Gluten-Free News
UPDATED: Vancouver Island Gluten-Free Fish, Chips & Onion Rings List!
Restaurants Across Vancouver Island are Ready, Willing and…
Gluten-Free Events
Seniors enjoy 10% off – Tuesdays & Wednesdays
- Some restrictions apply. No discount on sale items.
Click Here for Pepper’s Foods ONLINE STORE
Gluten-Free Products ONLINE!
A bustling market just steps away from the University of Victoria and one of the largest playgrounds in Victoria, shop at Pepper’s Foods for a picnic, a barbecue or the gluten-free foods you need to sustain you week in and week out! A long-time supporter of the Canadian Celiac Association’s Annual Picnic, Pepper’s Foods is the very ‘heart’ of Cadboro Bay!
3829 Cadboro Bay Road • 250-477-6513 • [email protected]
SEE Pepper’s Foods Gluten-Free Flyer!
Follow Pepper’s Foods
- Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
- Peppers-foods.com/inside-peppers
- Pepper’s Foods Delivery • email [email protected] • email [email protected]
- Peppers-foods.com
- Pepper’s Gluten-Free Product List
- Pepper’s Foods’ Complete Flyer
• 10% Student discount EVERY day!
Pepper’s has received Surfrider Vancouver Island Ocean Friendly Business in 2022 for actively stewarding local beaches and waterways by reducing unnecessary single-use plastic waste and Gold Award as a Vancouver Island Green Business in 2022.
Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers Awards 2022
- Award for Achieving 60 years of Independent Excellence
- 2022 Award of Merit
- Bronze Award in the Small Surface Category for Canada
- Gold for the BC/Yukon Regional Award in the Small Surface Category
The annual awards recognize youth leadership and promote achievements of Vancouver Island family businesses and their contributions to their communities. Pepper’s Food Store, helmed by second-generation owner Cory Davits, was founded in 1962 and has grown to be a full-service grocer.
- “Our goal is to maintain the small community-store feeling while providing all the services of the larger chain store,” said Davits.
What’s New at Pepper’s Foods!
“Any time a local vendor or distributor approaches us with a local product, we’re all ears and open to carrying their product.” Scott Zaichkowsky, Assistant Grocery Manager
Gyro Park & Beach at Cadboro Bay
The legendary home of the “Cadborosaurus” sea serpent, Cadboro Bay is a partially protected bay with the kind of long, sandy beaches that make for sublime summer swimming, strolling and boating. The park has a replica of the Cadborosaurus creature, said to be a relative of the Loch Ness Monster. Caddy, as it is known, usually allows itself to be seen once or twice a year. Cadboro Bay’s beaches are well-equipped for family outings with picnic facilities, public washrooms and a children’s playground. Pack a snack from Pepper’s and enjoy!
University & College Students – enjoy 10% off EVERY DAY with provision of student ID card.
- Some restrictions apply. No discount on sale items.
Click Here for Pepper’s Foods ONLINE STORE
Gluten-Free Products ONLINE!
A bustling market just steps away from the University of Victoria and one of the largest playgrounds in Victoria, shop at Pepper’s Foods for a picnic, a barbecue or the gluten-free foods you need to sustain you week in and week out! A long-time supporter of the Canadian Celiac Association’s Annual Picnic, Pepper’s Foods is the very ‘heart’ of Cadboro Bay!
3829 Cadboro Bay Road • 250-477-6513 • [email protected]
SEE Pepper’s Foods Gluten-Free Flyer!
Follow Pepper’s Foods
- Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
- Peppers-foods.com/inside-peppers
- Pepper’s Foods Delivery • email [email protected] • email [email protected]
- Peppers-foods.com
- Pepper’s Gluten-Free Product List
- Pepper’s Foods’ Complete Flyer
- 10% Senior’s discount Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Pepper’s has received Surfrider Vancouver Island Ocean Friendly Business in 2022 for actively stewarding local beaches and waterways by reducing unnecessary single-use plastic waste and Gold Award as a Vancouver Island Green Business in 2022.
Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers Awards 2022
- Award for Achieving 60 years of Independent Excellence
- 2022 Award of Merit
- Bronze Award in the Small Surface Category for Canada
- Gold for the BC/Yukon Regional Award in the Small Surface Category
The annual awards recognize youth leadership and promote achievements of Vancouver Island family businesses and their contributions to their communities. Pepper’s Food Store, helmed by second-generation owner Cory Davits, was founded in 1962 and has grown to be a full-service grocer.
- “Our goal is to maintain the small community-store feeling while providing all the services of the larger chain store,” said Davits.
What’s New at Pepper’s Foods!
“Any time a local vendor or distributor approaches us with a local product, we’re all ears and open to carrying their product.” Scott Zaichkowsky, Assistant Grocery Manager
Gyro Park & Beach at Cadboro Bay
The legendary home of the “Cadborosaurus” sea serpent, Cadboro Bay is a partially protected bay with the kind of long, sandy beaches that make for sublime summer swimming, strolling and boating. The park has a replica of the Cadborosaurus creature, said to be a relative of the Loch Ness Monster. Caddy, as it is known, usually allows itself to be seen once or twice a year. Cadboro Bay’s beaches are well-equipped for family outings with picnic facilities, public washrooms and a children’s playground. Pack a snack from Pepper’s and enjoy!
Pepper’s Foods Wins Independent Grocer Award! Click for more information
Enjoy baguettes, bars, biscuits, breads, buns, cinnamon buns, coffee cakes, cookies, croissants, filled pastries, loaves (banana bread & orange cranberry,) muffins, pies, sourdough, and best of all – MINI DONUTS!
How to order!
• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• [email protected]
• 250-208-3646
• Ordering information & locations
Market & Event Appearances!
Market & Event Appearances!
- Scroll down for B-glutenfreevictoria’s ongoing appearances throughout greater Victoria! CLICK HERE!
- TODAY’S APPEARANCES!
ESQUIMALT FARMER’S MARKETS
Thursdays – November 28, December 5, 12 & December 19 (last market) – Esquimalt Market Esquimalt Rec Centre – 4:30 to 7:00
esquimaltmarket.com • Facebook • Instagram
MOSS STREET MARKET – Saturdays Year Round
Outdoors May to October – 10am to 2pm
Indoors November to April – 10am to 1pm (Garry Oak Room and Sir James Douglas school gymnasium.)
mossstreetmarket.com • Facebook • Instagram
- Saturday & Sunday, December 14 & 15, 2024 – 29th Annual Holiday Market. Sir James Douglas school gymnasium, Garry Oak Room, Fairfield Community Centre, and a school portable.
- No market Christmas Day
- Saturday, January 1 – Winter Market New Year’s Day – Garry Oak Room & Outdoors – 10am to 1pm
Saturday, December 14, 2024 9:30 – 4:30
Saanich Fairgrounds Indoors Main Hall & RCMP Barn
Magical Christmas Market! Local Artisans & Makers, Wines, Brews, Ciders & Spirits. Kids Zone with crafts, cocoa & face painting. Entry by donation – proceeds to Santas Anonymous.
About Tanja!
Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!
Tanja Blondin, Owner / Operator of B-glutenfreevictoria, has been baking for as long as she can remember. Her German heritage continues to inform the food that she creates.
With hospitality in her DNA, Tanja has done it all from baking to catering, always with the best in presentation.
When her daughter was born, Tanja started a cake business that allowed her to work from home. The business was so successful that it grew into a full catering and pastry shop in Ontario. From there, she went on to manage restaurants, including the Starbucks that she transferred to in Sidney, to be closer to family.
Seeking a change from the coffee business, Tanja assumed a position in the bakery department of Sidney Thrifty Foods. It was around this time that she began experiencing health problems that lead her, and her daughter, to be diagnosed with celiac disease.
Her employer tried to accommodate her condition with a move to the cake decorating department, but the proximity to airborne gluten flour was too much for her. Tanja had to resign, but that does not mean she stopped baking. Their loss was our gain!
