Category: Uncategorized

Oh, what a world we’re in these days. I know there are unprecedented levels of global unrest, which has been hard on so many people in different ways. So first, an encouragement to take extra time take care of yourself and your family, to offer kindness to others where you can, knowing many people are going through a lot of fear and uncertainty for the safety of loved ones.

Back to our normal discussion around digestive dysfunction:

• Looking for gluten-free Halloween candy? GF Jules has a list. For those that are newer to a gluten-free diet, a quick reminder is there are some candies that are normally gluten-free that *aren’t* gluten-free in, say, their pumpkin or ghost shape, so do double check, even if it’s a candy you typically consume.
• Of course, you can always opt for non-food options…this is our 2^nd year of Ninja rubber duckies. Caveat, of course, that Play doh has wheat in it.
• New guidelines on Belching, Distension, and Bloating—frequent, but frequently not talked enough about.
• Celiac & Thyroid disease—webinar will be posted here very soon from National Celiac Association. They regularly have wonderful webinars.
• Paper on Inflammatory bowel disease and all the other factors that can cause symptoms—from IBS to mast cell to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency to SIBO, mast cell dysfunction, Ehlers danlos, POTS & more.
• Hot off the presses—new paper on EDS and pregnancy complications
• Thinking ahead about a gluten-free Thanksgiving or winter holidays? Look on my website for prior years for recipes or other ideas.

I’m in the midst of presenting a training for over 100 of professionals through the Ehlers Danlos society on the nutritional complications of EDS. I’m teaching on digestive complications. ? Education will always be a passion for me, and I’m aware of how much I’ve learned from wonderful mentors and, of course, my clients.

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Wellcoach working with clients in VA, DC & MD.  She helps people with a range of digestive problems, including Celiac, IBS, Crohn’s, UC, gastroparesis, EDS, POTS & more. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals and feeling great!  Email or call 571-271-8742.

Happy Summertime!

We’ll start with the biggest news. As some of you are aware, there’s *proposed* legislation to require labeling for gluten in medications. This is not our 1^st rodeo…I remember speaking to the FDA about this is 2011…but the ADINA bill now has bipartisan support in the House, which is new. Please reach out to your member of Congress with the script provided by Gluten free Watchdog, or write your own. The amount of support and interest we express *does* matter!

For all the info you need on the bill and how to contact your reps

And yes! there is also a bill to require labeling of gluten in food. This also has bipartisan support, but that doesn’t mean it will be passed.  Last year it did not get enough support.

Shifting from work to play, summer is often a time for travel.

I pulled together several of my favorite resources.

Grab and go snacks (updated 2023)

For travel domestically:

• www.findmeglutenfree.com
• www.glutenfreetravelsite.com
• https://glutendude.com/gluten-dude-mobile-app/

Places to eat in Europe

• https://www.coeliacsanctuary.co.uk/wheretoeat/
• https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/global-associations-and-policies/associations-around-the-world/
• Gluten free translations
• Gluten-free restaurant cards

And speaking of travel…two rescues have officially become employees of Harris Whole Health, and sometimes they make an appearance for sessions. They’re originally from Ukraine–their names are Myshko and Zhanna. They lost their homes in the conflict, so they’ve come to live with us. When they’re awake, they’ve taken over our house, and are completely running the show. They have strong feelings about omega 3s and occasionally you’ll see a tail flying by.

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Wellcoach working with clients in VA, DC & MD.  She helps people with a range of digestive, including Celiac, IBS, Crohn’s, UC, gastroparesis, EDS, POTS & more. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals and feeling great!  Email or call 571-271-8742.

