December brought us a lot of new information on Covid -19, including the lingering symptoms seen after infection, a warning for people with food allergies considering the covid vaccine, as well as more information on autism and the gut microbiome. So much to learn!
New Research: Link between repetitive behavior in autism and gut health.
Nearly half of children with autism have GI problems. Many of these kids are non-verbal and can’t express pain or discomfort with words.
This study showed a correlation with GI problems like constipation or stomach pain with repetitive behaviors seen in Autism. Behaviors such as rocking or spinning may be disruptive but other behaviors can include self-harm.
If these children can’t explain their discomfort maybe this correlation is a clue on where to start to help them.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201203094542.htm
One Possible Reason For COVID-19 'Long Hauler" Symptoms
A four minute listen on an after-effect being seen from Covid-19: POTS syndrome. I have written on this topic prior as I see it often in people with autoimmune disease. Take a listen below to learn more about Covid and POTS.
Link To Article: https://www.npr.org/…/new-condition-sheds-light-on…
For my prior article click here: https://theceliacmd.com/pots-postural-orthostatic…/
New 100 Percent GF Restaurant: Alloko Garden
Free food! Link below to try a free bowl at this new 100% gluten-free restaurant Alloko Garden. Check it out and other dedicated gluten-free establishments on my Worldwide 100 percent gluten-free restaurant guide! https://theceliacmd.com/100-percent-gluten-free-restaurant-guide
Be adventurous and try the cuisine of the Ivory Coast. Tried fonio yet? Now is your chance. Link here for free offer: https://linktr.ee/calceliac
Take out and delivery only. Offer the first 500 sign-ups.
Thanks to the Celiac Community Foundation of Northern California for the heads up. Head to their page and sign up for their newsletter (they are a non-profit) to get more great gluten-free news.
I have no financial affiliation with this restaurant. These are hard times for restaurants. Please support restaurants that support special diets!
Link To Article: https://celiaccommunity.org/2020/alloko-garden/
Covid-19 vaccine: Allergy warning over new jab
The Pfizer vaccine being rolled out soon in the US is now not recommended for people with food allergies and medication allergies. This is a result of two allergic reactions seen in people with epi-pen dependent allergies.
This warning does not include autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease which is not a “food allergy”.
If you are still concerned there is good news. There are several other vaccines in development which are different “types” of vaccines and will hopefully not have the same side effects in the “food and medicine” allergic population.
To learn more about the vaccine types, development and safety concerns-listen
here: https://podcasts.apple.com/…/the-peter…/id1400828889
Read the article here: https://www.bbc.com/news/amp/health-5524412
Covid is having a devastating impact on children — and the vaccine won't fix everything
The effect of COVID on kids is real and it’s devastating. This is a great article covering how the pandemic has affected kids. Many of the effects will reach far beyond the end of the pandemic.
There are some positives but unfortunately more negatives. Take a read and watch the video to learn more. Knowing the trouble spots may help you avoid them or lessen their impact. This can positively influence your child or grandchild’s life during this difficult time.
Link To Article: An overwhelming toll: What America’s children have lost during the pandemic
FDA Authorizes 1st Home Coronavirus Test That Doesn't Require A Prescription
More great news on the Covid-19 front. A new test kit that can give results in 20 minutes, is FDA approved and costs around $30 is coming in January. It is the first that doesn’t have to be sent out to get results.
Link To Article: FDA Authorizes First Home Coronavirus Test That Doesn’t Require A Prescription
To Make Shots Hurt Less, Make The Right Face
What great new research! Timely as people begin to get the covid-19 vaccine. Read up to see how to change your facial expression to make a shot hurt 40% less! No side effects and it’s free!!
Link To Article: :
https://www.futurity.org/vaccines-shots-pain-face-how-to-get-shots-to-hurt-less-2487722
Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination And Celiac Disease
A statement put out by Society for the Study of Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is not a contraindication to getting the Covid-19 vaccine. Important to clear that up. There seems to be a lot of confusion online re: this topic.
Facts and resources for COVID-19 and celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, allergies and food intolerances
A fantastic resource of information regarding Covid and gluten-related disorders: questions answered and links provided to reliable information resources on the topic.
Includes info on the safety of the vaccine for people with food allergies & sensitivities.
Thanks, Celiac Community Foundation of Northern California, for keeping everyone up to date!
Join their email list on their website if you like the information and want to receive their posts on topics related to gluten sensitivity and celiac disease.
They are non-profit and send no spam FYI.
Six ways to 'reboot your brain' after a hard year of COVID-19 – according to science
As we reach the end of “a year like no other” many people are more than ready to hit the reset button. These 6 tips are a great reminder of how to recharge your brain, have more energy, improve mental health and make 2021 the best year yet.
The Microbiome and Celiac Disease: The Role Of Gut Bacteria
The connection between gut bacteria imbalance and autoimmune disease is real. Research in this area is exploding, and the results are exciting. Celiac is one autoimmune disease being studied. How does the gluten-free diet affect your gut bacteria, and can probiotics help?
Coronavirus Pandemic: Free Health And Diet Apps
During the coronavirus pandemic, people are cooking more at home with less food on the shelves. Stress levels up, and money is tight. Keeping your mind and body healthy is more important than ever. Let’s look at some free apps relating to health and diet to help you stay well.
Sucrose intolerance: Sugar And Stomach Problems- Amy Burkhart MD, RD
Never heard of sucrose intolerance? You aren’t alone. But new research shows sucrose, aka table sugar, can cause symptoms in up to 35% of people with IBS.
Read how common table sugar can cause chaos in someone’s digestive system.
What Does Gluten-Free Mean? 2021 Update - Amy Burkhart MD, RD
What is new for 2021 re the gluten-free diet? What do we know, what’s new and what’s coming? And what about gluten-free labels? Can you trust them?
The Sucrose Intolerance Diet: How To Get Started- Amy Burkhart MD, RD
Sucrose is another name for sugar ( regular white sugar). It is now blamed for stomach problems/ digestive symptoms in some people. A low sucrose diet is one way to decrease symptoms. See what the diet is and instructions on how to follow it. See last week’s post for more general information on sucrose intolerance.
THIS ARTICLE IS COPYRIGHTED BY AMY BURKHART, MD, RD.
Dr. Amy Burkhart is a doctor (M.D.), Registered Dietitian, R.D., and fellowship-trained in integrative medicine. She specializes in treating chronic digestive disorders from an integrative/functional medicine perspective.
