And while his immune system was surpressed, he developed oral cancer. Doctors had to remove half of his tongue to save him.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For years he was on prednisone to treat his lungs. Which in turn, lead to diabetes and other health issues. He couldn&#8217;t get a lung transplant, until he was 5 years cancer free. He died just a few months short of that. Can I say definitively that his Celiac Disease caused all this? No. But it could not have helped, either.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What if A Celiac You Care About Won&#8217;t Listen?&nbsp;</h3>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What do you do if a Celiac cheater refuses to listen? What if they refuse to change? In the end, we need to decide which is more important &#8211; relationship or “being right.” We need to try to understand their story, as well as ours.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Why does it make us so angry? Do we feel their lack of adherence says that they don’t care about us? Or are we mad that life is harder for us because we take it seriously. Knowing our own motivations for our reaction are half the battle.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>**Did it take a while for you to faithfully follow the Celiac Disease diet? Are there still times you struggle with temptation? Are you having difficulty convincing family members to stick to the diet? Please feel free to share your story below so we can support one another!**</em></strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Originally Published February 2018</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/confessions-of-former-celiac-cheater/">Confessions of a Non-Adherent Celiac</a> appeared first on <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com">MI Gluten Free Gal</a>.</p>
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		<title>5 Reasons You Need Celiac Disease Testing</title>
		<link>https://miglutenfreegal.com/5-reasons-you-need-celiac-disease-testing/</link>
					<comments>https://miglutenfreegal.com/5-reasons-you-need-celiac-disease-testing/#comments</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Margaret Clegg]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2016 06:11:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Living Gluten Free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[celiac disease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[genetic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gluten]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[non-celiac gluten sensitivity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[screening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[testing]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://miglutenfreegal.com/?p=1838</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>I hear it so many times. &#8220;What good is a Celiac Disease diagnosis if not eating gluten makes me feel better?&#8221;&#160; I especially hear it from those who have already removed it from their diet, so they can&#8217;t accurately get tested for Celiac Disease. Well, it makes a lot of difference. Here at at least...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/5-reasons-you-need-celiac-disease-testing/">5 Reasons You Need Celiac Disease Testing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com">MI Gluten Free Gal</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I hear it so many times. &#8220;What good is a Celiac Disease diagnosis if not eating gluten makes me feel better?&#8221;&nbsp; I especially hear it from those who have already removed it from their diet, so they can&#8217;t <a title="How to Get Tested for Celiac Disease, Accurately" href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/2016/02/26/how-to-get-tested-right-for-celiac/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">accurately get tested for Celiac Disease</a>. Well, it makes a lot of difference. Here at at least 5 reasons why you need Celiac Disease testing.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="503" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5-Reasons-to-get-tested-for-Celiac-Disease-UPDATED-600x503.png" alt="" class="wp-image-9684" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5-Reasons-to-get-tested-for-Celiac-Disease-UPDATED-600x503.png 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5-Reasons-to-get-tested-for-Celiac-Disease-UPDATED-300x251.png 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5-Reasons-to-get-tested-for-Celiac-Disease-UPDATED-768x644.png 768w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5-Reasons-to-get-tested-for-Celiac-Disease-UPDATED.png 940w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>




<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1) Because Your Stomach Problems Might Not Be Related To Gluten</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="409" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/stomach-problem-warm-watter-bottle-1-600x409.jpg" alt="celiac disease testing stomach problems" class="wp-image-6462" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/stomach-problem-warm-watter-bottle-1-600x409.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/stomach-problem-warm-watter-bottle-1-300x204.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/stomach-problem-warm-watter-bottle-1.jpg 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I originally wanted to title this article, &#8220;Why you should still be eating gluten.&#8221; A friend told me my followers may have thought I&#8217;d lost my flippin&#8217; mind. But it would have caught your attention.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I want to catch your attention. Taking care of our health is our own responsibility, but sometimes that involves seeing a doctor. True, you may stop eating gluten and you may feel better.