 

So much news in the digestive & gluten-free world! Here’s a quick round up:

• New BMJ study on Celiac and cardiovascular disease, showing increased risks for people with Celiac
• Finally! New guidelines for management for adults with Celiac, and there are changes, including much more thorough nutrient testing recommendations. There’s still a recommendation for seeing a dietitian… ?
• Lots of important news from Gluten-free watchdog re: oats and contamination, so if you haven’t been following that, I’d recommend it.
• The Crohn’s and Colitis foundation just launched a new website: gutfriendlyrecipes.org
• Newest article on POTS and long COVID
• A new study (not yet peer reviewed) showed a substantial increase (42.6%) in rates of auto-immune disease among people who’ve had COVID. One of the highest increases was in the development of Celiac. Certainly concerning.
• New studies show people with ME/CFS have different gut bacteria than healthy controls.

It’s just about Valentine’s day, so if you’re looking for something delicious to make, I have a list of naturally gluten-free desserts right here.

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Wellcoach in Fairfax, VA.  She helps people with a range of dietary issues, including Celiac Disease, digestive issues, preventing diseases and “whole foods” eating. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals and feeling great!  Email or call 571-271-8742.

I have to tell you a secret. My in-laws came last weekend–they’re from Rochester, and wanted to miss the snow. Man, are they smart–especially given the weather forecast! So we did a mini-Thanksgiving last weekend and now I feel like all the pressure is off and I just have yummy leftovers now, and we’ll do something small next week.

But I’m assuming most people are still in planning mode.

Here are some great Thanksgiving feasts, with a ton of recipes:

• From Jules GF (we love her rolls)
• From Delish.com
• From food.com

and my usual tips are here.

Remember, when in doubt, keep it simple.

The main issue is often cross-contact, and/or people who make mistakes and really mean well. Ideally, you try to serve yourself first, with clean utensils. If there’s something you know you’ll want leftovers of, make sure to put it aside in a covered dish.

And because people with GI disorders are often at higher risk of food borne illness, *ahem!* a gentle nudge–here are the food safety guidelines from FSIS.

Have a wonderful holiday season.

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Wellcoach in Fairfax, VA.  She helps people with a range of dietary issues, including Celiac Disease, digestive issues, preventing diseases and “whole foods” eating. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals and feeling great!  Email or call 571-271-8742.

 

 

 

The summer really flew by…and I meant to post, but life sometimes slips away.

First, cake! Yes, of course it’s gluten-free. Recipe here.

I finally was prompted to post because of an issue with GF Harvest Oats, which Gluten-Free Watchdog has kindly alerted the gluten-free population to. So if you don’t support Tricia, please consider it. In a nutshell, GF Harvest is under new management, and now has batches testing as contaminated with gluten. If you’re using these oats, it’s time to reconsider and choose a new source of oats.

Ever heard of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome?) Too few people have. It’s fairly common, and before COVID, it affected around 1% of the population. I got POTS when I was in grad school, and it’s always been on my radar because 4% of people with POTS have Celiac, instead of the usual 1%, and ~95% of people have digestive issues. Since COVID, rates of POTS have increased significantly because it’s often post viral. I have a paper on the nutritional management of POTS in the Journal of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics this month.

A really common question I get from people on a gluten-free diet is, what about kissing people who are eating gluten? It’s something many people worry about–39% overall, and 41% in women. And not surprisingly, dating poses all sorts of challenges…

A low FODMAP diet helps with digestive symptoms, but not mucosal healing in patients with IBD (review of current studies)

People with Celiac have ongoing symptoms despite a strict gluten free diet–up to even 20% of patients. Symptoms may be digestive, joint stiffness, fatigue, skin issues, & depression. https://bmjopengastro.bmj.com/content/9/1/e000914

As so many are headed back to school, here are some thoughts on gluten-free breakfasts.

Wishing you a delicious autumn,

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Wellcoach in Fairfax, VA.  She helps people with a range of dietary issues, including Celiac Disease, digestive issues, preventing diseases and “whole foods” eating. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals and feeling great!  Email or call 571-271-8742.

 

 

 

Passover isn’t here until April 15th but many of the products are already appearing in grocery stores. Not all Passover foods are gluten-free, but many are, and there’s a much wider selection than usual at the grocery store. This can be a good time to stock up on GF cakes and mixes, cookies, macaroons, some of the “bread” crumbs and supplies like potato starch. As an added bonus for people with multiple restrictions, most Kosher for Passover products contain no corn or soy products, either.