What to do with decades of experience baking European pastries? Tanja reimagined them using gluten-free, organic ingredients, freshly milled at the dedicated gluten-free Millstone Farm Organics in North Saanich:
- almond flour • baking powder • brown rice flour • buckwheat flour • chia • buckwheat flour • eggs (fresh!) • flax seeds • millet flour • potato starch • psyllium husk • oats (pure) • quinoa • sorghum flour • sliced almonds • tapioca starch • teff flour • xanthan gum • white rice flour
Tanja adapted her favourite recipes to gluten free in her dedicated kitchen, and set up a booth at Sunday’s Mary Winspear Centre to test the market.
View the possibilities below, order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her table during her busy market schedule this summer.
GOLDSTREAM MARKET – Closed for the season
Veterans’ Memorial Park
Saturdays 10am to 2pm
Facebook • Instagram
LANGFORD LIGHT UP & TRUCK PARADE – See you in 2024!
Saturday, December 2. 4 to 8pm
Veterans’ Memorial Park
Look for the big white tent! Warm up with German mulled (non-alcoholic) wine!
MOSS STREET HOLIDAY MARKET – Christmas 2024!
Sir James Douglas school gymnasium, Garry Oak Room, Fairfield Community Centre, and a school portable.
mossstreetmarket.com • Facebook • Instagram
See you in 2025!
January 27 + 28, 2024 10:00am to 5:00pm
Pearkes Rec Centre 3100 Tillicum Road
Adult Day Pass $8.00 Children (12 years and under are FREE)
Victoria Health Show • Facebook • Instagram
Sunday, February 11th 10:00am to 4:00pm
720 Station Ave
A unique shopping experience filled with handmade arts and crafts, perfect for Valentine’s Day. Shop for unique gifts, participate in DIY activities and craft goodie making. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind craft market, it’s the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one or family.
Lover’s Lane at The Langford Station
10:00am to 3:00pm
720 Station Ave
Celebrate the long awaited arrival of spring at Bloom, a Made.Market. With over 30+ local artisans, food trucks and more, there’s something for the entire family. Learn more …
Victoria Women’s Expo – See you in 2025!
March 2 + 3, 2024 10:00am to 5:00pm
Pearkes Rec Centre 3100 Tillicum Road
Adult Day Pass $8.00 (Cash only) Children (12 years and under are FREE)
Victoria Women’s Expo • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter
Saturday, March 9 10:00am to 5:00pm
Oaklands Community Centre 2827 Belmont Avenue
Admission by donation ($5-$10 suggested). All proceeds benefit Women’s Transition House
Over 50 unique vendors, live music, and great food! Learn more … Facebook • Instagram
Saturday, April 6 – 10am to 3pm
2764 Jacklin Road
Ruth King Elementary is happy to announce our first ever Spring Craft Fair Fundraiser. This is an outdoor family friendly event taking place in our school field rain or shine. We will have a wide variety of local vendors & artisans, a food truck, lawn games, a raffle and entertainment for the kids. We are so excited and hope to see you there. Entry by donation. Cash only event. Details here …
Saturday & Sunday, April 13 & 14 from 11am to 5pm
Rifflandia Showroom at 2514 Rock Bay Ave, Victoria (Matullia Lands)
FREE! Open to the public!
Saturday, April 27 – 11am to 4pm
Market Square Downtown Victoria
Celebrate the ‘Halfway to Halloween Market,’ pointing to the big day with delightfully eerie spring vibes to carry you through to the spooky season. Find Tanja on the lower level of haunted Market Square.
$2 admission at the door (cash or tap). Details here
Saturday, May 11 – 11am to 5pm
Metchosin Community Hall at 4401 William Head Road
Free Admission! Gift Bags for First 30 Guests! Wellness Beauty Fashion & Decor Market! Interactive Wellness Stations! Tarot Readings & More! Great Mother’s Day gift ideas too! Details here
Saturday, June 8 from 1 to 9pm
Saanich Fairgrounds at 1528 Stelly’s Cross Rd
Get ready for a summer festival of live music, spirits,= and summer fun! Plug into Victoria’s newest festival! Sips & Sounds is not just an event; it’s an experience!