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However there could be other health issues that are lurking beneath the surface. These include &#8211;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://gi.org/topics/gastroparesis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gastroparesis</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/crohns-disease/ibd-crohns-vs-celiac" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Chron&#8217;s Disease</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://sarahcannon.com/blog/entry/how-to-spot-early-symptoms-of-colon-cancer" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Colon Cancer. </a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Irritable Bowel Syndrome</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sponsor-story/henry-ford-health-system/2019/10/21/small-intestinal-bacterial-overgrowth-sibo-what-you-should-know/3946872002/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">SIBO</a>.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.katescarlata.com/fodmaps-101" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">FODMAP Intolerances</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Colitis</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-and-symptoms.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Ovarian Cancer</a></li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I don&#8217;t want to turn you into a hypochondriac. However, I also don&#8217;t want you to trust Dr. Google for a diagnosis. Please, see a doctor. Ask to be tested. Demand to be tested. And if they won&#8217;t, find another doctor.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2) Because You Can&#8217;t Seem to Lose Weight</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="398" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/scale-and-tape-measure-1-600x398.jpg" alt="celiac disease testing overweight" class="wp-image-6463" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/scale-and-tape-measure-1-600x398.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/scale-and-tape-measure-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/scale-and-tape-measure-1-350x233.jpg 350w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/scale-and-tape-measure-1.jpg 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The world of Celiac Disease has drastically changed over the decades. Doctors used to believe that it was a wasting disease and all Celiac Disease patients were thin. Au contraire, mon <em>frère</em>. Many people diagnosed with Celiac Disease are <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/celiac-disease-and-weight-562522" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">overweight or even obese</a>.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My friend&#8217;s undiagnosed Celiac Disease actually prevented her from losing weight. In addition, a personal comment about weight and eating gluten-free. When I started my gluten-free diet, I gained a lot of weight. Like 60+ pounds. Eating gluten-free is <strong>not</strong> always healthier and does not always equal weight loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3) Because Your Family Will Thank You</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="399" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/two-children-kids-on-bridge-1-600x399.jpg" alt="celiac disease testing genetics pass to grandchildren" class="wp-image-6464" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/two-children-kids-on-bridge-1-600x399.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/two-children-kids-on-bridge-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/two-children-kids-on-bridge-1-350x233.jpg 350w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/two-children-kids-on-bridge-1.jpg 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Celiac Disease is a <a href="https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-disease/risk-factors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">genetic condition</a>. That&#8217;s right, you can pass it on to your children. This is why Celiac Disease testing&nbsp;is so important. If your tests come back positive, &nbsp;your family needs to know this for future generations.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you have the genetic testing done and you do NOT appear to carry the gene, it is nearly impossible to have Celiac Disease. However, if you do have the gene, it <strong>doesn&#8217;t</strong> mean that you do have it. 30% of the population carries the genes for Celiac Disease, but only 1% develop it. However, you&#8217;re still able to pass on the gene to future generations and <strong>they</strong> can develop it</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4) Because A Celiac Disease Diagnosis May Help You Stick to the Diet</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="422" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/black-woman-hand-up-no-1.jpg" alt="say not go gluten" class="wp-image-8665" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/black-woman-hand-up-no-1.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/black-woman-hand-up-no-1-300x211.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A little bit won&#8217;t hurt, right? Sorry friends, yes it will. Foods that are gluten-free must test less than under 20 ppm. That&#8217;s less than a 1 tsp in a 40 lb bag of flour. Pretty strict requirements here. Some people don&#8217;t strictly adhere to this diet if not properly diagnosed. This is why Celiac Disease testing is important.