Gluten-Free Events

Mar
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10% Student Discount Every Day @ Pepper's Foods
Mar 18 all-day

Pepper's Foods Banner

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 • info@peppers-foods.com

SEE Pepper’s Foods Gluten-Free Flyer!

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Surf Rider & Vancouver Island Green BusinessPepper’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

2022 Award of Merit

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

art of slow food pepper's igPepper's Foods Gluten-Free Flyer

Bake My Day Pepper's FoodsStella's Gluten-Free Perogies New Packaging igWiseBites IG


Gyro Park Pepper's Foods

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!


 Independent Grocer Award

Pepper’s Foods Wins Independent Grocer Award! Click for more information

Burrito Mondays & Taco Tuesdays @ The Taco Hole
Mar 18 all-day

Taco Hole Cover

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.caFacebookInstagramhello@thetacohole.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday 11am to 7pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am to 5pm

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!

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!

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Taco Revolution Foods

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Embrace Your 15% Off Epicure Discount Code
Mar 18 all-day

Epicure Good Food Mission

Click on image to learn more

Epicure is offering the gluten-free community its own discount code. Use ‘ THESCENE-5368 ‘ at check out.

  • Applies to all sales – even those already discounted.
  • For direct purchases from Epicure website. Not available via Epicure Ambassadors. 

CREATE AN ACCOUNT

  • * 15% off  (before taxes/shipping)
  • * The Celiac Scene does not benefit financially from Epicure sales.

Everyone loves Epicure because it’s delicious! But did you know?! All of Epicure’s products are gluten-free! 

✅ 100% Gluten Free
✅ 100% Peanut / Tree Nut Free (excluding coconut)
✅ No added MSG
✅ Little to no sodium
✅ Little to no sugar
✅ No artificial flavours/colourings/additives/preservatives
✅ Non-irradiated
✅ Kosher certified
✅ Halal certified

Epicure NEVER uses eggs, shellfish, crustacean, sulphites or pork in any of their products. Even if a product’s name or recipe seems geared towards meat, the dish can be easily adapted for use with veggies, tofu and fish instead! Learn more here!

Click here to view Epicure’s ‘Never Ever Ingredient List.’

Epicure.com • FacebookInstagramPinterestBlogLinkedIn

Epicure Guarantee: “We know you will love our products! If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your Epicure products within 90 days of your purchase, we will exchange or fully refund your purchase.”

Epicure’s Customer Experience team can be reached at customerexperience@epicure.com or 1-888-595-6363 for any and all questions from recipe ideas to shipping concerns.

Read all about The Celiac Scene’s Epicure Tour!


Epicure Epic Banner Offer IG

Learn more here!

Epic Box Program ALL 100% GLUTEN-FREE food subscription box!  Take the guesswork out of safe-for-celiac cooking!

Sign up month to month or for 3, 6 or 12 months

Discover the joy of effortless cooking. Subscribe to Epicure’s Monthly Epic Box Program and solve your dinner dilemmas with epic meal solutions, exclusive surprises and endless inspiration.

Packed with the ingredients to make healthy and delicious 20-minute meals,  delivered right to your door each month, it’s never been easier to decide on dinner with a variety of customizable meals that feed four people or more.

Subscribe here!

Step 1: Subscribe today and get your Epic Box delivered monthly
Step 2: Choose from on-pack directions or find recipes online
Step 3: scan the QR code on the package and access tons more recipes

  • Each Epic Box includes:
    • Seven Tasty Products: Some months may feature a jar in place of a sachet, or even an exclusive product for an extra-special treat!
    • One Printed Recipe Card: Follow along with an inspiring and easy-to-understand recipe card, putting your new ingredients to good use.
    • Recipe eBook containing fun themed recipes for each month.
  • Save time & money
    • Your monthly Epic Box ships for free! Use the ingredients to make healthy and delicious meals in 20 minutes at less than $4/serving. Pause your subscription at any time for up to 2 months, forward to a friend or purchase a subscription as a gift.
  • Eat good food
    • All of our ingredients are gluten free, sodium and sugar conscious, and lovingly created in adherence to our Never Ever List®.
  • Enjoy the flexibility
    • Your Epic Box is non-perishable – you can enjoy the meals at your own pace. With customizable recipes, cook with the fresh ingredients you have on hand or what’s in season/on sale to reduce food waste.
  • Give back with your subscription: For every Epic Box you receive, Epicure donates 7 meals to families in need across North America.

