<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Dear Friends, Some of you may have received the new "Basics for a Celiac Diet" page from CSA as part of Connections to CSA leaders. Y'all need to know that some important changes have been made. Canola oil is not mentioned (except where you might assume the connection for "general recommendations for those with a depressed immune system"). The page says "Some celiacs have demonstrated toxicity or sensitivities to the following cereals: quinoa, amaranth, teff." Distilled vinegar is still on the "low gluten items to avoid" list; however, CSA has always maintained that vinegar and alcohol are "questionable" and not necessarily always positive for gluten. It is helpful to ascertain from manufacturers the source of any questionable ingredients. The page does not specifically cite kamut in the list of grains to avoid, which I believe is an oversight. Those grains to avoid are wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt and triticale, as we all know are not safe for celiacs. There are a number of other changes, to the better. Get a copy for yourself from your CSA leader or CSA itself. I believe you will see the page as part of the next Lifeline, soon to be mailed. On the back of the page are recommendations for Celiac Disease Self-Management Chart for the Clinical Diet. I firmly believe that newly-diagnosed celiacs should avoid ANYTHING questionable so as to give their systems the best chance to heal as quickly as possible (1) CSA is now advocating a "self-management" approach to the diet, where the first stage is to eliminate anything questionable --conservative approach. Zero gluten is the goal. (2) The second stage is to develop good methods for questioning products and controversial items/information. Then introduce new items, 1 at a time, at least 2 weeks apart. (3) The third stage is to maintain a stable diet, using as many tools as possible. There is also a sample Food Diary chart to use when beginning the zero gluten diet to track your meal planning; be sure to include brand names for reference. This CSA GF diet is NOT incompatible with the new ADA recommendations in the later stages. We can use the CSA diet to start with, then use the ADA recommendations and those published by GIG/CDF, depending on individual food sensitivities. Let us quit blaming CSA and contribute positively to the success of all celiacs in all the groups. I commend president Mary Schluckebier and the CSA board for attacking the old Basics page to bring the diet "up to speed" in light of new information. (I had nothing to do with the actual revisions to this page, although I sent quite a few messages to Mary about the topic.) I am much more pleased with this new CSA approach. Also, I understand the annual conference in October will be VERY exciting. Important leaders in the celiac community have been invited to speak. Current members of CSA will receive the conference booklet in advance. Get on board! I see a great spirit of cooperation and a gigantic leap of faith with this new CSA board. President Mary Schluckebier has worked very, very hard. CSA needs your participation and volunteering in many capacities. If you have special talents to offer, do get in touch with CSA. Janet Y. Rinehart Former President, CSA/USA, Inc. Chairman, Houston Celiac-Sprue Support Group [log in to unmask]