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you have Celiac Disease, you can&#8217;t cheat on this diet. The damage gluten does to your body can affect other biological systems as well. Some people with Celiac Disease are asymptomatic. We call them a &#8220;Silent Celiac.&#8221; Don&#8217;t be misled. Gluten continues to damage the <a href="https://celiac.org/blog/2014/08/asymptomatic-celiac-disease-and-the-gluten-free-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lining of the intestinal wall</a>, even if you don&#8217;t &#8220;feel it.&#8221; Don&#8217;t play around with this folks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5) Because Celiac Disease Testing Helps Us All</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="400" src="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/support-group-diverse-1-1.jpg" alt="celiac support group" class="wp-image-8647" srcset="https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/support-group-diverse-1-1.jpg 600w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/support-group-diverse-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://miglutenfreegal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/support-group-diverse-1-1-350x233.jpg 350w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>
</div>


<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So you submit your self to Celiac Disease testing. You find out that you don&#8217;t have the disease. The testing isn&#8217;t for naught. Maybe your body really does hate it when you eat gluten. It&#8217;s possible that you have Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. The cause of this is being <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/07/28/study-finds-non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity-not-imagined/87663572/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">highly researched</a>, and your blood work might provide further insight. Also, ruling out a diagnosis may get you closer to a real answer for your malaise.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What if your test results show you do have <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/why-celiac-disease-makes-food-your-enemy/" type="post" id="52">Celiac Disease</a>? You become part of a larger community that needs your voice. It provides you legal benefits. These legal benefits help the rest of the world to take our disease that much more seriously.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8220;Is It Worth Eating Gluten Again to Get Tested?&#8221;</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Maybe you&#8217;re already on a gluten-free diet. Maybe you&#8217;re wondering if it&#8217;s worth it to get really get tested. I can&#8217;t make that decision for you, only you can. I can tell you that a proper diagnosis is beneficial. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It helps you know what other health issues you could be facing due to your autoimmune disease diagnosis. Please, if you&#8217;re considering changing to a gluten-free diet, don&#8217;t do so without <strong>first</strong> going through Celiac Disease testing. You and those around you will thank you.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">**Note- The <a href="https://www.cureceliacdisease.org/faq/how-much-gluten-should-be-consumed-prior-to-being-screened-for-celiac-disease/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center suggests</a> that patients should eat one slice of gluten-containing bread, daily, for 12 weeks prior to blood antibody screening. A shorter gluten challenge is possible for endoscopy.**</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There is much research being done on alternative ways to test for Celiac Disease that DON&#8217;T require gluten ingestion. One of those methods is IL-2 testing, which is showing a lot of promise. Read more about IL-2 testing in this article from <a href="https://www.beyondceliac.org/research-news/promising-new-test-may-eliminate-the-need-to-be-eating-gluten-to-get-diagnosed-with-celiac-disease/">Beyond Celiac</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8220;My Doctor Says I Can&#8217;t Have Celiac Disease Because I&#8217;m Black.&#8221;</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">No, I&#8217;m not making this up. There are Black people I&#8217;ve personally talked to who&#8217;ve said their doctors told them this. To put it plainly, those doctors are wrong. </p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While current research data shows Celiac Disease is less prevalent in Black communities, that doesn&#8217;t mean it&#8217;s impossible. I met someone from Ethiopia who had Celiac Disease, so it&#8217;s definitely possible.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">And to be honest, we know that minorities, especially in the United States, suffer from inequities in health care. In my opinion, more research needs to be done on the prevalence of Celiac Disease in minority populations. <a href="https://www.nmqf.org/nmqf-media/beyond-celiac-partnership" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beyond Celiac and the National Minority Quality Forum are partnering on an initiative</a> on this topic right now.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><em>What were your biggest reasons for getting tested for Celiac Disease? Did you get pushback from your doctor, only to have lab tests prove you have Celiac Disease? Please feel free to share your story, below.</em></strong></p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>Originally Published September 2016</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com/5-reasons-you-need-celiac-disease-testing/">5 Reasons You Need Celiac Disease Testing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://miglutenfreegal.com">MI Gluten Free Gal</a>.</p>
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