Learn more • Tickets here.
Saturday, June 15 11am to 3pm at the Sidney Bandshell
Celebrating love, unity, and diversity!
Facebook • Instagram
Saturday, June 22 11am to 3pm
Sweet Street returns to Westshore Town Centre sweeter than ever! The Cineplex parking lot will become a sweet escape for anyone seeking a sugar rush. From cotton candy and ice cream to cookies, cupcakes, International delicacies and more, there will be something for everyone on Sweet Street. Details …
Facebook • Instagram
Saturday, July 6 10am to 3pm
470 – La Fortune Road, Cobble Hill
5th annual showcase market, featuring amazing vintage/antique vendors & local island artisans. Something unique for everyone.
Thursdays, June 6 to September 5 – 5:30 to 8:30 on Beacon Avenue
Saturday, September 21 – 12 to 7pm
Langford Station Arts & Cultural District (720 Station Ave) and across the street at Veterans Memorial Park.
Music! Magic! Dance! Crafts! Henna! Face painting!
Stationfest • Facebook • Instagram
Wednesday, September 25 – 4 to 7pm
Local farmers and producers offering a selection of fresh produce, sauces, and jams—everything you need to create a delicious meal at home. Live music!
Farm To Table Market
Saturday, October 5 10am to 4pm
2388 Cedar Road, Nanaimo
Psychics, witches, healers & more! Free Admission! Talented Readers! Bewitching Vendors! Details here …
CEDAR FARMER’S MARKET 
Sunday, October 13 from 10am to 2pm
1984 Woobank Road, Nanaimo
9:30 am (early-bird sales for seniors and immune-compromised individuals)
Cedar Farmers Markets • Online • Facebook • Instagram
HALLOWEEN YYJ – See you in 2025
Saturday & Sunday, October 26 & 27 11am to 4pm
Da Vinci Centre at 195 Bay St, Victoria
Details • Instagram
Wicked Victoria on Government Street – See you in 2025
Government Street – Yates to Broughton
Sunday, October 27 – 11am to 3pm
Kick off Halloween Week in a Wickedly Wonderful Way!
Details
Thursday, October 31, 6pm-10pm
Free admission with secret password ‘BOO’! Expect a night full of witchy wonders…spooktacular market, psychic readings, a photo booth, mocktail potions, swag bags for the first 30 lucky souls, and glitter tattoos & treats for the little goblins! Witchy & other costume attire is a MUST! Don’t be a scaredy-cat, join the fun! Details
SPECTRUM MUSIC PROGRAM CHRISTMAS MARKET – See you in 2025!
Saturday & Sunday, November 2 & 3 10am to 5pm
Spectrum Community School at 957 W Burnside Rd, Victoria
Details
Saturday & Sunday, November 9 & 10 from 10am to 5pm
Spectrum Community School at 957 W Burnside Rd, Victoria
$5 entry fee – 12 years & under free
Facebook • Instagram
Saturday, November 16 from 10am to 3pm
Ruth King Elementary School, 2764 Jacklin Rd, Langford
Featuring Over 40 Tables of crafters, vendors and local artisans plus a concession. Silent Auction and Giveaways. Admission is by donation. All proceeds going to Ruth King PAC Details
Saturday, November 23 – 10am to 4pm
1031 Lucas Avenue
Details
Introducing The Taco Hole! Duncan’s Tex-Mex Paradise!
Download the free Getintheloop app for loyalty rewards!
Burrito Mondays – all burritos and burrito bowls only $9.95 + GST each
Taco Tuesdays – only $3.79 + GST each
thetacohole.ca • Facebook • Instagram • [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday 11am to 2pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am to 4pm
The Taco Hole is a 100% gluten-free, hole-in-the-wall eatery located inside Duncan’s Cowichan Community Centre (in the old concession space), right across from the Hockey Arena at 2687 James St.
The Cowichan Community Centre offers many different community events throughout the year. Count on The Taco Hole as your source for delicious, gluten-free food. Check the Rec Centre Events Schedule here!