Epicure Good Food Fast

SO MANY WAYS TO EXPLORE EPICURE!

Enjoy this Taste of Summer!

All the Possibilities!

  • Delicious images, clear  ingredient labeling, allergen listing, recipe ideas and coming soon, how-to videos, ratings & reviews!

New Arrivals • Best Sellers • Biscuits & Breads • Broths • Burgers & Fries • Collections • Condiment & Sauces •  Cookware • Desserts & BakingDipsEpic LifeHerbs & SpicesPantry StaplesRubs & Dry GlazesSalad DressingsSmoothies •  Summer SippersSweet SeasoningsToppersWhat’s For DinnerWings

Epicure’s Summer 2023 Catalogue – 52 pages of products, recipes & inspiration.

Search Epicure by Product – Alphabetical

Epicure Platter

EPICURE RECIPES – ALL RECIPES ARE GLUTEN FREE!

  • Meal Type: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner, Dessert, Appetizers, Small Bites, Side Dishes, Beverages, Sauces & Condiments. Learn more …
  • Dietary Preferences: Dairy-free, Garlic-Free,  High Protein, Sugar Conscious, Low Sodium, Onion Free, Vegan, Vegetarian. Learn more …
  • Cooking Method: Air Fryer, BBQ, Microwave, No-Cook, One Dish, Programmable Pressure Cooker, Instant Pot™, Sheet Pan, Slow Cookers, Roasts, Steamers, Stove Top, Wok. Learn more …
  • Protein: Beef, Chicken, Poultry, Pork, Vegan Vegetarian. Learn more …
  • Product Name. Learn more …

Epicure Recipes

Search Recipes by Occasion (within each category – shop by price!)

Search Recipes by Requirements: Low Sodium • Nut FreeVeganKosher

Search Recipes by Meal Plans – Complete with Shopping Lists

Epicure Better Than Take Out

Epic Life Challenge

  • Join the Epic Life Challenge to achieve healthy, lasting weight loss—no potions, magic bullets, or deprivation required. Backed by science, this program will help you learn new eating habits and provide training from nutrition, fitness, and mindset experts. Plus, there are hundreds of dollars in weekly prizes! Participants lost more than 70,000 pounds in our last challenge. Learn more …

More About Epicure

Sylvie Rochette & Amelia Warren

Sylvie Rochette & Amelia Warren

Since day one, Epicure has embraced its vision to inspire good. Sylvie Rochette founded Epicure in 1997 with a passion to answer every family’s eternal question: What’s for dinner? Sylvie’s response has given rise to a food movement that today has nourished and changed millions of lives. Now, Sylvie and her daughter, Amelia Warren, continue that legacy, helping time-starved families connect across the table to share epic food, eat healthier and live better lives. 100% women-owned.


Epicure Never Ever Ingredient List

Click here to enlarge

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Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream Food Trailer @ Various Locations
Mar 18 all-day

Mizu Schedule March 18All outdoor appearances weather dependent!

  • Tuesday & Wednesday March 19 & 20 | Nanaimo Ice Centre
  • Thursday, March 21 | Springford Farm
  • Friday, March 22 | Little Qualicum Cheese Works 
  • Saturday, March 23 | Duncan Farmer’s Market
  • Sunday, March 23 | Seedy Sunday in Duncan

Confirm daily locations at Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream FacebookInstagram

Book Mizu for your next celebration: Mizurealfruiticecream@gmail.com • 1-250-319-5212

NEW! Pre-order ‘Pints-to-Go’ via https://mizu-real-fruit-ice-cream.square.site!

Mix strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mixed berries, banana, mango or pineapple with ice cream or vegan soft serve made with coconut and cashew ‘milk.’ Served in a gluten-free, vegan waffle cone. No added colours, flavours or sugar.

MORE NEW! Place your order via https://mizu-real-fruit-ice-cream.square.site/

Choose from Strawberry, Strawberry-Banana, Raspberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Mixed-Berry, Cherry, Mango & Pineapple-Mango. Ask about new flavours!
Gluten-Free (& gluten) Waffles Cones also available.
Can also order via PM on Facebook or via DM on Instagram
Payment in advance by e-Transfer, Square or Cash.

