Last week was the Celebrating Corvallis Celebration- a chance to recognize businesses and individuals who have had an impact on our community. I was looking forward to the event, but was dismayed that I would not be able to partake in the pre-ceremony dinner buffet. However, this led to an idea- bringing my own gluten free buffet to the event. I okayed it with those planning the event and then got to work…

…More accurately, the men behind the Gluten Free RN got to work. The Gluten Free Husband hand crafted a gluten free strawberry pie along with his delicious signature lemon bars. He prepared salmon three ways: smoked, roasted with an apricot jam, and diced in a chive/mayo dip. My assistant, Katy, had her fiance bake a gluten free rosemary, garlic foccacia. He hand rolled salmon sushi rolls and roasted bacon wrapped water chestnuts. We brought all of this along to the event with crackers, cucumbers and grapes, set it out on a table and waited…

…for about 5 minutes. Word spread like wild fire of the “Gluten Free Table”. Pretty soon we were surrounded by a large crowd of gluten intolerant individuals, people who were curious what we were, and ones who were shocked at how tasty it could all be. It was not long before the plates were empty and our bellies full- the men and our buffet were a hit!

What a fun way to enjoy a gluten free meal at a great event AND educate people on gluten intolerance at the same time!

As someone who has been diagnosed with Lofgren’s Syndrome in the past, I was curious as to whether this acute form of sarcoidosis might be linked to my more recently diagnosed gluten intolerance. Several studies have shown links between celiac disease and sarcoidosis, a multisystemic inflammatory disease of unknown cause. One article in particular does a great job linking together the similarities:

“There is evidence suggesting that both sarcoidosis and celiac disease may be the result of defective antigen processing. Genetically, sarcoidosis is a complex disease with varying gene polymorphisms determining susceptibility and phenotype. In particular, the class II haplotype, HLA-DR3/HLA-DQ2, has been shown to be increased in several cohorts with sarcoidosis, and has also been linked to other autoimmune disorders. Interestingly, susceptibility to celiac disease is linked to HLA-DQ2…”  (Hwang, McBride, Neugut, and Green 977-81)

Another study reviewing the presence of gluten intolerance and gastric immunity discovered these two conditions in a staggering 40% of their patients with sarcoidosis (Papadopoulos, Sjoberg, Lindgren, and Hallengren 525-31). And yet another earlier article found that intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) and circulating antibodies to alpha-gliadin (AGA) were significantly raised in sarcoidosis (McCormick, Feighery, Dolan, O’Farrelly, and Kelliher 1628-31). And in case you weren’t aware, increased IELs and AGAs are typical in celiac disease as well.

If you have sarcoidosis, or have dealt with this condition in the past you might want to bring up celiac disease with your doctor.

And, if you are in the area, Nadine will be presenting an “Introduction to Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease” at the Portland sarcoidosis support group meeting on Saturday, January 30th and to the Albany support group on Saturday, February 13th.

Resources

Hwang, Elizabeth, Russell McBride, Alfred I. Neugut, and Peter H.R. Green. “Sarcoidosis in Patients with Celiac Disease.” Dig Dis Sci. 53. (2008): 977-81. Print.

McCormick, P A, C Feighery, C Dolan, C O’Farrelly, P Kelliher, F Graeme-Cook, A Finch, K Ward, M X Fitzgerald, D P O’Donoghue, and D G Weir. “Altered gastrointestinal immune response in sarcoidosis.” Gut. 29. (1988): 1628-31. Print.

Papadopoulos, K.I., K. Sjoberg, S. Lindgren, B. Hallengren, and P Kelliher. “Altered gastrointestinal immune response in sarcoidosis.” Gut. 29. (1988): 1628-31. Print.

1. For doctors to recognize Celiac Disease/Gluten Intolerance in their patients in all of its forms. And then, for doctors to actually recommend the GFD as a treatment instead of scoffing at it as being “too difficult” to follow.
2. For restaurants and food companies to understand the importance of adhering to gluten free regulations and guidelines if advertising their product as such. I am tired of getting excited over gluten free cookies and finding out upon testing that it is just not so (uh, what’s the deal Nana?)
3. And on that note, for the government to pass a law for real guidelines on the term “gluten free”.
4. For easy, cheap, over the counter testing. Why can those in New Zealand, Canada and England have this luxury but not those of us here in the United States?
5. A completely gluten free restaurant in Corvallis!
6. For all individuals with autoimmune disorders, infertility issues and rashes to be tested for Celiac Disease/Gluten Intolerance.
7. For insurance companies to cover Enterolab testing as well as a nutritionist and general support for those recently diagnosed. Don’t they realize the money they could save if they helped their clients get healthy?
8. For getting rid of “IBS” as a diagnosis. This is a symptom. Period.
9. For a bold, black ”CAUTION” to be put on all items containing gluten. Yes, even envelopes.
10. For subsidized nutritional education and gluten free food sources to be available to all, especially at locations such as food banks.