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GlutenFreeDiets.org |
Gluten Free
Diets
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The term "gluten free" is associated with people who have Celiac disease. Until 2005 or so this disease was largely unknown. People did express the symptoms of celiac disease but they were often misdiagnosed as having irritable bowel syndrome or the flu with a stomach infection. Gluten is a protein component found in wheat. The protein acts as a binding agent and is used in most processed foods to bind foods and make them taste better. For example, bread without gluten is crumbly because it does not bind well. Gluten is a congealing agent in many foods. Two million people are afflicted with celiac disease in the US. Just a few years ago you could not find gluten free products on the grocery shelves. Elizabeth Hasselbeck made people aware of the disease when she talked about it on The View television show. Hasselbeck said she lived in chronic pain. She said that 1 out of 133 people in the US have it, but 99% of those people do not know they have it and are misdiagnosed. Hasselbeck wrote the "G Free Diet Book" that became a best seller. People having celiac disease have intolerance for gluten. Also, people with gluten intolerance also have dairy intolerance. Their body treats gluten as a foreign invader. Wheat is like poison to their bodies. Fortunately, there are other grains you can use other than wheat, oats and barley. Use other grains such as oats that have not been processed and brown rice that can be used to make delicious pastas. The symptoms of celiac disease include stomach distention, gastrointestinal bloating, flatulence, extreme diarreha, headaches, and irritability. Autistic children experience hyperactivity and have little or no appetite. Generally speaking, anything that is not processed does not have gluten. Fresh fruits and vegetables does not contain gluten. Meat, chicken, fish, potatoes do not have gluten. Barley, oats, wheat and rye contain gluten. When shopping, it is best to find products labeled "gluten free" as opposed to guessing if there is gluten in the product. You can call the 800 phone number on the box. The people at the company will know much more than the store personnel. You can find gluten free supermarkets online. You will have to pay for shipping and you cannot buy perishables that way. To prevent a reaction in your child at school, tell the teacher "Don't put anything into his mouth that is not provided by me."
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GlutenFreeDiets.org |