With more and more individuals developing wheat intolerance and Celiac disease, gluten-free diets are on the rise. Potentially, 1 in every 133 people in the USA is affected. So what does that mean for you? How can you be successful in maintaining a gluten-free diet? Here are a few tips and more information on how you can live gluten free.
Celiac disease is referred to as a gluten sensitivity that damages the lining of the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing gluten, which is found in flour, wheat, barley, rye, malt flavoring, and possibly oats. Some symptoms are: diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, anemia, chronic fatigue, weakness, muscle aches, and bone pain.
One of the best ways to avoid gluten completely is to prepare meals from scratch. Ensure that utensils that are used to prepare foods are kept and used separately from those used to prepare foods that contain gluten.
In addition to treating celiac disease there is new evidence that a gluten-free diet may improve behavior in children with certain forms of autism. It can also be helpful in treating a skin disorder called dermatitis herpetiformis, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune disorders. Some obvious benefits are improving your levels of cholesterol, digestion, and energy, and weight loss.
The GF logo stands for the verification of quality, integrity, and purity of packaged food products. Products carrying the GF logo represent unmatched reliability and meet strict gluten-free standards. So far, 6,000 products have met the standards for being Certified Gluten Free.
To create gluten free meals there are plenty of options. Whole Foods and most super markets have gluten free labels or options. Trader Joes has a whole list of gluten free foods on their website or print outs in stores. If you need recipes go to http://www.livingwithout.com/topics/celiac_glutenfree.html for some ideas. Living gluten free is not as bad as you think. If you think you might be gluten intolerant you can get tested for Celiac disease from your general physician.
-Shannon Flanagan