Brought to you by the team behind Vancouver Island’s favourite taco truck, Taco Revolution. Trust in their 100% Gluten-Free Menu! The only exceptions are the pre-wrapped ice cream bars, candy bars & canned beverages. All food prepared on site is gluten free – and delicious!
- Learn more about the Taco Revolution 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck • Catering • Taco Fiestas • Facebook • Instagram
- Learn more about Taco Revolution Foods
- Food Truck & Market Table Schedule
The Taco Hole Highlights
- Authentic Mexican Flavors: Our talented chefs use locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that capture the essence of Mexican cuisine. Each meal is a culinary masterpiece, bursting with bold flavors and textures.
- Wide Range of Options: Whether you’re a meatetarian, vegetarian, or vegan, we have something to tantalize your taste buds. French fries, too! All 100% Gluten-Free! Scroll down for menus.
- Unique Drinks: Complement your meal with our selection of Mexican Sodas, local sodas, and non-alcoholic Cervezas to enhance your dining experience.
November 9th is the Grand Opening of The Taco Hole. They’ll be giving away 100 orders of churros with purchase. Churros are Mexico’s version of deep-fried donuts!
Come hungry, leave happy!
Click for more information
Click for more information
MAiiZ Nixtamal Tortillas are made from certified organic corn grown in Armstrong, BC and lab-tested to be gluten free.
Chef Israel Alvarez Molina’s technique, inspired in the traditional Mesoamerican Nixtamalization process is more than just authentic, providing taste and structure. MAiiZ Nixtamal Tortillas have flavour, aroma, texture and elasticity.
When eating a Nixtamal Taco you don’t just taste the corn, you taste the process.
• Maiiz.ca • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Contact • 778-433-1544
“I want to feel proud about the food I produce, and I want people to feel good about what they are eating!” Chef Israel Alvarez Molina
Testimonials
- “Se siente el sabor de Mexico! I can taste the flavour of Mexico” @gtcanni
- “I love how the tortillas held together perfectly without breaking or getting soggy.” @propitiouspig
YAM Magazine 2024 Best Latin American Restaurant!
- “Chef Israel Alvarez Molina opened his MAiiZ Nixtamal Cafe in downtown Chinatown just four years ago and has been wowing locals with his authentic Mexican street food ever since.”
- What began as a passion project – to revive the traditional nixtamalization process & create authentic Mexican corn tortillas – has made MAiiZ a household name.
- He’s slowly expanded from a takeout counter and a couple of tables to 30+ seating (both indoors and a new sidewalk patio.)
- And now you can find his tasty corn tortillas on restaurant menus, in independent food charts and major supermarkets all over the city. Working with organic B.C. corn, he’s recreating a traditional Mexican product with local provenance.
- Stop in for lunch or takeout tacos, tamales, and quesadillas with beef barbacoa, chicken tinga, huitlacoche (fungus) or even grasshoppers. This is the real deal!”
- July / August 2024 Yam Magazine
• Saluted again! Read Yam Magazine’s 2023 Review!
• Read the Review in the Times Colonist
• Watch Chef Israel on Cookin’ on the Coast!
Now available at Thrifty Foods!
Admiral’s Walk • Belmont • Broadmead • Central Saanich • Cloverdale • Colwood • Fairfield • Hillside • James Bay • Quadra Saanich • Sidney • Tuscany. More to follow!
Inspired by the traditional process of Mesoamerican Nixtamalization, enjoy the aroma, taste & texture – and elasticity – the way tortillas were meant to be. Feast your eyes!
Experience the best that Latin America has to offer, in the heart of Victoria’s Chinatown. 540 Fisgard St: see map
• Maiiz.ca • MENU • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Contact • 778-433-1544
• SHOP ONLINE for everything you need to ‘A-MAiiZ!’
• CARRYING RETAILERS & RESTAURANTS!
Click on image to enlarge
Testimonials
- “Se siente el sabor de Mexico! I can taste the flavour of Mexico” @gtcanni
- “I love how the tortillas held together perfectly without breaking or getting soggy.” @propitiouspig
- *Phillips’ non-alcoholic ‘beer’ contains gluten.