Book the Mizu Trailer for your special event! Contact Jamie at  Mizurealfruiticecream@gmail.com • 1-250-319-5212 • Instagram

Mizu’s Real Fruit Ice Cream trailer is often at Nanaimo’s Departure Bay Beach, but please confirm today’s location via Mizu’s Facebook Page or Instagram Account for daily locations and times!

Mizu-Pints-To-Go-223x300A taste of New Zealand in the heart of Vancouver Island!

Mix strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mixed berries, mango or pineapple with ice cream or vegan soft serve. Served in a gluten-free, vegan waffle cone. No added colours, flavours or sugar.

For years, Jamie Lynn has been obsessed with owning her own ice cream trailer. Lucky for us, she made her dreams – and ours – come true! Catch her before she flies away to chase another dream – obtaining her pilots’s license!

Jamie and her husband Vinny, a heavy-duty mechanic by trade, built the ice cream trailer from scratch, then decorated it with images ofd beautiful berries. You can’t miss it at Departure Bay Beach in Nanaimo or at a host of special events. Look for the line up!

Book Mizu for your next celebration! Mizu Real Fruit Ice Cream FacebookInstagramMizurealfruiticecream@gmail.com • 1-250-319-5212


Mizu by the PintThe Soft Serve – You Choose!

  • Gluten-free, 100% Canadian, vanilla ice cream soft serve is made with premium ingredients by Island Farms.
  • Gluten-free, vegan, vanilla soft serve is made with coconut oil and Nora’s Creamy Cashew Milk.
  • Mizu dedicates a scooper, an auger and freezer for vegan, dairy-free soft serve.
  • Choose your favourite fruit. Mizu is happy to offer combos or mixes!
  • Enjoy your soft serve in a gluten-friendly cone, a gluten cone, or in a bowl!
  • NEW! Pints of Mizu are now available for purchase! Enjoy strawberry, strawberry-banana, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry & mixed berry!

Coming soon! Special flavours like Hokey Pokey Toffee in a pint, special orders & pre-ordering.


Mizu 2The Cones!

  • ‘Unique Cake (gluten) Waffle Cones’ and ‘Gluten-Friendly Waffle Cones’ are dairy-free, egg-free and ‘vegan-friendly.’
  • Made in a facility in Metro Vancouver that has been making waffle cones since 1982.
  • Gluten-friendly cones are made with documented to be gluten-free rice flour, arrowroot, soy lecithin, canola oil & cellulose.
  • Shared equipment is blown off and thoroughly scrubbed between gluten and gluten-friendly production.
  • Packaging is colour-coded to clearly identify gluten & gluten-friendly cones.

Mizu Food Trailer igThe Trailer!

  • On the trailer, gluten-friendly cones are stored in a LOCKED dedicated cupboard, separate from gluten cones.
  • When you make your dietary needs known upon ordering, staff will wash their hands and put on clean gloves before handling the cone.
  • Choose your fruit flavour, mixed with ice cream or vegan soft serve.

Mizu Raincoast Rescue SocietyWhy Mizu!

  • Named after Jamie & Vinny’s beloved Belgian Malinois!
  • Got a pup? Ask for Mizu’s ‘Pet-Friendly Dog Scoop’ made with a Sugar-Free Cake Cone, scoop of ice cream and a dog treat on top!
  • 50% of Mizu’s ‘Pet-Friendly Dog Scoop’ sales are donated to Sooke’s Raincoast Dog Rescue.

Little Jem Mixer

What is the New Zealand connection?

  • Mizu’s Little Gem Mixer has made New Zealand famous for its soft serve! Components are easy to remove and completely washable. What’s not to love!

Mizu Cone on the BeachMizu Line UpMizu MerchMizu 8Mizu 4Celiac Scene Member Sticker

Taco Revolution 100% Gluten Free @ Various Locations
Mar 18 all-day

TACO REV COWICHAN DINE & SIPTaco Revolution 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck brings their moveable ‘Gluten-Free Fiesta’ to locations across Vancouver Island! Check their most up-to-date appearances below or visit Website Schedule •  InstagramFacebook  • call 1-833-TACO-REV (1-833-822-6738)

If you’re in love with the fixings from Taco Revolution’s 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck, here’s your chance to enjoy their fresh Taco Revolution Tortillas and authentic Mexican spices, salsas, bean dips and taco fillings in your own home! All 100% gluten free! Products & Carrying RetailersCatering

Special Events!