In a nutshell, the basic rule of foods for Passover is no leavened foods, which eliminates normal breads, cakes etc. Matzo is the main exception. Matzo is an unleavened bread usually made from wheat and is eaten regularly, and some products contain products with Matzo and matzo meal, which also potentially listed as cake meal or farfel. However, many products don’t contain gluten. Or, if you find products labeled “non-gebrok or gebroktz or grebrochts” (or another spelling variation) they’re non-grain containing and therefore have no gluten-containing ingredients. Often Kosher for Passover products and cakes are made of potato flour or nut meals rather than wheat or glutinous grains.

As always in the gluten-free world, read labels carefully. “Kosher” and “Kosher for Passover” are two different things entirely. Kosher for Passover foods will be labeled “May be used for Passover” or have a symbol that says OUP. I have often seen “regular” Kosher foods in the Passover section at grocery stores, so please do check the labels very carefully.

Keep in mind that many Passover foods are imported from other countries. Technically, imports must follow the FDA allergen labeling laws, but I can say I’ve seen many that aren’t labeled quite in the same way as the FALCPA U.S. labeling laws dictate So the label on an import may say matzo, but may not say “wheat” explicitly or have the disclaimer stating that it contains wheat.

Most Kosher for Passover products will have to adhere to strict standards for cross contamination from a religious perspective. Voluntary allergen labeling statements (AKA “Made in a factory” claims) are still not regulated.

From a gluten-free perspective, possibly the best part of Passover is AFTER Passover, when all of the great gluten-free goodies are on sale! Passover ends April 22^th 2022, so mark your calendars, because the word has gotten out in gluten-free circles and the mad rush is on.

Back when you really couldn’t get GF prepared foods in the regular grocery store, this was a much bigger deal. But it’s still nicer to have an expanded selection, and nicest of all is AFTER Passover, when all of the products are on sale!

For people who DO celebrate the actual holiday of Passover, not just the gluten-free food, here are some great recipes and information:

• Jules has some wonderful recipes
• A Passover recipe roundup
• More recipes…
• Matzo here that looks tasty https://www.fearlessdining.com/gluten-free-matzo-dairy-free-too/
• …and here https://www.thespruceeats.com/gluten-free-oat-matzoh-cracker-recipe-1451352
• I’ve got my Kosher for Passover dessert recipes here. Remember, you’ve got to use KFP ingredients! http://www.gfgoodness.com/?p=6255
• Elana’s Pantry has an extensive roundup: https://elanaspantry.com/passover-recipes/ and another “Paleo” version here
• Gluten-Free Bay has an extensive list. It is from several years back, but it’s still a great resource.

Other favorite gluten-free recipe sites for Passover? Let me know in the comments section on my website.

Lately, Whole Foods has stocked a gluten-free Matzah, and the brand is Yehuda, so keep your eyes peeled! You can also get it on Amazon. It’s not technically matza because it’s not made of oats, but it’s “Matzo style squares”. There are also many more Kosher markets, such as Kosher Mart in Rockville. Some local grocery stores also have a great selection.

 

 

We are absolutely in the middle of eating season 2021!

Here’s just a quick update of some gluten-free goodness:

I have a looong list of naturally gluten-free holiday desserts, because there’s no way to improve on the perfection of some classics.

The Washington post shared an article with 7 gluten-free cookies

Here’s a long list of low FODMAP desserts (all gluten and lactose free)

And because people often ask, what are we making this year? Well, thus far, gifts have been Toasted Sugar Almond and Hazelnut Meringues, above, (using this recipe and toasted sugar instead of regular), and dairy free hot cocoa mix, and crème brulee with the leftover yolks. Brownie cookies with Jules GF flour are on the line up, and toffee (minus the chocolate) ships well as a gift…

Research—

Oh, the irony. A study on mice shows that a high fat, high sugar diet can cause a partially reversible condition like Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A new study shows that many people with Celiac–up to 1-in-2 have ongoing GI problems despite being on a strict gluten-free diet. These digestive problems can lead  to both physical and emotional issues, so treating them is key. Hopefully this awareness leads to better treatment and taking concerns of patients more seriously.

