Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by small intestinal inflammation and triggered by gluten exposure in genetically sensitive individuals. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye. The Journal of Pediatrics has published an analysis of fads and fictions associated with the gluten-free diet (GFD). [Reilly NR. The gluten-free diet: Recognizing fact, fiction, and fad. The Journal of Pediatrics, May 10, 2016] The author noted:
- The true incidence of celiac disease is well below 1%. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity also exists. Its prevalence is unknown but also low. Yet a 2015 survey of 30 000 adults in 60 countries worldwide found that 21% of those surveyed rated gluten-free as a "very important" attribute when making food purchasing decisions.
- Although avoiding gluten is vital for people with celiac disease, there is no evidence that this benefits otherwise-healthy and symptom-free adults and children.
- Market research has found that consumers without celiac disease purchase the vast bulk of gluten-free products.
- There is no evidence that processed gluten-free foods are generally healthier than their gluten-containing counterparts.
- Unnecessary gluten-free dieting can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome; deficiencies in B vitamins, folate, and iron; increased exposure to arsenic (in rice) and mercury; and greater food costs.
- There is no evidence that delaying gluten introduction to infants prevents celiac disease.
First Place, Nature, City of Whittier, "The Big Picture"
New research into political views of those opposed to the Common Core Standards finds that opposition often coincides with negative views about President Barack Obama.
In information gleaned from the latest USC Rossier/PACE Poll, respondents affiliated with the Republican Party are more likely to express opposition to the Common Core Standards than Democrats. However, views toward President Obama are stronger predictors than party affiliations—those who disapprove of President Obama are 92 percent more likely to oppose the Common Core than those who do not.
Read more here: http://goo.gl/YLF3AL
USC Trojans end a perfect season with the 2016 Womens Water Polo National Championship! Fight on!
Read about it on the official USC Women's Water Polo site.
Or watch the recap:
Top-ranked USC (34-2) cemented its place in history with a 3-0 win over No. 2 Florida State (32-3) by a 3-0 count in the inaugural NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship on the sands of Gulf Place on Sunday, May 8. The Women of Troy completed the year on an incredible 30-match winning streak and secured back-to-back national titles in beach volleyball as the defending AVCA champions of 2015.
Read more here: http://www.usctrojans.com/sports/w-svolley/recaps/050816aaa.html
Watch the recap here:
From the National Weather Service in Northern California: The 2 largest reservoirs in California are nearing capacity, 93% Lake Shasta & 96% Lake Oroville.
While there are a relatively few people that have gluten intolerance (celiac’s disease) much of it is a fad and advertising hype. Check out this funny parody:
Jobless claims have dropped to their lowest point since 1973. —Bloomberg News, April 14, 2016
Not bad for a “socialist."