FREQUENT MARKETS:

Qualicum Beach Farmer's MarketQualicum Beach Farmers Market
Saturdays Year-Round 8am to Noon
644 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1L8
Shop OnlineFacebookInstragram


Duncan Farmer's MarketDuncan Farmer’s Market & Food Truck
Saturdays Year-Round 10am – 2pm
200 Craig Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1W3
Shop Online • Facebook • Instagram


Cedar Farmer's MarketCedar Farmers Markets
Every Sunday from Mother’s Day until Hallowe’en
1984 Woobank Road, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1H4
9:30 am (seniors and immune-compromised individuals) others 10am – 2pm
OnlineFacebookInstagram


Visit Taco Revolution’s The Taco Hole inside Duncan’s Cowichan Community Centre (in the old concession space), right across from the Hockey Arena at 2687 James St. See map

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!

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


Taco Revolution Delivers

Toll-Free Number! Place an order at 1-833-TACO-REV (1-833-822-6738) to collect at their current location.

Taco Revolution WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitter

Everything Taco Rev serves is gluten-free, handmade from scratch in house and served with a passion and dedication to deliciousness and authenticity. It is our mission to deliver the exact same taco you would find on a street in Mexico. Every taco we serve, from the Chorizo Vegetariano to the Fish Taco, to the Chicken Tinga are all pulled directly from Mexico’s taco culture. We have dared to bring those flavours north and share them with you. It is time to taste a taco as it was meant to be; it is time for a true north Taco Revolution!

Taco Revolution tacos are so good you will want them every day, and that’s possible: Keep tabs on Taco Revolution no matter where they go!


Taco Revolution FoodsIf you’re in love with the fixings from Taco Revolution’s 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck, here’s your chance to enjoy their fresh tortillas and authentic Mexican spices, salsas, bean dips and taco fillings in your own kitchen! All 100% gluten free! Buy Online or at Carrying Retailers: CLICK HERE

LEARN MORE HERE!


Taco Revolution Caters!
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Taco Rev caters  weddings, birthday parties, staff parties, corporate events and all other kinds of public and private occasions. Taco Revolution takes care of your guests with their “All-you-can-eat taco parties.” Like having an open bar, but with tacos! Learn more at https://www.tacorevolution.ca/catering

We are flexible! Wedding by the beach? No problem! Over 300 guests? We’ve done it! Exclusively vegan menu? You got it! Guests with allergies? We can certainly accommodate!

Easy is their middle name! Taco Revolution provides all necessary biodegradable service ware (plates, napkins, forks, etc.) and for an extra cost we can provide non-alcoholic drinks as well. Enjoy the peace of mind you deserve during your event!


Taco Bar Fiesta Bars 
Taco Fiesta Bar 1Taco Fiesta Bar 2

Hosting a small party and need help with the food? Look no further than Taco Revolution catering. We’d love to hear about it. Let us know your event date, tentative number of guest, preferred service time and venue location.

Learn more at https://www.tacorevolution.ca/taco-fiesta
Email us at: uprise@tacorevolution.ca or if you prefer, phone us at: 1(833)822-6738 (toll free)

Taco Rev provides service in Sidney, Victoria, Sooke, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith, Cedar, Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Comox/Courtenay, and anywhere in between.


Taco Rev Food Truck Menu copy 2

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Classic Beef

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Chicken Tinga

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Cochinita Pibil

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Refried Bean

taco-rev-chorizovegetariano

Chorizo Vegetariano

taco-rev-carneasada

Carne Asada

taco-rev-grilledfish

Grilled Fish

taco-rev-porkbelly

Pork Belly

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Al Pastor, Jerk Chicken, Braised Lamb …

Gluten-Free Deals

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Welcome to Gluten-Free Paradise!

Ellen-Bayens - The Celiac SceneThe Celiac Scene™ is your premier resource for fabulous gluten-free living in Victoria, Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands. Owned & operated by celiacs, we introduce you to restaurants we trust and local gluten-free products we love! We even tell you where to purchase them, at the very best prices. Enjoy national celiac news, local reviews and non-stop gluten-free event notices. The Celiac Scene is your ‘Guide to Gluten-Free Paradise!’

Gluten-Free FAQs

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 (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 …

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 …