People who are food insecure with Celiac have trouble following a gluten-free diet. This is a no-brainer, but this is also the 1^st study of its kind, so it IS a big deal. The authors estimated ~16% of people with Celiac were food insecure when the study was done, which was BEFORE the pandemic. The stats have likely changed for the worse. If this is an issue you are concerned with, the Gluten Intolerance Group just launched a non-profit to address food insecurity called GIG Cares.

Are you low FODMAP? Some of you know how I’ve always talked about how the fruit portions in the Monash app just don’t jive with what I’ve found with clients. Well…the Monash app is changing and revising their portions down for strawberries and grapes, to only 6(!!!) grapes and just 4 medium strawberries for the elimination. Which, to me, means that sometimes clients experience (when heard over and over and over) can be as valuable as the info that we get from the machines. But I’m assuming most of you already know that. ?

Wishing peace, happiness and health to you and those you love through this holiday season and beyond, and hoping next year is your best yet!

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Wellcoach in Fairfax, VA.  She helps people with a range of dietary issues, including Celiac Disease, digestive issues, preventing diseases and “whole foods” eating. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals and feeling great!  Email or call 571-271-8742.

 

Happy Autumn! Here’s a quick update of news, recipes, and more.

Some neat resources from FARE to keep candies safe for trick-or-treaters—and for nibblers—with food allergies or Celiac. Another list is from Jules GF here.

But what if you choose to opt out of candy?  Nope, I don’t have a vendetta against candy, I like being inclusive, and I’m a fan of rubber duckies. This year, we’re going for ninja rubber duckies and the regular Halloween ones, but go with what works for you!

Breakfasts:

As it’s darker in the morning and there’s more temptation to stay in bed until the last second, here are some quick make-ahead breakfast recipes:

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

Overnight oats (scroll down)

Easy Cheesy Egg Bake

Cinnamon Apple Millet

News:

I was delighted to see this article, How to maintain your social life with IBD in TIME on mental health and IBD

As part of the 2^nd annual Digestive Disease Nutrition series the 2^nd week in Nov, I’ll be presenting on Hypermobility and how it impacts digestion (including the overlap with Celiac). It’s aimed at nutrition professionals—info here.

Want to run for a cause? CDF has a Celiac Turkey Trot.

A new study showed that a low FODMAP diet can be helpful for people with Celiac who have symptoms despite staying strictly gluten-free and having healed intestines…support of an RD is key to make sure nutritional balance happens. ?

Planning ahead? Thanksgiving tips from years past here

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Wellcoach in Fairfax, VA.  She helps people with a range of dietary issues, including Celiac Disease, digestive issues, preventing diseases and “whole foods” eating. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals and feeling great!  Email or call 571-271-8742.

Happy Summertime! Here is an updated gluten-free grab and go list for everyone who is finally traveling, and an update on gluten and digestive research below. And I’m loving all the seasonal fruit!

Starting with the biggest news:

Labeling for gluten may be on the horizon! There’s a new bill that was introduced which would require companies to label gluten (not just wheat!) on all packages. This would be huge….contact your representatives! And many thanks to Gluten-free Watchdog for the alert.

Oh, the neat new Celiac studies! This one suggests that there may be a new pill to help with cross contamination on the way—or to enable people to eat gluten…note that the study is relatively small, and short length. And for those of you thinking that a pill is not for you, I respect that! There are people with Celiac eating a gluten-free diet whose numbers have not returned to normal who will likely be hugely helped by technology like this, and same goes for people who travel for work. Here’s the same research covered in NEJM

Speaking of travel, this new dining app from Gluten dude makes gluten-free dining out easier. Restaurants are either 100% GF or actually take good precautions.

A study from the Center for Celiac Research suggests that there may be microbial changes before the development of Celiac—which hopefully may give new avenues for prevention down the line.

