Miracle Noodles

Last fall I discovered a pasta alternative that was only 40 calories, (Tofu Shirataki Noodles), and then I stumbled upon miracle noodles: a soy free pasta substitute that has ZERO calories. Now the point is not that they are calorie free, but my pure astonishment with this product. They do not contain any nutritional value what so ever, as they only contain water, glucomannan (a soluble fiber), and a calcium additive. They are marketed 100% as a weight loss tool, and they just happen to be allergen friendly. It is products like these that, while offering an alternative to people who have multiple serve allergies, they also may aid in dysfunctional eating habits. Instead of forcing the consumer to be proactive in their food choices, we've giving them an out--you can keep eating... so what if they don't help my body function?

Bacon: Friend and Foe

Fried eggs just are not complete without a side of bacon. I put bacon bits in salads, and seem to be on this experimental kick of wanting to mix bacon with chocolate or desserts- maple bacon cupcakes, bacon pancakes, toffee bacon brownies-but in the end, I think my body can't process a large amount of bacon. Perhaps strips of bacon are too greasy and/or too fibrous for my body to process, so I have decided I can eat no more than 1 full strip of bacon on any given day. So now I am gluten free, and bacon-sensitive.

If you are allergic to something non-typical, like plums, or eggplant, or the like, how did you stumble upon your conclusion?

Prometheus Labs Creates At-Home Celiac Test

I received an email from Prometheus Labs yesterday that I wanted to share with all of you:

Celiac disease has over 300 symptoms and manifestations making it difficult for physicians to diagnose. 1 These symptoms and manifestations include IBS type symptoms, anemia, type 1 diabetes, migraines, rashes, thyroid disease, infertility, recurrent miscarriages, Down syndrome and many more. A significant association between maternal history of celiac disease and autism has been observed. 2 Statistically, people with celiac disease suffer for over eleven years and reach out to many physicians before receiving an accurate diagnosis.3

Additionally, many people with celiac disease state that celiac support group members are actually the source of their information about the disease. 4 Prometheus has been providing support and testing for people with suspected celiac disease for over ten years and understands the challenges involved. Due to these hurdles, Prometheus has created MyCeliacID™. This test is a saliva-based genetic test for celiac disease which can be taken in the privacy of your home and does not require your doctor to order (A licensed physician will however review your request, place the order and review your test results). The test can be ordered online and the test results will be received privately by email.

For the members of celiac support groups and their family and friends, Prometheus would like to offer this test at a discounted price of $229 if the test is ordered before February 28, 2010 by entering the Promotional Code “CeliacSupportGroups” when ordering the test online. There is no additional shipping and handling fee. Additional discounts can be taken for multiple family members. Please call 1 (800) 610-1525 for more information. As a courtesy, please contact us at 1 (800) 610-1525 or send us an email to provide feedback, suggestions, current contact information – or if you or anyone in your group have questions which are not answered on the website.

1 Cleo J. Libonati, RN, BSN Recognizing Celiac Disease Signs, Symptoms, Associated Disorders and Complications. Fort Washington, PA, USA: Gluten Free Works Publishing, 2006
2 Hjördís Ó. Atladóttir, BMa, Marianne G. Pedersen, et al. Association of Family History of Autoimmune Diseases and Autism Spectrum Disorders PEDIATRICS Vol. 124 No. 2 August 2009, pp. 687-694 (doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2445
3 Green PHR, Stavropoulos SN, Panagi SG, et al. Characteristics of adult celiac disease in the USA: results of a national survey. AmJ Gastroenterol. 2001;96:126-131 (page 127)
4 Green PHR, Stavropoulos SN, Panagi SG, et al. Characteristics of adult celiac disease in the USA: results of a national survey. AmJ Gastroenterol. 2001;96:126-131 (page 128)

Robin Shaver,
National Account Manager
Prometheus T&D