• Education | History | Culture
• MAiiZ’ Recipe Collection
• Subscribe to MAiiZ’ Mail
• MAiiZ Gift Card
• Watch MAiiZ’ Amazing video collection!
What exactly is Nixtamalization?
- Corn holds the memory of culture, tradition, indigenous practices and history for many in Mexico. Nixtamalization, masa, fresh cooked tortillas; these textures and smells are ingrained within the best culinary experiences and come from a place of memory and authenticity.
- Nixtamalization is the process of chemically transforming dried corn kernels into a dough which is then used in a wide variety of Mexican dishes.
- Dried corn kernels is boiled in an alkaline solution using pickling lime (also known as slaked lime or calcium hydroxide) and then left to soak overnight. When the corn is drained and rinsed some of the outer membrane layer is loosened and rubbed off. Corn that has gone through this process is now called nixtamal, or in some cultures, hominy.
- The wet nixtamal is then ground to a dough using a specialized mill. The result is a silky, slightly elastic fresh “masa” dough that squiggles out the grinder. The masa is shaped into small balls called testalitos and pressed to create fragrant, soft, flavourful tortillas with a unique smell of Mexico!
How does this change the corn?
- The nixtamalization process not only transforms corn structurally, but also nutritionally. Corn on its own is seen as a low source of nutrition, often associated with pellagra, a disease caused by vitamin B3 deficiency common to impoverished communities where the process of nixtamalization was not introduced with corn.
- This issue can be traced back to the colonization of the Americas when corn was taken by Europeans to grow as a crop around the globe, but the nixtamalization process was not. This resulted in widespread disease and malnutrition. Through the process of nixtamalization the calcium in corn is increased as is the quality of protein absorbed by the body. Additionally, phytic acid is reduced making it easier for the body to absorb important minerals unlocked by the alkaline solution used during the nixtamalization process.
What is the cultural importance?
- “When you are an immigrant you go through a lot of stages to find an identity in your new home. The part of my life that I could not find was my diet. I could adapt to a different climate, harsh weather, assimilate into the culture and learn a new language, but deep inside of me nixtamal was missing. There is so much history and culture behind this process which is the foundation of Mexican Cuisine. The aroma, texture, flavour and feeling of a fresh Nixtamal Tortilla doesn’t compare to anything else, it’s like freshly brewed coffee when you’ve had instant coffee all your life. This transformative experience is something that everyone deserves.
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Recipe Alert! Butter Tarts by Wild Poppy Bistro & Bakery
Kate Cram, Red Seal Chef & Owner of Wild Poppy Bistro &…
Gluten-Free Restaurants & Shopping
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Gluten-Free FAQs
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease occurs in individuals with a genetic predisposition for making antibodies to gluten. When gluten protein – found in wheat, barley and rye – is ingested, autoimmune antibodies not only attack the gluten, they also damage the lining of the small intestine. Symptoms may include digestive pain, constipation, diarrhea and fatigue. The resulting malabsortion of nutrients can lead to slowed growth and development in children and anemia, osteoporosis and fertility issues in adults. Untreated celiacs are also at an increased risk of developing digestive cancers and other autoimmune diseases. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life. The world-wide incidence of Celiac disease is estimated at 1 in 100. Of the number of people with Celiac disease in Canada, less than 5% will be properly diagnosed in their lifetimes despite the existence of a simple, prescreening blood test. Learn more …
Is there a test for Celiac disease?
Yes! There are two pre-screening blood tests that can determine whether your body makes the antibodies that are associated with Celiac disease:
- tTg: IgA anti-transglutaminase antibody test
- Total Serum IgA
While these blood tests are very sensitive, they are not 100% accurate. If the tTg test is positive or the IgA test shows a deficiency, a duodenal biopsy is required to make a diagnosis. Collected under mild sedation, evidence of damage to the lining of the small intestine is definitive proof of Celiac disease.