More about the microbiome in Celiac and RA

Ultra processed food is associated with risk of IBD–PURE study—this study links consumption of soft drinks, sweets, salty snacks, and processed meat with risk of UC and Crohn’s. Pros: it’s a big study, including people from different countries and regions, and it is a prospective study. Cons: correlation doesn’t mean causation. And nope, this still doesn’t mean the disease is your fault, but if you’ve got children at genetic risk, it’s something to consider. And as always, more study is needed.

This is a great overview of where the science is on the microbiome, which talks about everything from microbial diversity to busting many common myths.

For my fellow clinicians (or curious people) reading this, finally! IBS guidelines for pregnancy. All I can say is, it’s about time. Highlights—Low FODMAP should be adapted with an RD, soluble fiber is likely a plus, probiotics don’t have enough data.

A new randomized, controlled BMJ study shows that more dietary omega 3s may reduce migraines…

Enjoy the rest of your summer; it always goes by too fast!

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Wellcoach in Fairfax, VA.  She helps people with a range of dietary issues, including Celiac Disease, digestive issues, preventing diseases and “whole foods” eating. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals and feeling great!  Email or call 571-271-8742.

The Farmers’ Market season has begun! Some, like Burke are open now, and I got asparagus, apples, sweet potatoes and a bunch of plants.

I love gardening, and also buying from local farmers when possible. It was a rude awakening, moving from sunny California for grad school to Northern Virginia almost 18 years ago….there were farm stands everywhere, and I was totally accustomed to easy access to fresh, beautiful food. So I’ve been gardening since to fill some of the blanks.

Since we’ve moved to a more wooded area a few years ago, my garden has largely been a buffet for the deer and groundhogs. Sometimes I get a nice harvest; other times, I’m feeding the wildlife. So far, I’ve got kale, garlic, onions, herbs, strawberries, and green beans and I just put in potatoes, sweet potatoes, Thai peppers, basil and stevia, and more to come this weekend.  I’ll put them in soon anyway and hope for the best. We also have a blackberry and blueberry plant, and even grapevines. The blackberry has a ton of flowers this year (right), which hopefully means there’s lots of fruit coming my way!

Even if the critters get my veggies, there are a bunch of Farmers’ Markets and locally grown resources to give more options, and the number of markets has only grown for the last decade. We’ve got a bunch of markets nearby, and they’re about to open or just opened.

Why go to a Farmer’s Market?

• They’re terrific for encouraging people to branch out and try new foods. There are generally a lot of samples, and everything looks so good. Works well for kids, too!
• Fresh produce and meat. Most fruits and vegetables are picked that day. Seasonal food is generally going to be more nutritionally  dense than something shipped around the globe.
• Support for local farmers and the local economy.
• Few or fewer pesticides on fruits and vegetables. A plum shipped from Chile need a lot of pesticides to keep it lovely even after traveling thousands of miles.
• Greater variety. While Whole Foods or Wegmans may have 5 kinds of apples, it’s common to have a choice of 10+ varieties and discover new flavors that you enjoy.
• Better taste! There’s nothing that compares to the taste of a freshly picked tomato, peach, or apple.
• The “manufacturer” is usually right in front of you, so if you have questions about how something is made or grown, just ask!

I’d be willing to bet there’s a market near you. Here’s a listing of Farmer’s Markets

• City of Alexandria Farmer’s Markets
• Fairfax county Farmer’s Markets
• Arlington Farmer’s Market
• Listing of NoVA Markets from Northern Virginia Magazine
• Nationwide listing of USDA Farmer’s Markets

Also, another great option are CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture). If that’s more your scene, there’s a nice list here.

Whether you have a nice big garden or even just an available window, it’s a great time to get growing. Even a sunny window should work for herbs like basil.

Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Wellcoach in Fairfax VA (and currently, remotely). She helps people with a range of dietary issues, including Celiac Disease and all sorts of GI disorders. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals and feeling great! Email or call 571-271-8742.