NEWS & EVENTS

As more Americans adopt gluten-free diets, some are facing criticism that gluten-free is a fad promoted by food companies to make money. Late-night TV hosts have derided the trend toward gluten-free dieting, and some celiac disease patients say they are frequently mocked. “I’m embarrassed when I say that I’m allergic to gluten, because I feel like people are rolling their eyes: ‘Just another one, part of the fad,’ ” said Glutie Foodie blog author Shira Kraft, who has celiac disease. The Washington Post (tiered subscription model) (r.smartbrief.com) (7/6)

A report by the Census Bureau cites a decline in smoking and alcohol intake among Americans 65 and older. However, data indicate 72% of older men and 67% of older women are overweight or obese, putting them at increased odds of conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. Time.com (r.smartbrief.com) (7/1)

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The popularity of gluten-free diets among people who do not have celiac disease makes those who do have it worry that the hype will make their lives more difficult through incorrect food labeling and less emphasis on such diets as a treatment. Registered dietitian Sarah LeBlanc said it’s difficult to know how many people have celiac disease because the symptoms are so varied. Worcester Mag (Mass.) (r.smartbrief.com) (6/26)

If you are 50 or over or have a family history of colon cancer, you should be screened. African-Americans should be screened beginning at age 45. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable — and curable — types of cancer when detected early. Since the risk of colon cancer increases with age, getting screened is essential. Learn more (r.smartbrief.com) about colon cancer, who is at risk and when you should get tested. If you have a colonoscopy scheduled or would like to learn more about what to expect during the procedure, see the video, What to Expect During a Colonoscopy (r.smartbrief.com).

Gallstones are one of the most common gastrointestinal problems, especially for women. Women between the ages of 20 and 60 years are three times more likely to develop gallstones than men. Learn more about the symptoms and risk factors (r.smartbrief.com) for developing gallstone disease.

“In the diarrhea-prominent type of IBS, the primary form of treatment is diet. Constipation can be more challenging to treat with diet alone. Other forms of noninvasive therapy that are routinely used are physical therapy and stress management, because studies show the mind-gut connection is very real.” — WebMD (r.smatbrief.com)

An Australian study says people newly diagnosed with celiac disease who went on a gluten-free diet saw improved cognition and mucosal improvement during follow-up. Researchers said the study supports patient reports about so-called brain fog linked to celiac disease, and suggested it may be a systemic manifestation of the disease. Healio (free registration) (http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/fRxiCqtCxLCGnrAyCidKlOBVPFEM?format=standard) (6/17)

“According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, the disease affects one of 133 people, yet some statistics show as many as 97% of people are undiagnosed and it takes an about nine years for the average patient to receive a diagnosis of celiac disease. … ‘It occurs in 1% of the population in this country, and less than 5% of this 1% are diagnosed,’ says Peter Green, M.D., director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University.” — WebMD (http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/fQrWCqtCxLCGcmugCidKlOBVetNK)