*Blood tests and intestinal biopsies are diagnostic services that are provided at no charge to residents of British Columbia. See Medical Services Plan.
Ask to be tested if you have unexplained iron deficiency, osteoporosis, brittle type 1 DM, a family history of Celiac disease, have experienced 3 months of frequent diarrhea, weight loss, dairy intolerance or exceptional gas and bloating. Learn more …
Can I be diagnosed if I’ve already gone gluten free?
It is essential that prescreening blood tests and the biopsy be performed while a person is consuming gluten in order to measure the antibodies associated with the disease and observe associated damage to the small intestine. Test results may appear falsely negative if gluten has already been removed from the diet.
Adults should consume 10 grams of gluten (4 slices of bread or equivalent) for at least 1 month prior to testing. Children should consume 5 grams of gluten (2 slices of bread or equivalent).
It may take 2-3 months on a gluten challenge to turn the tTg and biopsy positive. Because it can be very uncomfortable to reintroduce gluten to one’s diet – the gluten challenge is truly a challenge – consult your medical care provider about being prescreened for CD BEFORE choosing to go gluten free. Learn more …
Can I view my test results online?
Yes! My e-health offers a fast and secure method for patients to receive their results electronically. As soon as results are released from the performing lab, they’re available online in my ehealth. A variety of secure technologies and procedures to help protect your information from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. My ehealth is a free service available to residents of British Columbia registered with the Medical Services Plan and is available in 4 languages. Learn more …
What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?
Individuals with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) experience digestive symptoms that are similar to those experienced by individuals with Celiac disease. Like celiacs, their symptoms improve when gluten is eliminated from their diet. Unlike celiacs, their bodies do not create antibodies to gluten, nor do they exhibit the damage to the small intestine that is the hallmark of Celiac disease. People with NCGS are at no greater risk of developing additional autoimmune conditions or digestive cancers. At the moment, there are no tests that can prove whether one has NCGS. A diagnosis of NCGS can be made when tests for Celiac disease are negative. It is estimated NCGS affects 6-10% of the population. Learn more …
Dermatitis Herpetiformis – Little Sister to Celiac Disease
Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is an inherited autoimmune disease of the skin marked by groups of watery, itchy blisters. Like Celiac disease, ingesting gluten triggers an immune system response that deposits inflammatory lgA antibodies under the top layer of skin.
The lgA deposits result in eruptions similar to the beginning of a pimple. This painfully itchy rash may progress to red, raised patches of skin that develop into small, watery blisters. The itching and burning of the eruptions are severe and the urge to scratch them is intense. Eruptions commonly occur on pressure points – around the elbows, the front of the knees, the buttocks, back, shoulders, face, and scalp and typically occur on both sides of the body. Sixty percent of those diagnosed are men and the most common ages at diagnosis are between 15 and 40 years old.
A small biopsy of unaffected skin, next to an eruption that reveals the presence of IgA deposits confirms a diagnosis of DH. A strict gluten-free diet for life is the only treatment, but the diet should only be started once a diagnosis has been made. The medication Dapsone may be prescribed to ease symptoms until the gluten-free diet reduces the severity and frequency of eruptions. Learn more …
Why can’t I just go gluten free?
Knowing whether or not you have a chronic autoimmune disorder is important to your future health and the health of your family. There may be a price for choosing not to know.
• Screening for Celiac disease is free in British Columbia
• Blood samples can be collected at your local out patient laboratory
• A diagnosis will tell you how strict your diet needs to be
• In conjunction with a lifelong commitment to the diet, health complications may be reduced
• Your doctor can better monitor your health for other autoimmune disorders
• Celiac disease is genetic. A diagnosis confirms for your family that they may also be at risk
• Familial screening provides an early diagnosis for those with latent (asymptomatic) Celiac disease
• A diagnosis offers eligibility for future therapies that require a definitive diagnosis
• You may qualify for a Medical Expense Tax Credit
• If Celiac disease is ruled out, your doctor can proceed to test you for other disease(s)
• You can save money on gluten-free food if celiac disease is ruled out! Learn more …
